Changes to ARCA Rules of Membership

We have restructured our payment arrangements to remove joining fees across all membership categories.

The following changes will take effect:

Applications for new members

For Associate, Affiliate and other membership categories, all registration and joining fees have been eliminated. Applicants in these categories will not be required to make any upfront payment and will only pay membership fees upon successful completion of the application process.

Full, Full Ireland and Labour Agency applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee upon submission of their application. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with site and office audits. Should the application prove successful, this registration fee will be offset against the first annual subscription invoice, effectively eliminating any additional joining fee. The registration fee remains payable only in instances where an application is unsuccessful, thereby ensuring our audit costs are covered.

Suspension procedure for Full Members

Full Members subject to suspension following consecutive failed audits will no longer be required to undertake a mandatory Office Audit. Whilst we continue to offer office audits or meetings where these may prove beneficial, participation is now optional. The requirements to submit Corrective Action Plans and successfully complete a Replacement Site Audit remain in place for reinstatement to membership.

Labour Agency applications

Applicants are no longer required to demonstrate six months of asbestos labour supply prior to application. Additionally, from 1 January 2026, all Labour Agency applicants must hold Corporate Membership of the REC at the point of application. This replaces the previous arrangement whereby confirmation of intended REC membership within the first twelve months of ARCA membership was acceptable.

Should you require any clarification regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.