Purpose of these conditions
These are intended to set out some of the key issues that might affect the Chambers’ relationship with an individual member and their staff.
These conditions are not exhaustive and do not preclude the Chambers from doing or not doing anything to which it is entitled under its Articles of Association or by any rule of law or statute or otherwise.
1. Definitions
2. Membership
2.1 The membership is open to any natural person, corporate or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality) including sole traders, partnerships, limited liabilities partnerships, private limited companies, public limited companies, charities, public sector organisations, and unincorporated organisations such as clubs and associations regardless of their location. 2.1.1 Chambers’ membership is open to companies or other organisations and separate business divisions but not to departments within organisations.
2.2 It is a condition of Chambers Membership that Members have been trading for at least 18 months, unless the Chambers’ Board otherwise agrees.
2.3 Membership is subject to Chambers’ Board approval and the Chambers reserves a right to refuse membership without disclosing any reason. 2.3.1 The Board may also in accordance with its Articles of Association resolve to expel any Member at any time where the Board’s view is that membership is not in the best interest of the Chambers.
2.4 Membership is a business entitlement rather than a personal one. All officers, employees and other members of staff of the Member are therefore entitled to all of the Chambers’ benefits, services and goods when working on behalf of their Member employer.
2.5 Membership is for a minimum period of 12 months. Membership will be automatically invoiced for renewal unless notification is received before the invoice is sent out 30 days before expiry. 2.5.1 Membership is valid for 12 months from when the payment is received by the Chambers. 2.5.2 Membership fees are based on the number of employees in the Member organisation at the relevant location. It is an express term of the membership agreement that the Member will inform the Chambers about any changes in the number of employees or other vital aspects of the business. 2.5.3 By signing the membership form you are entering into a legal agreement to join the Chambers. You may cancel the agreement by giving the Chambers a written notice within 14 days of the date of the agreement. 2.5.4 The Chambers’ membership fee is non-refundable and membership is non-transferable.
2.6 The Chambers regularly communicates with Members by email, telephone, Teams, Zoom and the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin. We aim to only approach our Members with information which we believe could be of interest to them. This is an integral part of the membership and by entering into membership you agree to be contacted by the Chambers. The regular communication can be terminated at the Members request at any time. (see our Privacy Policy Opt Out Section)
2.7 Members are entitled and encouraged to take advantage of the various opportunities the Chambers offers but there is never any obligation or pressure to use any of the services provided or goods supplied by the Chambers or its providers. 2.7.1 Any agreement between the Member and the Chambers’ providers is strictly between the two parties, and is not the responsibility of the Chambers. 2.7.2 Chambers’ membership benefits are subject to change without notice and are subject to terms and conditions available from the Chambers. 2.7.3 The Chambers shall have no liability for any losses suffered by a Member resulting from any advice given or services provided or goods supplied by a fellow Member. The Chambers shall have no responsibility for advice given or services provided or goods supplied by its third party service providers even though such providers may have been introduced to the Member by the Chambers.
2.8 Membership is subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Chambers (available on request) and in the event of a conflict between these terms and conditions and the Articles of Association, the Articles shall prevail.
3. Chambers Official and Respected Member Logos
3.1 Upon membership coming to an end (for whatever reason) the ex-Member MUST destroy or irretrievably erase all stationery and other documents and materials (whether in paper, electronic or other form) displaying the Chambers’ name and/or logos which are in its possession or under its control, including the removal of all references to the Chambers’ name and/or logos from the ex-Member’s website and social media platforms.
4. Members’ Obligations
4.1 The Member will always act in the best interests of the Chambers. 4.1.2 The name, reputation and goodwill of the Chambers are vitally important to the Chambers and the Member will not do anything, nor fail to do something, that will have, or is likely to have, a negative impact on the Chambers’ name, reputation or goodwill. 4.1.3 The Chambers also have numerous intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights that are of vital importance to the effective running and reputation of the Chambers and the Member shall not do anything, nor fail to do something, that will have, or is likely to have, a negative impact on such rights.
4.2 All Members must pay their subscriptions, and any other payments, to the Chambers on or before the due date.
4.3 Any pre-booked events, exhibitions, training or workshops that occur AFTER the membership has been terminated will be converted to a standard booking and the additional costs must be paid.
4.4 Chambers will hold and use the data you have supplied for administrative and promotional purposes and it will not be supplied as a database to any third party. Business names, locations and weblink will only be made available through the Members area on our website. By joining the Chambers, you hereby consent to the use of your data for those purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act. View our Privacy Policy for further details.
5. Marketing & Promotion of Other Members Events
5.1 We often receive requests from both private and public sector organisations to promote their events and our Board has taken the decision that to be fair to everyone we will only promote our own events through our website and publications unless the Chambers’ Board otherwise agrees.
6. Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Death
6.1 If a Member is adjudged insolvent or bankrupt, or enters into receivership or administrative receivership, or makes a composition or arrangement with their creditors under the provisions of any relevant statute or rule of law, then the Chambers may if it so desires terminate the membership of that Member with immediate effect.
6.2 Membership by an individual person is not transferable and such Members shall cease to be a Member on their death or if they become a patient under any mental health legislation.
7. Criminal offences
7.1 If an individual Member, or an employee of a Member, is charged with or convicted of a criminal offence then the Chambers may, at its discretion, suspend the membership of the individual concerned with immediate effect.
8. Suspension and/or termination of membership
8.1 Failure by a Member to comply with any part of the Conditions will be sufficient for the Chambers to consider terminating the membership of that Member. 8.1.2 Any Member who has their membership terminated for any reason whatsoever is not entitled to a refund of any part of their membership subscription to the Chambers.
8.2 Any sanction or remedial action under the Conditions is additional to any alternative sanction, remedial action, legal action or any other action that the Chambers may take in respect of a Member.
8.3 Any individual or organisation ceasing to be a Member of the Chambers shall forfeit all rights to utilise without limitation, the name, logo, goodwill, products and/or services of the Chambers in connection with their business, personal or social activities with immediate effect.
9. Changes to the Conditions of Membership
9.1 The Board of the Chambers may from time to time vary these conditions. The Board will provide Members with notice of any such changes and where they can be viewed.
Last updated 27.04.23