IDM Fellowship

Fellowship is solely by invitation of the IDM Professional Standards Committee. Members are invited to become Fellows based on their experience and contribution to the profession.

On appointment, IDM Fellows may use the F IDM honorific and Fellow Logo for the duration of their fellowship.

IDM Fellows

Distinguished by the letters F IDM, Fellows represent leading practitioners in the field of direct and digital marketing. They have typically achieved or shown the potential to achieve in the following ways:

• making a practical contribution to the profession of direct and digital marketing
• challenging current thinking, showing bravery or innovation in their actions, or pioneering positive change
• participating in communities and networks, and showing a generosity in sharing ideas and resources
• raising awareness or increasing participation in issues related to the IDM’s mission
• reaching a high level of accomplishment or expertise and demonstrating leadership in their field
• holding a position of influence in their sphere or having the capacity to engage and inspire others
• using their expertise and enthusiasm to participate in IDM projects or wider educational work
• being recognised or commended in industry awards, voluntary schemes or national honours aligned to the IDM's mission.

In addition, Fellows must satisfy these criteria:

• Not less than five years’ membership as a full Member of the Institute of Direct Marketing AND
• Not less than 10 years’ experience of marketing, defined as "first-hand practitioner responsibility for, or control of, direct marketing or digital marketing planning and execution, resources management and budgetary control".

Recognition is also given to members who have attained IDM Diploma or Masters qualifications.

What is expected of an IDM Fellow?

Whilst there are no specific obligations upon Fellows, it has been the practice of the IDM to call upon the Fellows as a group for advice and opinions on some of the key issues and challenges that the profession and Institute face. Invitations are also extended to draw upon their coaching and lecturing skills and to deploy their wide-ranging resources to secure potential sponsors or guest speakers.

Honorary Life Fellowship (Hon F IDM)

This lifetime honour is awarded to those who have rendered exceptional service to the profession. Victor Ross was elected the IDM's inaugural Honorary Fellow in 1994.

In 2010, Honorary Life Fellowships were awarded to Marc Michaels, the COI’s Director of Direct & Relationship Marketing and to digital marketing expert, Dr Dave Chaffey, CEO of Smart Insights. View their video responses:

Recipients of Honorary Life Fellowship (1994 to date)

Lifetime Achievement Award

This rare recognition is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the IDM and the development of the direct, digital and data marketing profession. To date, there have been only three awarded:

• John Watson Hon F IDM (2006)
• Barrie Spelling Hon F IDM (posthumously, 2009)
• George Smith Hon F IDM (2010, pictured)

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