TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Approved by the board of trustees: June 2023

1. Introduction

These terms and conditions (“Terms”) govern your membership with the Magistrates’ Association (“Association”) as an associate member. By becoming an associate member, you agree to comply with these Terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding with your membership application.

2. Membership eligibility

2.1 You must not be a serving or retired magistrate to be eligible for associate membership.

2.2 You will not be eligible for associate membership if you have been removed from the magistracy as a consequence of disciplinary action.

2.3 You must not be the subject of ongoing criminal legal proceedings, or a party to a case before the family court.

2.4 The Association reserves the right to verify your eligibility for membership at any time.

3. Membership application

3.1 You are required to complete the membership application accurately and provide all necessary information.

3.2 2.2 You must ensure that the information you supply us is up to date and notify the Association promptly of any changes.

3.3 2.3 The Association reserves the right to accept or reject any associate membership application at its sole discretion.

4. Membership subscriptions

4.1 Membership subscriptions are applicable for associate members and will be communicated to you during the application process.

4.2 Membership subscriptions are subject to change at the Association’s discretion, and you will be notified of any changes in advance.

4.3 Membership subscriptions are payable annually or monthly.

4.4 Failure to pay the membership subscriptions within the specified timeframe may result in the suspension or termination of your membership.

4.5 The Association reserves the right to alter, amend, change, modify or withdraw any reduced subscription rates, including any associated eligibility criteria, at any time and without prior notice.

5. Rights and responsibilities

5.1 As an associate member, you have the right to may participate in the activities and events organised by the Association at the Association’s discretion. The MA reserves the right to alter, amend, change, modify or withdraw any member benefits at any time and without prior notice.

5.2 As an associate member, you are not entitled to take part in the decision-making processes of the Association as set out in byelaws and specified from time to time in regulations agreed by the board of trustees. You may not take up a position either locally or nationally within the Association without the express permission of the Chief Executive.

5.3 You are responsible for ensuring that your conduct aligns with the ethical standards and values of the Association.

5.4 You are expected to act in a professional manner and promote the positive image of the Association.

5.5 You must adhere to the Association’s code of conduct and any other policies or guidelines established by the Association.

5.6 You must notify the Association if you are the subject of any criminal proceedings, or of judicial disciplinary proceedings, or if there are any other factors which could call into question your suitability for membership

5.7 The standard form of communication between the Association and yourself will be via email. The Association reserves the right to use email to contact you about the administration of your membership even if you opt out of communications from the Association about other matters. It is your responsibility to inform us if your email address changes.

6. Termination of membership

6.1 The Association reserves the right to suspend or terminate your membership if you breach these terms, violate the code of conduct, or engage in any behaviour detrimental to the Association’s interests, in line with the Association’s byelaws.

6.2 You may terminate your membership by contacting the membership team to let us know. Membership fees are non-refundable.

6.3 Upon termination of your membership, you will lose all rights and privileges associated with being a member of the Association.

6.4 Upon termination of membership, or if your application to membership is declined, we will keep your information confidentially afterwards, in line with our data retention policy.

7. Intellectual property

7.1 All intellectual property rights associated with the Association, including but not limited to its logo, name, and publications, are the property of the Association.

7.2 You agree not to use the Association’s intellectual property without prior consent from the Association.

8. Limitation of liability

8.1 The Association does not provide legal or professional advice, and any information or guidance provided is for general informational purposes only.

9. Amendments

9.1 The Association reserves the right to modify or amend these Terms at any time.

9.2 Any changes to the Terms will be communicated to you in writing or through the Association’s official website.

10.Governing law and jurisdiction

10.1 Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom.

11. Complaints

11.1 If you have been in touch with the Magistrates’ Association had feel that our service hasn’t met the high standards you should expect, you have a right to make a complaint. You can contact us to make a  complaint:

• • • by email to [email protected]
    • in writing to Membership, Magistrates’ Association, 10a Flagstaff House, London, SW8 2LE

By becoming an associate member of the Magistrates’ Association, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms and Conditions.