1. About these terms

These terms and conditions (the “Terms”) form the basis of the contract between you and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Metacognition (IALM, “we” or “us”), a charity registered in England and Wales (registered charity number 1189445). By applying to become, or by renewing as, a member or subscriber of IALM, you agree to these Terms.

Your membership is also governed by the Institute's Constitution, its Bye-laws, the Members' Charter, and the policies of the Institute as in force from time to time. These Terms should be read together with those documents. In the event of any conflict, the Constitution and the Bye-laws prevail over these Terms.

2. Membership grades and benefits

The classes and grades of membership, their eligibility criteria, and the post-nominals attaching to them, are set out in the IALM Bye-laws. The benefits attaching to each grade are published by the Institute and may vary according to the grade held.

We may change the benefits that apply to membership from time to time. Where a benefit is provided by an external provider, it is subject to that provider's own terms and conditions and to their discretion; we do not accept liability for any loss arising from a third party's provision of, or failure to provide, such a benefit, and we may change external providers without notice.

3. Becoming a member

When you submit an application — online, by post, or by email — you are making an offer to join the Institute which, if accepted by us, results in a legally binding contract. For online applications, the contract is formed when you complete the application and receive confirmation; for other applications, it is formed when we send your welcome communication.

Admission, and the grade at which you are admitted, are determined in accordance with the Bye-laws. We may decline an application, or offer membership at a different grade for which you are eligible. If you believe a grading decision is incorrect, you may appeal under the IALM Appeals Code.

4. Fees and payment

Membership subscriptions, joining fees and other charges are set and varied by the Trustees and published by the Institute, as provided in the Bye-laws. Subscriptions are payable annually in advance, on admission and on each renewal date, unless otherwise agreed. Your renewal payment confirms your continued acceptance of these Terms.

We may reject or cancel an application or renewal if we are unable to obtain payment authorisation. Membership rights take effect once the applicable subscription has been received.

5. Cooling-off period

If you are a consumer, you have the right to cancel your membership within 14 days of the contract being formed, under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, and to receive a refund of the subscription paid. To cancel, please notify us in writing (including by email) within that period. Where you have asked for a benefit or service to begin within the cancellation period, a proportionate charge may apply for what has been provided.

6. Renewal, lapse and resignation

Membership is renewed annually on payment of the applicable subscription by the renewal date, and renewal affirms your continued agreement to these Terms, the Bye-laws and the Members' Charter. If a subscription is not paid, membership may lapse in accordance with the Bye-laws, and the rights and benefits of membership — including the use of post-nominals — will cease. You may resign at any time by notice in writing. Subscriptions are not refundable on resignation, save at the discretion of the Trustees or as required by law.

7. Conduct and professional development

By joining, you agree to abide by the IALM Members' Charter, and — where relevant to your grade — to engage in continuing professional development. You reaffirm this commitment each year on renewal. Any breach of the Charter or the Bye-laws may be dealt with under the IALM Disciplinary Code and may lead to sanctions, up to and including the withdrawal of membership.

8. Information you provide and refusal of applications

You must ensure that the information you provide to us is accurate and complete, and notify us of any relevant changes. Where relevant to your eligibility, you must declare any unspent criminal conviction, pending prosecution, insolvency or undischarged bankruptcy; spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be disclosed. Such information is treated in confidence and considered only where relevant. We may revoke the membership of any person who provides false or misleading information.

9. Use of post-nominals and branding

Members admitted to the relevant grades may use the corresponding post-nominals and IALM branding only while their membership is current, and only in accordance with the Bye-laws, the Copyright Statement and any guidelines issued by the Institute. The right to use them ceases immediately on cessation of membership. Post-nominals denote a current grade of membership only and do not constitute an academic qualification or accreditation.

10. Data protection

We will process your personal data in accordance with the IALM Privacy Policy. By becoming a member, you acknowledge that processing, and confirm that the information you provide is accurate.

11. Changes to these terms

We may vary these Terms from time to time. We will give notice of material changes by an appropriate means, and your continued membership after a change takes effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Liability

To the extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, or for any loss of profits, business or goodwill. However, nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud, or for any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law. If you are a consumer, these Terms do not affect your statutory rights.

13. Force majeure

We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where this is caused by events beyond our reasonable control.

14. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and any dispute will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. Contact us

If you have any questions about these Terms or your membership, please contact us at [email protected], or write to us at Institute for Advanced Learning & Metacognition, 23 Old Oak Gardens, Walton Le Dale, Preston, PR5 4BF, U.K.

The Board of Trustees approved this policy on 24th June 2026.