1.1 These terms and conditions, together with the online Membership Application Form (collectively referred to as the "Terms"), form the basis of the contract through which the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers ("ICB", "we", "us", or "our") provides membership services (the "Services" or "Membership") to you ("you") as a member of ICB ("Member").
1.2 The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in England under Number: 3274864. VAT Number: 196 157 279.
1.3 Our registered office is located at Oakingham House, Frederick Place, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1JU. You can contact us at membership@bookkeepers.org.uk.
1.4 Please read these Terms carefully before applying for Membership. By submitting your application and accessing the Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
2.1 When you submit your Application Form, you are making an offer to subscribe to the Services under these Terms.
2.2 Our acceptance of your offer will take place once: (a) Payment of the Membership Fee has been received by us in full; (b) Our internal checks have been completed to our satisfaction; and (c) We confirm in writing (usually by email) our acceptance of your application.
2.3 Any acceptance of your application provided by us is valid for 28 days.
2.4 You confirm that you do not have any unspent criminal convictions (other than minor traffic offences), you are not an undischarged bankrupt, and you are not subject to any legal restrictions that would prohibit you from serving as a company director or engaging in professional financial management. You also agree to promptly inform ICB should your circumstances change in this regard.
2.5 If we discover that any information provided in your application was false or misleading, we reserve the right to revoke your Membership immediately, without the right of appeal.
2.6 We retain full discretion to refuse any Membership Application. If we reject your application, we will notify you as soon as is practicable.
2.7 Your Membership begins on the Commencement Date and lasts for 12 months unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.8 Membership is granted to individuals only and cannot be transferred or shared.
3.1 We offer a 7-day cooling-off period for new members, starting from the Commencement Date. If you wish to cancel within this period, you must notify us in writing.
3.2 If you cancel, any issued certificate or documentation must be returned within seven days. You will be liable for any costs incurred before cancellation.
4.1 Membership Benefits vary based on the membership grade.
4.2 ICB does not allow downgrades. Once admitted as a member, you will be automatically upgraded to a higher membership grade upon achieving the requisite qualification.
4.3 Membership Benefits may be adjusted or withdrawn at our discretion. We will provide at least 30 days’ notice of significant changes.
5.1 Membership Fees are payable in full upon ICB accepting your application. ICB does not offer monthly payment plans.
5.2 Membership Fees are displayed on our website and are updated periodically.
5.3 Once paid, application fees and membership fees are non-refundable.
5.4 Failure to pay Membership Fees by the due date may lead to suspension or termination of Membership.
6.1 Prior to your Membership expiring, we will notify you of renewal requirements and applicable fees.
6.2 If you do not renew, your Membership will lapse, and you will no longer be entitled to Membership Benefits and you will immediately lose your professional status and right to use your ICB professional designations.
7.1 Practising Members must apply for an ICB Licence, which is subject to separate Terms and Conditions.
7.2 Under specific circumstances, non-members may also apply for an ICB Licence.
8.1 Members must not engage in any activities that are likely to bring themselves, the bookkeeping profession, or ICB into disrepute.
8.2 Members are required to adhere to the ICB Professional Conduct Regulations, which outline the standards for ethical and professional behavior.
8.3 Violations of the Professional Conduct Regulations may lead to disciplinary actions as specified in the ICB Disciplinary Sanctions Policy.
9.1 You may cancel your Membership at any time. However, outside the cooling-off period, you will remain responsible for the Membership Fee for the full Subscription Period, and no refunds will be issued.
9.2 If you cancel your Membership before the end of the Subscription Period, any outstanding balance for that period will be immediately due and recoverable by ICB through any means necessary, including legal action if required.
9.3 ICB reserves the right to terminate Membership if: (a) You breach these Terms; (b) You fail to comply with the ICB Professional Conduct Regulations; (c) You fail to pay required fees.
10.1 By applying for Membership, you acknowledge that ICB will collect, process, and store your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with UK GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations.
10.2 Your personal information will only be used for administrative and membership-related purposes, and we will not share your data with third parties without your consent, except where required by law.
10.3 You have the right to request access to your personal data, correct inaccuracies, and request deletion where applicable. To exercise these rights, contact us at membership@bookkeepers.org.uk.
11.1 ICB shall not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or claims arising from Membership, except where required by law.
11.2 We do not accept liability for any indirect, consequential, or business losses that arise in connection with Membership or the use of any related Services.
11.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, personal injury, or death resulting from negligence where required by law.
12.1 We may update these Terms at any time to reflect regulatory changes, operational adjustments, or security considerations.
12.2 Updated Terms will be published on our website, and we will notify Members of any significant changes.
13.1 If you have any complaints, please contact us at membership@bookkeepers.org.uk.
14.1 These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and ICB.
14.2 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be handled under the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
