Membership
Eligibility
Membership is open to
all former employees of CAA, NATS or subsidiaries.
spouses or partners of all former employees of CAA, NATS or subsidiaries (see note 1 at end)
This applies whether you are in other employment or not yet in receipt of a pension. Membership is also open to former employees of CAA or NATS who have made alternative arrangements for their pensions to CAAPS. All members can be a member of the various committees and have a vote at meetings.
Benefits of Membership
A voice for your pension and updates on changes
The RSA represents the interests of pensioners in discussions about pensions with the CAAPS so that your interests are given a voice. The more members the organisation has the more influence it may have.
The CAA RSA is a founder member of the Occupational Pensioners Alliance (OPA) which lobbies parliament and responds to government inquiries on matters impacting its members. It also builds relationships with the pension industry and takes every opportunity to represent the interests of occupational pensioners to the media. This enables us to make important submissions to forums like Work & Pensions select committees etc..
Our pension representatives will pass on to members all non-confidential updates they can and are happy to receive questions. NB. they cannot however generally arbitrate in respect of individual’s own negotiations with the Pensions Dept.
Welfare Services
The Welfare coordinator is available by e-mail welfare@caa-rsa.org.uk to assist any member or their family who feel they have welfare issues and need help.
Welfare information is available on the CAA-RSA web site and is updated regularly
What used to be known as the CSBF (Civil Service Benevolent Fund) has restyled itself as the Charity for Civil Servants and is available either through their web For you by You or by phone on 020 8240 2400. All our members can access this.
Welfare related articles appear regularly in Contrail, particularly when major government changes take place which affect pensioners
Keeping in Touch - Quarterly newsletter – Contrail
Contrail is a quarterly magazine delivered by email. It keeps members up to date with the latest pension and membership news, Branch activities and reports, relevant articles written by members and deaths of members. For members who formerly had free membership (when the organisation was financially supported by CAA and NATS) and now do not wish to contribute to running costs, the AGM issue of Contrail is distributed annually and a redacted version is also available on this website.
Keeping in Touch, reunions
Annually, normally October, the RSA holds an open reunion in London for all members to meet and socialise. The ticket price includes a buffet and is usually well attended. Details of this and application forms are printed in Contrail each year.
In addition the RSA at its national AGM in the spring books a hotel for a weekend, in different parts of the country and all members are invited to attend the AGM itself on the Friday and to partake in activities and social events for the rest of the weekend. Whilst the AGM is free, the cost of the hotel or other accommodation is paid for individually by attendees.
Social events and group visits
Branches organise meals, reunions and visits for their members. Details are shown under the Branches tab on this website and the Branch concerned. Some of these incur a charge (such as entry fees) whereas others are either free or ‘buy-your-own’ for lunches etc. The number and type of events varies to meet the interests and enthusiasm of members to participate.
Travel Club
Membership of the Travel Club is a free benefit to all members and the Travel Secretary negotiates with travel companies to offer RSA members discounts if booking with them. Please see the Club area of this website for details.
Please see the Club area of this website for details.
Opportunities to participate – committees and representation
Unfortunately, several Branches have closed through their inability to find members willing to form a management committee. There are opportunities to start a Branch or participate in the running of an existing one. Contact your local Branch Chairperson for further information. You will be welcome.
The Central Committee are always looking to identify willing members to join them and to perform, or act as backup, to the roles required to manage the organisation. A note to the Chair or Secretary can be an easy starting point and involvement can be at the level you want and can manage.
Costs
To cover administration and Contrail production, membership fees have been kept to a minimum and are £1 per month per person. This is normally:
If in receipt of a CAAPS pension, a deduction at source of £1 per month per person
If not in receipt of a CAAPS pension or in other employment, payment by a standing order at £1
per month per person. Please note the RSA has no access to your banking details.
Please see note 2
Branch Structure
The RSA is administered by the Central Committee through Branches centred on the major current or former NATS and CAA sites. Branches can change based on their membership and the willingness of members to serve on their Branch committees – which normally requires up to 4/5 days per year.
The current Branches are: -
Downs,
Edinburgh, (including West of Scotland dormant Branch)
London & Home Counties,
North West,
Northern Ireland,
Wessex, (including Solent dormant Branch)
Each member can belong to two Branches.
To become an active member of a particular Branch, please contact the Branch Secretary directly. Branch contact details are provided in Contrail.
How to Join
The completed form should be forwarded to the RSA Membership Secretary at the address shown on it.
Notes:
If your partner is no longer with us you may still receive Contrail. Any Spouse or partner enrolled by a member remains on our membership list until we are told otherwise by you.
If you are a non-contributing lifetime member and would like to make the £1 per month contribution, from your pension or by standing order/cheque, to support your RSA, then please either fill in a new application form or write to the Membership Secretary. Your signature is enough.