Joining KFC

The Following text explains in detail the KFC Membership Application Process.

Version 1.0 - 2026
This section incorporates the club’s full approved joining sequence.

5.1 Step 1 — Initial Contact
A prospective member contacts the club. They are not yet an applicant.
They are invited to attend an:
Initial Assessment Day
This session includes:
• Introduction to club operations and safety culture
• Basic handling of unloaded firearms
• Assessment of safe behaviour and ability to follow instructions
• Discussion of experience, motivation and suitability
• Q&A with committee/RO team
Attendance at a Guest Day does not count as this assessment.

5.2 Step 2 — Eligibility to Apply
After the Initial Assessment:
• If the individual shows safe handling, good conduct and suitability,
they are invited to submit a Membership Application Form.
This form includes:
• Personal details
• Section 21 Firearms Act declaration (mandatory) 
• Sponsor’s details (Home Office requirement)
• Consent for a police background check

5.3 Step 3 — Police Suitability Check (KFC Procedure)
Once an application is submitted:
• The club conducts a police suitability check
• Purpose: to confirm police have no concerns about the applicant joining a shooting club
• Police provide a simple YES/NO answer only
• No details or personal information are disclosed to the club
Police checks are NOT required if:
• The applicant already holds a Firearms Certificate (FAC), OR
• The applicant is a full member of another Home Office Approved club
(These individuals have already been vetted through statutory processes.)

5.4 Step 4 — Committee Review
Once the police check (if required) is received:
The Committee reviews:
• Initial Assessment Day outcome
• Police suitability response
• Membership Application Form
• Section 21 declaration
• Any concerns regarding character, safety or behaviour
Possible outcomes:
1. Approved for Probationary Membership
2. Request more information / clarification
3. Application declined (Constitution Clause 5.4 allows refusal) 

6. Probationary Membership

6.1 Granting Probationary Membership
Once approved, the applicant becomes a Probationary Member.
They must next attend:
Mandatory Training & Safety Assessment Session
This covers:
• Full safety briefing
• Dry-handling drills
• Range commands
• Muzzle/trigger discipline
• Firearm types used at the club
(The applicant cannot attend normal shoots until this session is completed.)

6.2 Supervision Requirements
After training, probationary members may attend club events.
All shooting must be supervised by:
• A committee member, or
• A full club member appointed by the committee
Supervision remains mandatory until full membership is granted.
(Home Office: probationary shooters must always be supervised until competence is confirmed.) 

6.3 Duration
Probation lasts:
• Minimum 3 months, AND
• Minimum 3 separate shooting events
• Probationary members who either already hold a FAC or are already Full members of 
another Home office approved shooting club (upon sufficient evidence being received), 
may at the sole discretion of the committee have their probationary period reduced
This exceeds the Home Office minimum requirement of 3 months and regular attendance.

6.4 Assessment Criteria for Progression
To complete probation, the member must demonstrate:
• Safe firearm handling
• Consistent adherence to safety rules
• Respectful behaviour and good conduct
• Understanding of commands & range procedures
• Regular engagement with club activity
Committee may extend probation if concerns exist.

7. Full Membership Approval
After the minimum probation time and events:
The Committee reviews:
• Attendance
• Safety record
• Supervisor feedback
• Conduct & cultural fit
• Any concerns raised during probation
Outcomes:
1. Full Membership granted
2. Probation extended
3. Membership refused (per Constitution Clause 5.4) 
Upon approval:
• Club notifies the police of new full membership (Home Office requirement) 
• Member gains full rights (including voting)