The British Institute of Graphologists

The British Institute of Graphologists was founded in October 1983 by Frank Hilliger, an outstanding graphologist who led the movement to establish an association of graphologists in Britain.  He became the first President of the new Institute, which at the outset consisted of 114 graphologists as well as other interested parties.  They drew up a Code of Ethics and a list of Objects and Aims which still set the standard for the B.I.G. today.

OBJECTS AND AIMS

  1. To act as a learned society.
  2. To promote and enrich the science of graphology.
  3. To enhance public understanding and recognition of graphology.
  4. To develop theory and practice as a method of investigation in its various applications.
  5. To provide facilities for study by way of tutorial courses, lectures and seminars throughout the U.K., as may be appropriate.
  6. To obtain, where possible, grants for research.
  7. To encourage research into graphology and to give practical assistance to any appropriate organisation, group or individual involved in research.
  8. To establish the Institute as a professional body, organised for the protection of the interests of its members.
  9. To establish a binding code of ethical behaviour for all members.
  10. To establish and award a qualifying Diploma in graphological analysis following an examination set by the Institute's own examination board.

MEMBERSHIP

There are three main grades of membership:-

  1. Members (i.e. full membership) - divided into two categories:-
    (a) Honorary and Elected Members - restricted to established graphologists who have been elected by the Committee of the Institute or invited to become honorary members.
    (b) Graduate Members - limited to those who have passed the Institute's Part 3 exams and gained a diploma, so is not available from outside the Institute. 
  2. Affiliate Members - open to anyone interested in graphology, either at a practical or theoretical level.
  3. Student Members - this concessionary rate is only available to genuine students of graphology who are currently undertaking a recognised course of study in graphology.  It may only be claimed for a maximum period of 6 years, or until graduate status is obtained, after which time Affiliate Membership will be required. 

N.B. Only Honorary, Elected and Graduate Members are approved by the Institute to practise professionally.

 

BENEFITS OF HONORARY, ELECTED and GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP

Honorary, Elected and Graduate members may benefit by having details of any graphological services they offer listed in the Directory of Professional Graphologists and List of Teachers and published on the B.I.G. website.  Any requests for graphological analyis and teaching received by the Institute are passed onto members as appropriate.

 

MEMBERSHIP FEES

The membership fees are due on 1st January and cover a calendar year.  A renewal reminder is normally sent at the end of December and membership automatically lapses if the fee is not paid by 15th February.  Subsequent renewal then has to follow the application procedure.

The current (2012) fees are: 

Category                      12 month's subscription                       * 12 month's subscription

                                       & electronic journal                                 & paper journal  

GRADUATE                                  £60                                                          £65

AFFILIATE                                   £50                                                          £55

STUDENT                                    £40                                                          £45

* Members with an address outside the UK should add £7.50 to the above rates for postage.

 

For any new member joining after the 30th June, the membership fee is reduced by 50% for the balance of that year only.  All fees must be paid in Sterling - no foreign currencies can be accepted.

 

EXAMS

In order to gain the diploma MBIG (dip) and become a graduate member of the Institute it is necessary to pass 6 exams (unless special exemption is granted).  The exams are in 3 parts and take place once a year, so the process will normally take 3 or more years (there is no time limit).  The syllabus covers the basic Principles of graphology, Psychological theories of personality applied to graphology, and Applied graphology.  The full syllabus, as well as an Exam Exemption pack and Student Information Packs for Parts 1, 2 & 3 (which contain details of the exams, syllabus and other useful information at each level) are available from the Education officer and Exam administrator.

 

MANAGEMENT

The Management of the Institute is in the hands of the Management Committee, which consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Education Officer, Website and Marketing Co-ordinator and two other nominated members.  Administrative support is given by a Membership Secretary and an Exam Administrator.

There are a number of other committees, each of which is chaired by one of the Institute's Officers.

The Officers hold their posts for 3 years, before requiring re-election.  After 6 years, an Officer must step down for at least a year before being eligible for re-election.  Elections for Officers are held at the AGM in November/December.  The financial year for the Institute runs from 1st April to 31st March.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

The Institute is particularly aware of the need to set a high standard of ethical behaviour both in its own performance and that of its members. It has established a formal Code of Ethics which is strictly applied. Any referrals under it are dealt with by the Ethics Committee and, if necessary, disciplinary action taken. All Members are required to sign a statement agreeing to comply with The Institute's Code of Ethics. The Code is quoted below:

  • As a member of the British Institute of Graphologists it is my duty to apply the universal laws governing the science of graphology and handwriting analysis in the development of my own character, ability and personality, and to utilise my knowledge and expertise to the benefit of fellow human beings and to the advancement and status of the graphological profession.
  • My conduct, appearance and deportment will at all times and in all places be such as not to bring into disrepute the science of graphology or myself as a practitioner thereof.
  • My reports, analyses, recommendations, consultations, forms of therapy, whether by way of specially designed handwriting exercises or by positive verbal suggestions, or any other positive form of therapy or prophylaxis must always present the facts tactfully, without bias or censure, but truthfully and with the full intent to be as helpful in the best possible and positive manner for the person or client involved. In each and every instance the utmost care will be exercised to maintain absolute confidentiality.
  • My actions will be such as to avoid legal liabilities, to be in full co-operation with all graphologists and members of allied professions, to stay within the limits of my qualifications in the use of graphology and related techniques of personality and character analysis, and to maintain fair and proper business practices.
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    The British Institute of Graphologists

    APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2012

    Click here to download an Application form.
    Click here to download a Renewal Application form.