BWF Rules of Membership

Membership Confirmation
I will receive a pro-forma quote/invoice as part of the membership application process.
I understand that the business will only be confirmed as a Member of the BWF once full payment of the membership pro-forma quote/invoice has been made and the funds have cleared the BWF’s accounts.

Membership Cancellation
I understand that once confirmed as a Member of the BWF, I am committed to a minimum of 12 months Membership and that a resignation will not be accepted during that period.
I understand that if I wish to resign at any time (after the initial 12 month period), I must give six months’ written notice.
I understand that during the six months’ notice period, we are subject to the six months fee and the business will remain a fully paid Member during the resignation period.
I declare that we will:

• Follow the BWF rules of membership to the Federation; AND
• Comply or work towards compliance with the BWF Code of Conduct within 12 months of joining the Federation.

Data Consent
I agree to the BWF holding contact details for my company in order to enable the administration of its Membership of the BWF, and of any related schemes or activities to which my company subscribes or decides to subscribes to in the future, and for the provision of the relevant services and activities which flow from those Memberships.
I declare that on behalf of my business:

• I agree that the BWF may publish the data regarding my company’s contact details and products and services in the form of print or online directories;
• I acknowledge that the BWF will from time to time, request updated information for this purpose, but will maintain its existing data until such time as it receives more recent information;
• I am aware that the BWF records details of its contacts with my company on its database;
• I acknowledge that, as part of its services, the BWF arranges with other businesss to offer products, services and information to its Members;
• I agree that my company’s contact details may be included on a complete list of current Members passed to these businesss for this purpose;
• I acknowledge the BWF’s unreserved commitment to maintain the confidentiality of all commercial data which comes into its possession through my company’s Memberships, none of which will be disclosed without express permission, except as may be necessary as part of the administration and governance of the BWF;
• I am aware that I am entitled to ask the BWF to provide me with a copy of the data it holds on my company, and that the BWF may make a small charge for responding to this request.

Summary of the main Membership rules
Every Member agrees to observe the Rules of the BWF and the BWF Code of Conduct.

• Members are required to return a declaration of turnover each year so that we can calculate the following year’s subscription. If we do not receive this, the subscription automatically increases by 25%.
• In the event of a Member going into receivership, then it immediately ceases to be a Member.
• Any company that leaves Membership for any reason remains liable for all outstanding monies which may be due, or which may become payable by it by virtue of its liability under the Rules of the BWF.

British Woodworking Federation Code of Conduct Criteria

1.0 Scope of the Code of Conduct
1.1 All Primary Members of the British Woodworking Federation (the BWF) are required to comply with this Code of Conduct as a condition of Membership.
1.2 The Code of Conduct and the associated guidance is subject to regular review and development to meet Members’ changing needs in the woodworking industry.

2.0 Primary (Full) Membership
2.1 Primary Membership of the BWF is open to all UK based companies engaged in the manufacture, modification and installation of joinery, timber structures and components or other woodworking products.
2.2 Primary Members shall accept and comply with the BWF Constitution, Rules and Code of Conduct.
2.3 Primary Members shall do whatever necessary to ensure that their employees are aware of this Code of Conduct, and shall use their best endeavours to ensure that their employees observe the Code where relevant.
2.4 Members shall assist the BWF in the enforcement of this Code of Conduct.
2.5 The BWF encourages all its Members to adopt and maintain systems of quality management for the products or services they supply.
2.6 All BWF Members will receive two certificates: their annual Membership certificate and a Code of Conduct certificate when compliant. Should a member company be found to no longer meet the compliance standards, their Code of Conduct certificate will be withdrawn until the agreed corrective action has been successfully completed.

3.0 Assessment Process for New Members
3.1 The following procedure will apply to all applications for Primary Membership:
3.1.1 The prospective Member will complete and submit a Membership Application Form or apply online via the BWF Website.
3.1.2 The BWF will process and vet the application as quickly as possible, resolving any queries and follow up references.
3.2 To ensure that Members are complying with the Code of Conduct, the BWF will organise periodic assessment visits approximately once every four years. The BWF has absolute discretion to insist on more frequent visits if it considers it necessary in specific cases.
3.3 Members must pay all Membership fees promptly in accordance with current BWF subscription procedures to ensure continuing Membership. The BWF Council may alter the subscription rates or procedures as and when it thinks it is appropriate.

4.0 Complaints By/Or Against Members
4.1 Failing to comply with the obligations and duties in this Code of Conduct may result in the Member being expelled from Membership of the BWF.
4.2 If the BWF finds that the Member has breached the Code, it shall take such action as it deems necessary.

5.0 Business Requirements
5.1 Members shall provide evidence of the financial status of their businesses when applying to join the BWF and at subsequent assessment visits.
5.2 It is the preference of BWF that all our members are registered for VAT.
5.3 The BWF requires Members to have traded for at least one year to provide evidence of successful experience in a relevant industry.
5.4 All Members shall maintain appropriate insurance cover.

6.0 Health & Safety
6.1 Members shall be aware of all health and safety matters which affect their activities and promote understanding of these amongst their employees and clients.

7.0 Employment Practice (Training)
7.1 Members shall comply with relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
7.2 Members shall ensure that their employees have the appropriate levels of expertise for the efficient and safe conduct of their tasks and if necessary will provide the necessary training to achieve that.

8.0 Technical
8.1 Members shall comply with all current European, National and Industry standards and regulations which are relevant to the products and services they provide.

9.0 Environmental
9.1 Members shall use their best endeavours to minimise and manage waste and avoid pollution by disposing of waste in a controlled and appropriate manner.

10.0 Sustainability
10.1 Members shall use their best endeavours to provide products which meet sustainability best practice.
10.2 Members shall use their best endeavours to purchase timber and wood based products from sustainable source.

11.0 Contracts
11.1 Members shall use written contracts wherever it is reasonable to do so. Contract terms should always be clearly stated in language which can be understood by the Members themselves and their clients.

12.0 Customer Care
12.1 Members will act fairly and equitably in dealing with their customers, meeting proper standards of workmanship, integrity and courtesy.

13.0 Advertising and Use of BWF Logo
13.1 Member companies shall not use or allow inaccurate information or misleading statements to be used in promotional or advertising material.
13.2 Use of the BWF logo is a visual mechanism to show that a business is a member and it does not mean that the BWF endorses a product, process, a process or an individual.