Membership Terms & Conditions

LINCOLNSHIRE COUNSELLING ASSOCIATION CIC

Membership Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction and Purpose

These Membership Terms and Conditions govern membership of the Lincolnshire Counselling Association CIC, referred to throughout this document as "LCA", "the Association", "we", "us" or "our".

By applying for, accepting or renewing membership of LCA, an individual or organisation agrees to comply with these Terms and Conditions together with the Association's Articles of Association, By-laws, Code of Conduct and other policies applicable to membership.

LCA is a Community Interest Company established to strengthen, connect and support counselling professionals, students, complementary therapy practitioners and associated professionals across Lincolnshire.

Through continuing professional development, education, networking, collaboration, professional support and the promotion of high standards of ethical practice, LCA seeks to strengthen the professional community and contribute to improved wellbeing within the communities of Lincolnshire.

Membership of LCA is subject to eligibility and approval by the Association.

2. Membership Categories

LCA operates different membership categories to recognise different professional roles, stages of training and relationships with the counselling and wellbeing community.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the category for which they apply.

LCA reserves the right to request supporting evidence and, where appropriate, recommend a different membership category where an applicant does not meet the requirements of the category selected.

2.1 Professional Member

Professional Membership is intended for appropriately qualified counselling and psychotherapy professionals.

Eligibility

Applicants will normally be required to:

Be aged 18 years or over.
Hold a recognised counselling, psychotherapy or equivalent therapeutic qualification at Level 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification accepted by LCA.
Provide evidence of relevant qualifications when requested.
Maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance where practising.
Undertake appropriate clinical supervision relevant to their professional practice.
Practise within the limits of their training, qualifications and competence.
Work in accordance with an appropriate recognised professional ethical framework.
Maintain appropriate continuing professional development.
Agree to comply with the LCA Code of Conduct, By-laws and applicable policies.

Professional Membership may include appropriately qualified:

Counsellors.
Psychotherapists.
Therapeutic counsellors.
Counselling psychologists.
Clinical supervisors.
Counselling educators and trainers where appropriately qualified.
Other appropriately qualified therapeutic practitioners accepted by LCA.

Professional Membership of LCA does not constitute professional accreditation, statutory registration or confirmation of fitness to practise.

2.2 Student Member

Student Membership is designed to support individuals undertaking counselling or psychotherapy education and training.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be aged 18 years or over.
Be enrolled on an appropriate counselling, psychotherapy or related therapeutic training programme.
Provide evidence of current enrolment or student status when requested.
Comply with the ethical and professional requirements of their training provider and placement, where applicable.
Practise only within the boundaries permitted by their training and placement arrangements.
Agree to comply with the LCA Code of Conduct, By-laws and applicable policies.

Student Members must not use their LCA membership to represent themselves as qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or Professional Members.

Following completion of an appropriate qualifying programme, a Student Member may apply to transfer to Professional Membership, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements.

2.3 Complementary Therapy Member

Complementary Therapy Membership provides membership of LCA for appropriately qualified practitioners whose work contributes to physical, emotional or psychological wellbeing but who do not qualify for Professional Membership as counsellors or psychotherapists.

Eligible disciplines may include, but are not limited to:

Reiki.
Reflexology.
Aromatherapy.
Massage therapy.
Meditation.
Mindfulness.
Yoga.
Breathwork.
Sound therapy.
Holistic therapies.
Hypnotherapy.
Other complementary or wellbeing practices accepted by LCA.

Eligibility

Applicants will normally be required to:

Be aged 18 years or over.
Hold an appropriate qualification or recognised training relevant to their field of practice.
Provide evidence of qualifications or training when requested.
Maintain appropriate professional indemnity and/or public liability insurance where applicable.
Hold any licences, registrations or professional memberships legally required for their particular activity.
Practise within the boundaries of their training and competence.
Maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct.
Avoid making misleading, unsupported or unlawful claims about their services.
Agree to comply with the LCA Code of Conduct, By-laws and applicable policies.

Acceptance as a Complementary Therapy Member does not mean that LCA accredits, validates or endorses the clinical effectiveness of a particular complementary therapy.

Complementary Therapy Members must not represent themselves as counsellors, psychotherapists or LCA Professional Members unless they separately satisfy the criteria for Professional Membership.

2.4 Associate Member

Associate Membership is available to individuals and professionals who have a legitimate connection with counselling, mental health, psychological wellbeing, education, health or social care but who do not fall within another membership category.

This may include:

Mental health professionals.
Social workers.
Occupational therapists.
Researchers.
Academics.
Educators.
Coaches.
Health professionals.
Social care professionals.
Professionals working within mental health or wellbeing services.
Individuals whose professional activities support the aims of LCA.

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of their professional role, qualifications, experience or connection with the sector.

Associate Membership does not confer recognition as a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

2.5 Organisational Member

Organisational Membership may be available to organisations whose activities are compatible with the purpose, aims and values of LCA.

Eligible organisations may include:

Counselling services.
Counselling practices.
Charities.
Community organisations.
Training providers.
Colleges.
Universities.
Mental health organisations.
Health and social care organisations.
Wellbeing organisations.
Employers supporting counselling or mental health initiatives.
Other organisations accepted by LCA.

An organisation must nominate an appropriate representative who will act as the principal contact with LCA.

Organisational Membership does not automatically provide individual membership to employees, volunteers, contractors, students or representatives of the organisation unless expressly included within the applicable membership package.

Organisational Membership does not constitute accreditation, inspection or endorsement of the organisation's services by LCA.

2.6 Founding Member

Founding Membership recognises individuals and organisations that support LCA during its designated founding period.

Founding status may be awarded alongside an individual's substantive membership category.

For example:

Professional Member – Founding Member

Complementary Therapy Member – Founding Member

Founding status recognises the member's early contribution to the establishment and development of LCA.

It does not constitute an enhanced professional qualification, accreditation or indication of greater clinical competence.

Founding status may remain associated with the member for the duration determined by LCA, subject to the member continuing to meet the requirements of membership.

3. Membership Applications

Applications must be made through an application process approved by LCA.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information supplied is accurate, complete and truthful.

LCA may request evidence necessary to establish eligibility, including:

Qualification certificates.
Proof of student status.
Evidence of professional registration or membership.
Professional indemnity insurance.
Public liability insurance.
Evidence of supervision.
Professional body membership.
Proof of organisational status.
Other reasonable supporting information.

LCA may undertake proportionate verification of information supplied.

Submission and payment of a membership application does not automatically guarantee acceptance.

4. Membership Decisions

LCA reserves the right to:

Approve an application.
Request additional information or evidence.
Recommend another membership category.
Defer a decision while further information is obtained.
Refuse an application where eligibility requirements are not satisfied.
Refuse membership where there are reasonable grounds to believe that membership could present a serious risk to the reputation, integrity or objectives of LCA.

Membership decisions will be made fairly and without unlawful discrimination.

Where an application is refused, an applicant may request a review in accordance with any membership appeals procedure adopted by LCA.

5. Membership Fees

Membership fees are determined by LCA and may differ according to membership category.

Current membership fees will be published by the Association.

Membership subscriptions are payable in accordance with the payment arrangements applicable to the membership selected.

LCA reserves the right to review and amend membership fees.

Where membership fees are changed, members will be informed before the revised fee applies to their next renewal.

6. Membership Period and Renewal

Membership will normally operate for a defined membership period from the date specified when membership is activated.

Unless cancelled in accordance with Section 18, memberships set to automatic renewal will renew for a further membership period on the applicable renewal date.

Continued membership is conditional upon:

Payment of applicable membership fees.
Continued eligibility for the relevant membership category.
Compliance with these Terms and Conditions.
Compliance with the LCA Code of Conduct.
Compliance with the Association's By-laws and applicable policies.
Provision of updated eligibility evidence where reasonably requested.

Members are responsible for notifying LCA promptly of any material change that could affect their eligibility.

7. Membership Benefits

Membership benefits vary according to membership category and may include:

Professional networking opportunities.
Reduced rates for eligible CPD activities.
Workshops and educational events.
Conferences and guest speakers.
Member communications and newsletters.
Digital resources.
Access to the online member community.
Professional development opportunities.
Directory listings for eligible members.
Specialist interest groups.
Communities of practice.
Mentoring opportunities.
Volunteer and committee opportunities.
Other benefits introduced by LCA.

LCA may amend or develop membership benefits as the Association evolves.

Membership does not guarantee admission to every event, programme or service. Capacity restrictions, eligibility requirements and additional charges may apply.

8. Member Directory

LCA may operate one or more public or member-only directories.

Eligible members may apply or consent to be included.

Members are responsible for ensuring that information provided for publication is accurate and current.

LCA may establish separate directory categories to distinguish between counsellors, psychotherapists, complementary therapists and other practitioners.

A directory listing does not constitute a recommendation, accreditation or guarantee by LCA concerning the competence, suitability or services of an individual practitioner or organisation.

Members must notify LCA promptly where information displayed in the directory becomes inaccurate.

9. Professional Registration and Other Professional Bodies

LCA operates independently from national professional bodies and statutory regulators.

Membership of LCA does not replace registration, accreditation or membership with another organisation where such registration or membership is required or chosen by the practitioner.

Where a member states that they are registered, accredited or a member of another professional organisation, they are responsible for ensuring that this representation remains accurate.

Members must notify LCA where a material professional sanction, suspension or removal from a relevant professional register affects information they have supplied to LCA.

10. Use of LCA Membership, Logo and Branding

Members may describe themselves only using the membership category formally awarded to them.

Members must not:

Claim that LCA membership constitutes professional accreditation.
Claim that LCA membership constitutes statutory registration.
Imply that LCA guarantees their competence or services.
Misrepresent their membership category.
Allow another individual to use their membership status.
Alter an official LCA membership badge in a misleading manner.
Use the LCA corporate logo without permission where permission is required.
Suggest that LCA endorses a commercial product, service, training programme or therapeutic intervention without written authorisation.

Membership badges and branding remain the intellectual property of LCA and must cease to be used when membership ends.

11. Standards of Conduct

All members are expected to:

Act honestly and professionally.
Treat others with dignity and respect.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Respect confidentiality.
Practise within their competence.
Represent qualifications and experience accurately.
Maintain appropriate insurance where relevant.
Maintain appropriate supervision where required by their profession or practice.
Comply with applicable legislation.
Communicate and advertise services responsibly.
Respect equality, diversity and inclusion.
Avoid conduct likely to seriously undermine the integrity of LCA.
Comply with the LCA Code of Conduct.

Membership of LCA carries a responsibility to maintain standards consistent with membership of a professional community.

12. Complaints and Professional Conduct

LCA may consider concerns relating to:

Conduct occurring within LCA.
Conduct towards members, volunteers, directors, speakers or event participants.
Misuse of LCA membership.
Misrepresentation of membership status.
Misuse of LCA branding.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Conduct capable of materially affecting the integrity or reputation of the Association.

LCA is not a statutory regulator and membership does not make LCA the regulator of a member's independent professional practice.

Where a complaint primarily concerns fitness to practise or professional conduct falling within the jurisdiction of another regulator or professional body, LCA may refer or direct the matter to the appropriate organisation.

LCA nevertheless retains the right to consider whether the circumstances affect the individual's continued suitability for

LCA membership.

13. Suspension and Termination by LCA

LCA may suspend, restrict or terminate membership where a member:

No longer satisfies eligibility requirements.
Fails to pay membership fees.
Provides materially false or misleading information.
Seriously or repeatedly breaches these Terms and Conditions.
Seriously or repeatedly breaches the LCA Code of Conduct.
Misuses the LCA name, logo or membership status.
Fraudulently represents their qualifications or professional standing.
Engages in conduct that presents a serious risk to LCA, its members or its reputation.
Becomes subject to professional findings that materially affect their suitability for membership.

Except where immediate interim suspension is reasonably necessary, a member should ordinarily be informed of the concern and provided with an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

A member may appeal a termination or disciplinary decision in accordance with the applicable LCA appeals procedure.

Termination for misconduct or breach does not ordinarily entitle the member to a refund.

14. Responsibilities of Members

Membership does not create an employment, agency, partnership, supervisory or professional indemnity relationship between LCA and a member.

Each member remains independently responsible for their:

Professional practice.
Clients.
Professional decisions.
Qualifications.
Scope of competence.
Insurance.
Clinical supervision.
Safeguarding responsibilities.
Data protection responsibilities.
Taxation and business obligations.
Professional registration.
Compliance with applicable law.

LCA does not accept responsibility for the independent professional activities of its members.

15. Continuing Professional Development and Events

LCA may organise:

Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Workshops.
Seminars.
Webinars.
Conferences.
Networking events.
Reflective practice opportunities.
Professional forums.
Guest speaker events.

Attendance at an LCA training or CPD event does not, by itself, establish competence to practise a particular therapeutic intervention.

Members remain responsible for determining whether training is appropriate to their qualifications, professional role and scope of practice.

Individual events may be subject to separate booking, cancellation and refund terms.

16. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

LCA is committed to creating an inclusive professional community.

Membership applications, services and opportunities will be administered in accordance with applicable equality legislation.

Discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying or abusive behaviour towards members, applicants, directors, volunteers, speakers, staff or other participants may constitute a breach of the LCA Code of Conduct.

17. Data Protection and Privacy

LCA will process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and its Privacy Notice.

Personal information may be processed for legitimate purposes associated with:

Membership applications.
Membership administration.
Verification of eligibility.
Membership renewal.
Member communications.
Event administration.
Directory management.
Financial administration.
Governance.
Complaints and disciplinary matters.
Compliance with legal obligations.

Members are responsible for ensuring that their contact and membership information remains current.

18. Cancellation of Membership by the Member

Members wishing to cancel their membership must provide the Lincolnshire Counselling Association CIC with a minimum of 28 days' notice before their next membership renewal date.

Cancellation does not entitle the member to a refund of membership fees already paid.

Where the required notice has been provided, membership will remain active until the end of the member's current paid membership period.

The member will continue to have access to the benefits applicable to their membership category during that period, subject to continued compliance with these Terms and Conditions.

The membership will then end on the scheduled renewal date and will not renew for a further membership period.

Where membership is subject to automatic renewal or recurring payment, the member is responsible for ensuring that

LCA receives their cancellation request at least 28 days before the renewal date.

Where notice is received fewer than 28 days before the renewal date, LCA may be unable to prevent the scheduled renewal from being processed, subject always to any statutory rights that apply.

Cancellation does not remove any outstanding financial obligations owed to LCA.

Nothing within this section affects statutory cancellation or consumer rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

19. Refunds

Membership fees are non-refundable once paid, except where a refund is required by law or expressly agreed by LCA under this section.

Where a member chooses to cancel during an existing membership period, no full or pro-rata refund will normally be provided.

Instead, the membership will continue until the end of the current paid membership period and terminate on the applicable renewal date, provided that the required cancellation notice has been given.

LCA may issue a refund where:

A payment has been taken by LCA in error.
A duplicate payment has been made.
Exceptional circumstances exist and LCA determines that a refund is appropriate.
A refund is required by law.

Where membership is suspended or terminated because of misconduct, loss of eligibility, breach of the Code of Conduct or breach of these Terms and Conditions, the member will not ordinarily be entitled to a refund.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions affects any statutory rights a member may have under applicable UK consumer law.

20. Changes to Membership Categories and Benefits

LCA may periodically review and amend its membership structure to reflect the development of the Association and the needs of its community.

Changes may include:

Membership categories.
Eligibility criteria.
Membership fees.
Benefits.
Directory arrangements.
Professional requirements.
Membership terminology.

Members will be provided with reasonable notice where a material change affects their membership.

21. Changes to These Terms and Conditions

LCA may amend these Terms and Conditions where reasonably necessary because of:

Changes in legislation.
Changes in regulation.
Organisational development.
Changes to membership arrangements.
Changes to LCA governance.
Improvements to member protection or professional standards.

Material changes will be communicated to members and/or published through the Association's official website.

The latest published version will apply from the effective date stated.

22. Communications

Members are responsible for providing LCA with a current email address and other necessary contact information.

LCA may communicate with members electronically regarding:

Membership administration.
Renewal.
Governance.
Events.
Professional opportunities.
Changes to membership.
Important Association announcements.

Members should ensure that communications from LCA are not inadvertently blocked by email filtering systems.

Marketing communications will be managed in accordance with applicable data protection and electronic marketing requirements.

23. Intellectual Property

The LCA name, logo, branding, publications, digital membership badges, educational materials and other original content produced by or for LCA may be protected by intellectual property rights.

Membership does not transfer ownership of those rights to the member.

Members may use authorised membership badges and materials only in accordance with LCA guidance.

Permission to use LCA intellectual property may be withdrawn when membership ends or where it is being misused.

24. Liability

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful.

LCA is not responsible for the independent professional activities, advice, treatment, services or business activities of its members.

Membership, directory inclusion or attendance at LCA activities must not be interpreted as a guarantee by LCA regarding the competence, conduct, suitability or outcomes associated with an individual practitioner or organisation.

Members remain responsible for ensuring that their own professional activities comply with relevant legal, ethical and professional requirements.

25. Relationship with the Association

Membership provides access to the rights and benefits applicable to the member's category.

Membership does not make an individual:

An employee of LCA.
An agent of LCA.
A director of LCA.
Authorised to speak on behalf of LCA.
Authorised to enter into agreements on behalf of LCA.

Only individuals expressly authorised by the Association may represent LCA externally.

26. Governing Law

These Membership Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any dispute arising from membership will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, subject to any statutory consumer rights regarding jurisdiction or dispute resolution.

27. Acceptance of Membership Terms

By submitting an application for membership or renewing an existing membership, the applicant or member confirms:

I confirm that the information provided to the Lincolnshire Counselling Association CIC is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand the eligibility requirements applicable to my membership category and agree to notify LCA of any material change affecting my eligibility.

I agree to comply with the Lincolnshire Counselling Association CIC Membership Terms and Conditions, Code of Conduct, By-laws and applicable policies.

I understand that membership of LCA does not constitute professional accreditation, statutory registration, approval of my professional practice or a guarantee of professional competence.

I understand that membership fees are non-refundable and that I must provide at least 28 days' notice before my renewal date if I do not wish my membership to renew. Where valid notice is provided, my membership will remain active until my renewal date and will then end.