Terms & Conditions
of Membership
1. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These terms and conditions ("Terms") set out the agreement with the Independent Care Group ("ICG" or "we") and the member organisation. By joining the ICG, or renewing your membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at:
·Businessmanager@independentcaregroup.co.uk
2. PURPOSE OF MEMBERSHIP
The ICG exists to support independent adult social care providers by offering a range of member services (the services). Services include but are not limited to:
· representation and advocacy on an individual, provider and sector-wide;
· networking opportunities;
· best practice guidance;
· training, guidance and resources;
· provider location or individual support, coaching and guidance;
· sector updates, policy information and changes and legislative updates;
· events and workshops;
· news and opportunities relating to local initiatives and projects and partnership working across the region;
· access to member‑only communications and platforms.
Services provided are exclusively for members and by accepting services, you are agreeing to be a member of the ICG.
Membership (of the ICG) does not constitute regulatory approval, accreditation, or endorsement of service quality.
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3. ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to:
· independent adult social care providers;
· organisations that support adult social care (associate membership);
· individuals with a professional interest in adult social care (affiliate membership).
Applicants must:
· operate legally and comply with applicable adult social care legislation and regulation.
· hold relevant registrations with regulatory bodies (eg, CQC in England).
· adhere to ethical and professional standards expected within the sector.
4. MEMBERSHIP FEES
Membership fees are set annually and published on the ICG website and notified to members via member communications.
Fees must be paid in full in advance at the start of the membership period, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Fees are non‑refundable, including if membership is cancelled during the year.
Failure to pay fees may result in suspension or termination of membership.
Where a provider operates from multiple sites, each site will be required to have membership, or the provider may request a corporate membership.
4. RENEWAL
Your membership will automatically renew (for a further 12 months) unless you provide us with 60 days’ notice of your intention not to renew and to cancel your membership.
6. MEMBER CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS
Members agree to:
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Legal and regulatory compliance and to operate in line with all relevant laws, standards, and regulatory requirements.
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Professional conduct - act in a manner that reflects positively on the adult social care sector and the ICG and avoid bringing the ICG into disrepute.
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Engagement - provide accurate organisational details and inform us of changes and to participate respectfully in events, forums, and online spaces.
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Use of Association Resources – members agree to not share member‑only materials without permission and agree not to use branding, templates or logos..
All content published and made available on the ICG website and via member communications is the property of ICG or the ICG is licensee to publish content. This includes, but is not limited to images, text, logos, documents, downloadable files and anything that contributes to the composition of the ICG website or communications. Resources and materials may be shared by members, in some circumstances, with prior written authorisation from the ICG.
7. ICG RESPONSIBILITIES
The ICG agrees to:
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Provide membership services with reasonable care, skill and consistency.
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Communicate important updates and opportunities relevant to members.
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Maintain confidentiality of member data in accordance with data protection legislation.
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Act impartially and in the collective interests of the membership.
8. EVENTS, TRAINING & ACTIVITIES
Whilst most events will not incur a fee, some events and training may incur an additional fee.
We reserve the right to amend or cancel events; where fees are charged, refunds will be offered if events cannot be rearranged.
Members participating in events must behave professionally and respectfully.
9. DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY
The ICG will process personal and organisational data only for legitimate membership purposes and in line with the Data Protection Principles and any regulations outlined by the Information Commissioner.
Our full Privacy Policy (available on our website) applies to all members.
Members must ensure any shared data is accurate and does not breach confidentiality.
10. TERMINATION OR CANCELLATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership may be terminated:
10.1 By the Member - You may cancel your membership by providing the ICG with 60 days’ notice.Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to:-
· Businessmanager@independentcaregroup.co.uk
Annual fees paid are non-refundable.
10.2 By the Association – The ICG may cancel membership if:
· Fees remain unpaid after reasonable reminders over 60 days.
· The member breaches these terms.
·. The member behaves in a way that harms the reputation or integrity of the ICG.
· Regulatory issues raise concerns about compliance or legality.
If membership is terminated under these terms the annual fee is non-refundable as compensation for administrative costs.
10.3 Upon termination, members must cease using any ICG branding or member-only resources and settle all outstanding payments, if any.
11. AMENDMENTS TO TERMS
The ICG may update these Terms periodically; members will be notified of significant changes.
Continued membership constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.
12. LIABILITY
The ICG is not responsible for business decisions made by members.
The ICG does not accept liability for losses arising from reliance on guidance, events, or resources, except where required by law.
Membership does not replace regulatory, legal, or professional advice.
13. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of England. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.