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Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: December 2025

Welcome to The Dispute Board Federation ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website, https://dbfederation.org/ (the "Site"), and all services offered, including membership applications, training courses, and appointment inquiries in the field of dispute resolution and adjudication. By accessing our Site or engaging in our services, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please refrain from using our Site and services.

1. Eligibility

Our memberships are available only to individuals who meet the qualifications outlined in the level they applied for. By using our Site, participating in our events or applying for a membership, you accept these Terms and Conditions and confirm that you are eligible to engage with our offerings based on these Terms.

2. Membership Levels

We offer three levels of membership, each with distinct qualifications, benefits, and fees:

  • Professional Member: As a Professional Member, you are likely to be a young professional working in the construction and/or dispute resolution field, either as an Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Mediator or in other related fields such as law, engineering, architecture, or construction.
  • Adjudicator Member: Requires a higher level of expertise in dispute resolution. As an Adjudicator Member, you have demonstrated an ability to serve on at least one of The Dispute Board Federation’s Panels: The Dispute Board Panel, the Arbitration Panel, and/or the Mediation Panel.
  • Fellow Member: Reserved for those with advanced qualifications and substantial experience in adjudication. As a Fellow, you are a dispute resolution professional of distinction, making a significant contribution to your profession. You demonstrate both dispute board and dispute resolution excellence and leadership among your peers.

Membership fees vary by level and are detailed on our Site. All memberships are subject to review, and meeting qualifications does not guarantee acceptance.

3. Membership Application Process

To apply for any level of membership, you must:

  • Complete and submit an application form on our Site.
  • Pay the applicable membership fee upon submission.
  • Provide any necessary documentation to demonstrate your qualifications for the selected membership level.

We reserve the right to approve or deny membership applications at our discretion. You will receive confirmation upon approval, which activates your annual membership and grants you the applicable rights and benefits.

4. Membership Fees and Payments
  • Membership Fees: Membership fees for each level are listed when applying for a specific category. All fees are payable in GBP (£) and are non-refundable unless otherwise specified in these Terms or required by law.
  • Renewals: Memberships are renewed annually, with fees due at the beginning of each membership term. You will receive a reminder prior to your renewal date. Failure to pay renewal fees may result in suspension or termination of membership.
  • Cancellations and Refunds: You may cancel your membership at any time by contacting us at info@dbfederatio.org. Refunds are generally not provided.

5. Events, Training Courses and Appointments

We organise various events, offer training courses and provide potential appointments for dispute resolution practitioners. By registering for an event or expressing interest in an appointment, you agree to the following:

  • Registration and Fees: Training course fees must be paid upon registration. Fees are non-refundable except as provided under applicable UK law or if we cancel a course.
  • Course Content: We reserve the right to modify course content and instructors without notice. Any substantial changes will be communicated to you as soon as possible.
  • Appointments: While we facilitate potential appointments, we do not guarantee any specific outcomes. Appointment availability is subject to qualifications and demand.

6. Intellectual Property

All materials on our Site, including course content, logos, and any resources provided to members, are owned by The Dispute Board Federation or our licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content without our explicit permission.

7. Code of Conduct

Members, event attendees, and users are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity. Any inappropriate behaviour, misuse of membership privileges, or violations of these Terms may result in suspension or termination of membership, access to training, or use of the Site.

8. Privacy

We respect your privacy and handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using our Site and services, you consent to our data practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, The Dispute Board Federation is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Site or services. Our total liability for any claim related to the Site or services will not exceed the fees you paid for the relevant membership or course.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold The Dispute Board Federation harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of your violation of these Terms, your misuse of our Site or services, or any unlawful conduct.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Changes will be posted on this page, with the "Last Updated" date revised accordingly. We encourage you to review these Terms regularly. Continued use of the Site and services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute arising from them are governed by the laws of England and Wales. You agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:

The Dispute Board Federation
Email: info@dbfederation.org.
Address: 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AL, United Kingdom

By using our Site and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Thank you for choosing The Dispute Board Federation as your resource for dispute resolution training and membership.