Terms & Conditions

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is the professional membership body for UK fundraising. We support fundraisers through leadership and representation; best practice and compliance; education and networking; and we champion and promote fundraising as a career choice.

We are a registered charity, registered in England and Wales under registration number 1188764 and in Scotland under registration number SC050060. Our registered address is: Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Canopi, 82 Tanner Street, London SE1 3GN.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising Privacy Policy will apply to the processing of personal data in connection with the products and services we provide.

These terms and conditions provide details on how we will provide our membership services to you.

We will review these terms on a regular basis and may amend or change them at any time.

Definitions

For clarity the following terms refer to the Chartered Institute of Fundraising: "the Chartered Institute", “Chartered Institute”, “Chartered Institute staff team”, "we", "us" or “our”

The terms "you", “their” “Individual members”, “Organisational members” or “Corporate Supporters” refer to Chartered Institute members.

The term “Account” refers to your own area on the Chartered Institute’s website where you can manage your information and contact preferences.

“Public fundraising organisation” refers to Corporate Supporters and Organisational members who are engaged in public fundraising using one or a combination of the following channels: street, door-to-door, private site and/or telephone fundraising

1.0 Applying for membership

1.1 By applying to become an Individual or Organisational member or a Corporate Supporter of the Chartered Institute you agree to these terms and conditions and to comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice.

1.2 In addition to compliance with the Code of Fundraising Practice, Individual members are required to comply with the Chartered Institute’s Code of Conduct and Organisational members and Corporate Supporters are required to adhere to the values in the Fundraising Regulator’s ‘Fundraising Promise’.

1.3 The information you provide must be accurate and truthful and you must choose the appropriate grade or band for your membership. The Chartered Institute reserves the right to cancel your membership if the application is found to have been based on untruths.

1.4 You can apply to become a Member via our website.

1.5 We reserve the right to refuse any request for membership at our sole discretion.

1.6 Activation of membership

1.6.1 In order to become a member, you need to register with the Chartered Institute and create an Account. Individual members paying by card or completing a paperless direct debit mandate will become active members from the date their application is received. If your organisation is the fee payer, your membership will commence on receipt of payment of the invoice and details on how to access your Account area will be sent to you at this time.

1.6.2 Organisational members and Corporate Supporters will become active on receipt of payment and will have access to their own Account area.

2.0 Membership

2.1 Membership of the Chartered Institute is on a 12 month renewable contract from the date your membership is activated. Membership entitles you to access Chartered Institute member services, including but not limited to member only areas on the website, member only guidance, and where applicable, Compliance services and discounts to our conferences, qualifications and training. You will also have use of a Chartered Institute logo.

2.2 We reserve the right, at our discretion, to make changes to any part of the membership services provided.

2.3 Different membership types attract additional benefits “Member Benefits”. Current Member Benefits are listed on our website. We reserve the right to change Member Benefits at our discretion.

2.4 Individual membership is non-transferable.

2.5 If you are a public fundraising organisation and either an Organisational member or Corporate Supporter, you may take advantage of the Chartered Institute’s Compliance services (see our website for more information).

3.0 Pricing

3.1 The pricing for all categories of Chartered Institute membership are set out on our website.

3.2 Corporate Supporters may negotiate packages which include membership and options for sponsoring and exhibiting at events. Packages will be agreed during the membership application process and when membership is due for renewal.

3.3 All prices are expressed exclusive of any VAT payable unless otherwise stated.

3.4 We reserve the right to make changes to our membership pricing at any time.

3.5 You will be informed of any price changes prior to your renewal.

4.0 Payment

4.1 Individual members should pay by card or direct debit. Invoices can be requested where an organisation is the fee payer.

4.2 Organisational and Corporate Supporters can pay by card or may request an invoice.

4.3 All invoices must be paid within 30 days.

4.4 The Chartered Institute reserves the right to cancel membership and/or remove access to membership services if payment is not received.

5.0 Renewal of Membership

5.1 Renewal dates fall on the last day of the month in which you became a member. You will be invited to renew your membership prior to your annual renewal date.

5.2 Should payment not be received by your renewal date, your membership and all associated member benefits will be withdrawn and we will send you an email confirming this. If you are paying by Direct Debit, your membership and all associated member benefits will be withdrawn should we not receive the first payment due after your renewal date. In this instance, you will be charged full rate for any member discounts you have accessed in the period between your renewal date and the date of the due direct debit payment. You will still have access to Account and the Chartered Institute will continue to send you non-member information in accordance with your preferences.

5.3 If you make a payment within 30 days of your notified renewal date, your membership benefits will be reinstated and your membership will continue for 12 months from your notified renewal date.

5.4 If you make a renewal payment more than 30 days after your notified renewal date, your membership will restart from the date we receive payment.

5.5 If you choose to re-join within six months of your membership expiring, you may do so without paying the new-member joining fee.

5.6 Renewal of membership indicates acceptance of the Chartered Institute’s terms and conditions.

6.0 Cancellation

6.1 You have the right to cancel your membership by giving us written notice at any time.

6.2 If you cancel membership within 14 days of the day you became a member we will reimburse all sums paid by you or on your behalf unless you have used your membership in that time to obtain member discounts on our products and services in which case no refund will be due.

6.3 If you cancel membership after 14 days of the day you became a member or 14 days after your renewal date you will not be entitled to a refund and all sums for your annual membership will be due to the Chartered Institute.

6.4 Refunds for cancellation of membership will be paid to the same card/account details as payment was received.

6.5 The Chartered Institute reserves the right to cancel your membership at any time and without refund should you fail to uphold the terms of this agreement and/or bring the Chartered Institute or the sector into disrepute. The Chartered Institute may suspend or cancel membership without refund in accordance with the Chartered Institute Disciplinary Procedures (see our website for further information).

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for everyone involved in any events organised by the Chartered Institute or our volunteer groups. We support a culture of reciprocal respect and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. The Chartered Institute is committed to implementing the Code of Behaviour for Training and Events. Please carefully review the Code of Behaviour as your participation in activities through the Chartered Institute will signify that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by it. Action will be taken against anyone who does not adhere to this code of behaviour, under the Chartered Institute’s complaints procedures which can be found on our website: www.ciof.org.uk/complaints.

1.0 General

1.1 For the avoidance of doubt, ‘Courses and Events’ refers to all courses and events run by the Chartered Institute and its groups including online courses. Courses and Events does not include Qualifications and Future Leaders Programme which are covered by separate terms and conditions.

1.2 We reserve the right to change or alter event dates, programmes, speakers, trainers, venues and locations where necessary without liability. Significant changes will be communicated to delegates by email and app where applicable, and if any change results in a delegate being unable to attend, we will refund 100% of the fee. We will not be liable for any other costs incurred by delegates as a result of any changes.

1.3 We will not offer refunds due to circumstances outside of our control such as adverse weather conditions, transportation issues, major incidents, industrial action or ‘Acts of God’. We will also not be liable for any other costs incurred such as hotel or travel costs.

1.4 A course or event may be cancelled by the Chartered Institute up to 2 weeks prior to its start date.

1.5 You may not at any time copy, share, amend or disseminate any materials provided.

1.6 All materials provided remain the intellectual property of the Chartered Institute and its partners who assert their right to worldwide copyright and all related rights unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing.

1.7 Event speakers within the sector share content as a contribution to the fundraising profession and agree to the speaker conditions if they accept the invitation to speak at the event.  

2.0 Booking for an event or course

2.1 All courses and events can be booked via the Chartered Institute website or other booking sites approved by the Chartered Institute.

2.2 Booking confirmations and joining instructions will be sent by email to the address(es) used in the booking process.

3.0 Booking fees and payment terms

3.1 Individual bookings must be paid by card. Group bookings can be paid for by card or an invoice may be requested. Payment terms are 30 days from date of invoice and payment must be received prior to the course or event.

3.2 The Chartered Institute reserve the right to refuse entry to delegates if full payment has not be received prior to the event/course unless reasonable proof of the payment being processed is provided. The final decision is at the discretion of the Chartered Institute staff team and is final. In any event, full payment of the invoice will still be required.

4.0 Booking substitutions

4.1 A place on any course or event (except Qualifications and Future Leaders course) can be transferred to a substitute delegate at no extra cost as long as this is confirmed in writing to the Chartered Institute prior to the start date. Substitutions for courses must be notified at least 24 hours before the course start date.

4.2 Substitutions for Fundraising Convention can only be made for individual day passes and not in the circumstances that a 2 day booked delegate can’t attend one or more of the days. Should an attendee be found to have made a substitution in this way, the Chartered Institute will charge the substitute a full day’s pass or may refuse entry. Virtual Convention tickets are similarly not transferable.

4.3 Where a substitution is allowed and a higher fee applies to the substitute, the difference will need to be paid in full by card payment prior to attendance at the course or event.

4.4 Virtual Convention sessions should only be accessed by the individual registered to attend the event.  It is prohibited for delegates to access content using the registration details or viewing devices of another delegate.

5.0 Transferring to another event or course

5.1 You are able to transfer from one course or event to another with the exception of Fundraising Convention.

5.2 If you transfer to a higher value event or course you will be required to pay the difference. If you transfer to a lower value event or course, the Chartered Institute will not refund the difference.

5.3 Requests to transfer to another course or event must be made by phone in the first instance. You will then be required to confirm your transfer request in writing. Written confirmation must be received no later than 5 working days prior to the start of the course or event you would like to transfer from.

6.0 Booking cancellations

6.1 All requests for cancellation must be made in writing by email to the Chartered Institute. Refunds will be made in accordance with the table below.

	< 30 days before event/course start	30-59 days before event/course start	> 60 days before event/course start
Amount refunded	No refund	50%	85%
Amount of payment due	100%	50%	15%

6.2 If discounted Individual membership was included as part of your booking, you will be required to pay the full membership fee if you wish to retain your membership. If you wish to cancel your membership, then the membership cancellation terms apply (see Membership terms and conditions, paragraph 6).

7.0 Liability

7.1 Course and event notes cannot be relied upon for legal interpretation. Neither Chartered Institute staff, training faculty, speakers or consultants can accept responsibility for actions of delegates, or others with access to course or event notes, or liability for any loss incurred as a result of this content.

7.2 Any special access requirements must be communicated to the Chartered Institute staff team at the point of booking and no later than 1 week prior to a course or event taking place. The Chartered Institute will not accept liability for inability to attend a course or event if notification of access requirements has not been received.

7.3 Any special dietary requirements must be communicated to the Chartered Institute at the point of booking and no later than 1 week prior to a course or event taking place. We use external caterers and do not accept liability for any failure to meet special dietary requirements.

7.4 We do not accept any liability for your personal belongings or valuables at our events and courses.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for everyone involved in any Qualifications and courses organised by the Chartered Institute or our volunteer groups. We support a culture of reciprocal respect and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. The Chartered Institute is committed to implementing the Code of Behaviour for Training and Events. Please carefully review the Code of Behaviour as your participation in activities through the Chartered Institute will signify that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by it. Action will be taken against anyone who does not adhere to this code of behaviour, under the Chartered Institute’s complaints procedures which can be found on our website: www.ciof.org.uk/complaints.

1.0 General

1.1 “Qualification” refers to Qualifications and Future Leaders Course

1.2 The start date for the Certificate and Diploma in Fundraising qualification and the Future Leaders course is the date of the first teaching day although pre-course tasks are necessary. The start date for the International Advanced Diploma in Fundraising is the date listed on the booking page, ahead of the first face to face teaching day.

1.3 Where Individual Membership has been applied with your booking, this will be made active as soon as we receive the completed application if paying by card or payment if an invoice has been requested (see Membership terms and conditions paragraph 1.6).

1.4 You are expected to attend all teaching days as part of your qualification and complete all tasks, online modules and units.

1.5 It is the responsibility of students to manage their time appropriately whilst undertaking their Qualification.

1.6 Students are required to have a good command of written and spoken English. If in doubt, evidencing and International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score of 6.0, or Test of England as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or equivalent may be required to ensure students are not at a disadvantage.

1.7 It is the responsibility of every student to complete pre-Qualification work to the deadlines set.

1.8 Students in the UK by virtue of a visa must comply with the terms and conditions of their visa.

1.9 Persistent absence from required learning and teaching activities may constitute grounds for termination of their programme of study.

1.10 Any award of bursaries is made at the discretion of the Chartered Institute and appeals are not applicable.

1.11 We reserve the right to remove any course attendee should their behaviour be deemed inappropriate and against the values in our Code of Conduct.

1.12 We reserve the right to change or alter Qualification dates, programmes, speakers, trainers, venues and locations where necessary without liability. Significant changes will be communicated to delegates by email and if any change results in a delegate being unable to attend, we will refund 100% of the fee. We will not be liable for any other costs incurred by delegates as a result of any changes.

1.13 We will not offer refunds due to circumstances outside of our control such as adverse weather conditions, transportation issues, major incidents, industrial action or ‘Acts of God’. We will also not be liable for any other costs incurred such as hotel or travel costs.

1.14 A Qualification may be cancelled up to 2 weeks prior to its start date.

1.15 You may not at any time copy, share, amend or disseminate any materials provided.

1.16 All materials provided remain the intellectual property of the Chartered Institute and its partners who assert their right to worldwide copyright and all related rights unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing.

2.0 Booking for a Qualification or Future Leaders course

2.1 All Qualifications can be booked via the Chartered Institute website.

2.2 If you are a Chartered Institute member or have registered with the Chartered Institute as a non-member, you must book via your Account account. If you are not already registered, you can choose to register or just book as a guest. Booking confirmations and joining instructions will be sent by email to the address(es) used in the booking process.

3.0 Booking fees and payment terms

3.1 Fees for Qualifications will be published on the Chartered Institute website against the respective Qualification.

3.2 Payment can be made by card or an invoice can be requested. Payment terms are 30 days from date of invoice. Invoices will not be available if the booking is made less than 30 days before the Qualification start date.

3.3 Fees for Qualifications may be paid in two instalments. We require 50% at the time of booking and a further 50% to be paid the following month. Should you wish to leave your Qualification at any point, any outstanding balance will still be due to the Chartered Institute.

3.4 The Chartered Institute reserves the right to refuse entry to delegates if full payment has not been received prior to the Qualification unless reasonable proof of the payment being processed is provided. The final decision is at the discretion of Chartered Institute staff and is final. In any event, full payment of the invoice will still be required.

4.0 Substitutions and Transfers

4.1 No substitutions, transfers or refunds will be made if a student decides to leave a Qualification.

4.2 A place on a Qualification can be substituted at no extra charge up to 4 weeks before the start date. To make a substitution you must phone and email Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team with details of the original student and the substitute.

4.3 If a higher rate is applicable to the substituted student the difference will be charged and is payable immediately. If a lower rate is applicable, the difference will not be refunded.

4.4 Students can transfer to the same Qualification at a later date or another Qualification by contacting Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team by email or by phone. The new Qualification must start within 12 months of the originally booked Qualification otherwise it will be considered a cancellation.

4.5 If the new Qualification is of higher value than the original, students will be charged the difference. If the course is of lower value, the Chartered Institute will not refund the difference.

4.6 Additional charges apply to course transfers depending on when we receive the written request:

	< 30 days before course start date	30 to 59 days before course start date	> 60 days before course start date
Transfer charge	£65 + 15% of original fee	£65	No charge

5.0 Deferrals, Withdrawals and Termination

5.1 Students experiencing personal difficulties or illness which may affect attendance or performance, should contact the Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team by email or phone as soon as such difficulties occur.

5.2 Deferrals or extensions to deadlines are only available in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Chartered Institute staff.

5.3 Deferrals granted are normally for a defined period not exceeding 12 months. Students may apply for an additional deferral of 12 months, but these are only granted in the most exceptional of circumstances.

5.4 Students unable or unwilling to complete their studies within 24 months will be automatically removed from the Qualification unless a special arrangement has been agreed in writing.

5.5 Students wishing to permanently withdraw from their qualification must inform the Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team in writing and complete the necessary paperwork.

5.6 If a student fails to attend teaching days or return from an approved deferral without notice, they will be automatically be removed from the Qualification and will cease to be a student of the Chartered Institute. No refund will be made.

6.0 Cancellations

6.1 All requests for cancellation must be made in writing by email to Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team. Refunds will be made in accordance with the table below.

	< 30 days before event/course start	30-59 days before event/course start	> 60 days before event/course start
Amount refunded	No refund	50%	85%
Amount of payment due	100%	50%	15%

6.2 Should discounted Individual Membership have been included as part of your booking, you will be required to pay the full amount if you wish to retain your membership. If you wish to cancel your membership, then the membership cancellation terms apply (see Membership Terms and Conditions, paragraph 6).

7.0 Liability

7.1 Qualification notes cannot be relied upon for legal interpretation. Neither Chartered Institute staff, training faculty, speakers or consultants can accept responsibility for actions of delegates, or others with access to Qualification notes, or liability for any loss incurred as a result of this content.

7.2 Any adjustments needed to enable accessibility to the Qualification must be communicated to the Chartered Institute Training and Qualifications team at the point of booking and no later than 4 weeks prior to a Qualification taking place at the latest. The Chartered Institute will not accept liability for inability to undertake a Qualification if notification of adjustments required has not been received.

7.3 Any special dietary requirements must be communicated to the Chartered Institute at the point of booking and no later than 4 weeks prior to a Qualification taking place. We use external caterers and do not accept liability for any failure to meet special dietary requirements.

7.4 We do not accept any liability for your personal belongings or valuables at our Qualifications.