Membership

Who can apply?

NEEN welcomes individuals and organisations that share the network’s ethos of collaboration, integrity, mutual support and constructive challenge. Prospective members are normally introduced through an existing member who believes they would both contribute to and benefit from the network.

Types of organisations welcomed

NEEN brings together a diverse range of organisations, including charities, community interest companies (CICs), social enterprises, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. We believe that diversity of experience creates stronger ideas and better outcomes.

Membership is based on shared values, not business size

Whether you’re starting a new venture or leading an established organisation, membership is based on your willingness to contribute, share knowledge and support others. We value character, integrity and collaboration far more than turnover or company size.

How are applications considered?

NEEN is not a networking organisation that actively recruits members. The network has intentionally grown through trusted relationships rather than marketing campaigns, allowing its collaborative culture to develop naturally. New members are generally introduced by an existing member before being considered collectively by the network to ensure they share NEEN’s ethos and values.

Why is membership by introduction?

People often bring ideas to NEEN at a very early stage of development — sometimes before trademarks, intellectual property or other legal protections have been put in place. This requires a high level of trust between members. Membership by introduction helps maintain an environment where individuals feel confident sharing innovative ideas, knowing they will receive honest feedback, constructive challenge and professional respect. While members are expected to treat all discussions confidentially and ethically, the strength of NEEN lies in the trust that has been built between its members over time.

What do we expect from members?

Members are encouraged to:

• Attend the monthly meetings whenever possible.
• Share their knowledge and experience openly.
• Offer constructive challenge as well as support.
• Respect confidentiality where appropriate.
• Build relationships based on trust, collaboration and mutual respect.
• Be willing to both give and receive honest feedback.
• Look for opportunities to help fellow members succeed.

Is there a cost?

Membership of NEEN is currently free of charge. The network is built on the principle that members freely share their knowledge, expertise and experience wherever possible, creating value through collaboration rather than membership fees.

Benefits of membership

As a NEEN member, you become part of a trusted network of experienced professionals committed to helping one another succeed. Benefits include:

• Honest advice and constructive challenge.
• A trusted panel to review new ideas, products and services.
• Opportunities to collaborate with other members.
• Introductions to potential clients, partners and contractors.
• Access to specialist knowledge from a wide range of sectors.
• Support with business development and problem solving through lateral thinking.
• The opportunity for products and services to achieve NEEN Endorsed status following the network’s rigorous peer review process.

NEEN isn’t about building the biggest membership. It’s about building the right membership — a trusted community of people who are prepared to contribute, collaborate and genuinely help one another succeed.