Membership numbers

Every user registered on the OHS website is automatically assigned a unique membership number. This number is generated at the moment the user account is created and cannot be changed.

How membership numbers are formatted

Membership numbers follow the format OHS followed by a five-digit number, padded with leading zeros:

• OHS00001
• OHS00002
• OHS00153

The system uses an internal counter that increments by one each time a new user is registered. The next available number is always one higher than the last.

When a membership number is assigned

A membership number is assigned automatically as soon as a user account is created — whether through the registration form at https://ohs.org.uk/join, the honorary member process, or any other method that creates a WordPress user.

Tip

You do not need to assign membership numbers manually. The system handles this automatically.

Key rules

Do not change membership numbers

Membership numbers must never be edited, reassigned or removed by website administrators. They are permanent identifiers tied to each individual user.

• Membership numbers are unique. No two users will ever share the same number.
• Membership numbers are never reused. If a member cancels their subscription or their account is deleted, their number is retired permanently. The counter does not go backwards.
• Membership numbers are permanent. A member keeps their number for life, regardless of whether their subscription is active, cancelled or expired.

Group members and membership numbers

Every user receives their own membership number, including sub-members of a group. This is important for two reasons:

1. Identification — each person in a group can be identified individually by their membership number.
2. Portability — if a sub-member leaves their group and joins a different group, or purchases their own individual membership, their membership number stays with them.

Note

Group leaders and their sub-members all have separate, independent membership numbers. A sub-member’s number is not derived from or linked to their group leader’s number.

Where membership numbers are displayed

• Members can see their own membership number in the members area after logging in.
• Group leaders can see the membership numbers of all members in their group via the group management tab.
• Administrators can see membership numbers in the WordPress admin area under Users. The membership number column is searchable and sortable.