news & events

As more designers in the region see the benefits of Joining the SCDF we look forward to expanding the membership base and the number of events we hold. There are lots of positives that encourage us to take this approach.

Positives:

• An increase in membership to over 400 in 2009, 500 by the end of 2010 is a realistic target


• Members increasingly recognise the value of their membership through ‘bottom line’ results of collaborations


• Each year we have expanded our programme of meetings and events, 2010 will see further expansion


• A branch network of committed volunteers, they see that ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’


• A comprehensive website, further investment will be made available for enhancements


• The regular monthly eNewsletter will start to generate revenue


• Our high profile board of directors is committed to the continued success of SCDF


• Our growing reputation means we are sought out by other bodies for collaborative projects

However, it’s not all plain sailing there are some...

Negatives:

• The economic climate


• The run-off of our existing funding arrangements


• The impact of reduced government funding

This has implications for our members, not only on the level of membership fees charged, but the commitment required from volunteers on the various committees.

We have begun a comprehensive review of everything we do and the way we do it, aimed at securing the future of SCDF. Be prepared for some changes. If you wish to contribute to the debate please email pspence@scdf.org.uk

As Wayne says on the SCDF homepage of the website, ‘2010 will be a critical year for SCDF. Funding from existing sources will be reduced and if we want to be sustainable we will have to become much more commercial in our approach’.

To sum up, 2010 will indeed be critical, it will be challenging to all of us determined to see SCDF flourish; it will also be exciting and FUN!

If you are not yet a member, Join us now, if you are, get more involved.