FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OD Academy?

The OD Academy is an on-line, subscription-based membership community for those working in, associated with or have an interest in the field of Organisational Development. (OD) Full details can be found here on our website.

Am I eligible for membership?

Although as a member you are likely to work in the field of Organisational Development, anyone with an interest in the art, science and practice of OD can join the OD Academy.

Someone in my company is already a member. Does that mean I can use their membership?

No, membership is for an individual and not a company or organisation. You would need to join as a new member yourself.

Is there a contract that I have to sign or application form I need to complete?

No. Signing up and paying your membership fees activates your subscription and allows you access to the members’ area of the website.

Why are there two fee-options for membership?

At the OD Academy we believe our work in the field is to help clients increase their choice and always have a way to choose to stop something as well as start it! We extend that option here by having an annual membership and a monthly membership.

Is there any advantage to taking one membership option over another?

We’d encourage members, even if they sign up for a monthly payment and spread the cost of their membership, to consider doing that on a rolling basis. However, some practitioners may want time away from the membership community for a range of personal and/or professional reasons. This option allows them to do that. However, the annual membership fee saves the equivalent of two month’s of fees (12 months for the price of 10!).

Is my membership of the OD Academy tax deductible?

It could be. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may permit for members of professional membership bodies to claim tax relief, usually for their annual membership subscription fees.

You may be claim tax relief on your annual membership subscription fees if:

• your membership can be proven to be essential to do your job or it’s helpful for your work;
• you pay your individual membership fees yourself and they are not paid by your employer.

If you qualify through the above statements then you could be saving the equivalent of your OD Academy membership Fees per annum.

You should discuss your eligibility for this tax relief either with HMRC and/or your accountant or other person that submits your personal self-assessment tax return.

Are there any rules or requirements with being a member?

Being a member is a simple signing-on process to subscribe. As a member we ask that you are mindful of and responsible for your behaviour and in your dealings and interactions with others. The OD Academy and its owners reserve the right to cancel an individual’s membership at their own discretion for any abusive, bullying, racist and offensive behaviour whilst being a part of the on-line community as a member. In the field of OD it is always expected that practitioners work with empathy, understanding and are caring. When challenging others, we also expect people are adult in their interactions in all chosen methods of communications and when attending on-line or events in person.

I’ve read that the OD Academy is owned and operated by The Beechfield Partnership. Does that affect my membership at all?

Only in a positive way. The partners from The Beechfield Partnership have worked in the field of OD, including consulting, facilitation, coaching and supervision for over 25 years. They bring a UK and global award-winning wealth of experience, resources, insights and networks as leverage to the OD Academy. The Beechfield Partnership is a leading strategic OD Partner, promoting the art, science and practice of OD. Individual members can use their OD Academy Membership to gain access to the partners for performance individual, team and organisational coaching, consulting, facilitation and 1:1 supervision.

Why are the Partners of The Beechfield Partnership and OD Academy using profits from membership fees to support people impacted by the forced closure of the Institute for Organisational Development?

The partners were involved with the government authorised professional body for OD, the Institute for Organisational Development, which was forced to close due to cashflow challenges. This was a profitable and award-winning UK and global organisation that was owed several hundreds of thousand pounds in corporate membership fees, mainly from public sector bodies.

It worked hard to recover these fees, but unfortunately, it was forced into compulsory liquidation by its main statutory creditor and had to close its doors to its members, staff and associates. Despite its creditors, directors and shareholders taking action to stop this, it lost the battle to be saved and was closed during the Autumn of 2019. Many smaller creditors, associates and staff lost out financially. Having worked since to have it rescued without success, the partners started the OD Academy as a way to pay those people it wanted to support, whilst continuing to promote the art, science and practice of organisational development.

How do I cancel my membership?

Membership fees are non-refundable. You have 14 days from your payment being processed in which to change your mind and cancel your subscription as a member. To cancel your membership, log-in to your membership account and opt for the cancellation option

How do I make a complaint?

To make a complaint, please refer to the relevant section of our terms and conditions which are available on the website.