The Member's Benevolent Trust

The MBT can help where support is needed due to bereavement, illness, reduced circumstances or social distress, providing personal contacts, advice and/or financial grants. The appropriate level of help is assessed, in complete confidence, by the Board of the MBT. However, the MBT cannot provide legal advice or major long term assistance.

Assistance can be on a one-off or an ongoing basis, for specific items in times of need or hardship, or for financial help. For example, grants may be made to assist with medical aids and adaptations, respite breaks, general household needs, furniture, security installations, clothing, school uniforms, school travel grants, and other one-off exceptional items which may be required as a result of hardship or need. All grants are discretionary and are awarded in good faith on the evidence submitted.

Any needy person who is, or has been for more than two years, either a paid-up member or a current or former permanent employee of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) is eligible for MBT support. This extends to members of any bodies that have merged with, or been absorbed by, the Institute, and spouses, widows, widowers, parents, children, grandchildren, or dependants of an eligible person.

If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Trust.

In the first instance, please contact MBT in confidence on the contact details provided here and you will be sent a standard application form. Once completed and returned, a case number will be allocated to ensure complete anonymity and separation from the IOM3.

There is then a preliminary review of the returned form. This is usually followed by a visit to the applicant by our established regional visitors or Trustees to talk through the application. This is an opportunity to clarify any details and to assess the type of assistance best suited to the needs of the applicant. Following the visit, the Board of the MBT assesses each application thoroughly, makes its decision and informs the applicant of the outcome. The Trustees' decision is final and grants are not negotiable.