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Website usage terms and conditions
ICB privacy policy
Shop Terms and Conditions and Delivery Information
Event Terms and Conditions
Examinations Terms and Conditions
Practice Directory (Find a Bookkeeper)Terms and Conditions for Visitors
Practice Directory Listing Terms and Conditions for Members
Forum Terms and Conditions
Website usage terms and conditions
Welcome to the ICB website. By continuing to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern ICB's relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please discontinue use of the website.
The term 'ICB' or 'us' or 'we' refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is Sterling House, 5 Buckingham Place, Belfield Road West, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 5HQ. Our company is registered in England No.3274864. The term 'you' refers to the user or viewer of our website.
The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:
- The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
- Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
- Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
- This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
- All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
- Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
- From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
- Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
ICB privacy policy
This privacy policy sets out how ICB uses and protects any information that you give ICB when you use this website.
ICB is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.
ICB may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.
How we use your information
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so.
When you complete the online registration form or update your profile in MyICB the information you provide is required to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:
- Internal record keeping
- We may use the information to improve our products and services
- We periodically send members promotional emails about networking events, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
- if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information, you may change your mind at any time by writing to us
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may send you promotional information about third parties via the monthly newsletter.
You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. A small fee will be payable. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to ICB, Victoria House, 64 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NG.
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
Shop Terms and Conditions
Cancellations
We want you to be happy with your purchase. Under the terms of the United Kingdom's Distance Selling Regulations you have the right to cancel an order of merchandise items within 7 working days beginning on the day after your item is delivered.
If you wish to cancel your order you will be required to return the item to us within 7 working days of the item's delivery to you. You will be responsible for the return postage costs. Once the item has been returned to ICB in an unused and saleable condition, you will receive a refund of the price you paid for the item.
Please note that we are unable to accept cancellations on any digital items once the download link has been emailed.
Please note we are unable to offer refunds on event bookings, examination fees, and any subscription/membership fees including membership fees and student registration fees, Practice Licence fees and the Application Fee.
Subscription and membership fees
Subscription and membership fees are payable each year by the due date unless written confirmation of intent to cease subscription payments, and thus resign, is received at least one month prior to the due date.
ICB reserves the right to charge an administration fee for any subscription/membership fees not paid in full by the due date.
All members are governed by the ICB Professional Conduct Regulations, and by purchasing membership you are agreeing to abide by these regulations.
Delivery
Membership Items such as Student Cards, Membership Cards and Certificates, Practice Licences and Qualification Certificates undergo various checks and may take up to 28 days to be dispatched following an order. Textbooks and Merchandise Items are dispatched on a fortnightly basis.
Postage to UK mainland is always included unless otherwise specified. For overseas deliveries please contact ICB on 0845 060 2345 to ascertain postage charges and delivery estimates.
Lost Items
Once ICB records that a Membership Item has been dispatched, it becomes the responsibility of the customer. Certificates are legal currency; they can be replaced for a fee and will be marked Copy for security purposes. Please contact ICB on 0845 060 2345 if you believe an item has been lost in the post.
Any examinations submitted to ICB by post but not received, will be rendered null and void unless a certificate of posting has been retained by the candidate. In this instance the candidate will have the opportunity to retake the examination free of charge. ICB would advise that examinations and other important correspondence be sent by Recorded/Special Delivery where possible.
When applying for a home-based examination (excluding online assessments) candidates are asked to specify on which Friday the paper should be dispatched. All papers are sent by 1st Class Mail and the two week completion allowance begins on the Monday following the nominated Friday. Candidates should notify ICB immediately if the paper is not received as expected by the Monday to prevent their record being marked as a failed attempt.
Event Bookings
By booking an event ticket you agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of sale specified herein and any other provision as may be specified from time to time by ICB, or the venue owner. ICB / Venue Owner, their agents or employees shall not be liable for any death, personal injury (unless caused by negligence of ICB / Venue Owner or its agents and employees), loss, damage, however caused, while in the venue nor are they liable for any complaints, claims, refunds, or exchange for any reason, including without limitation, cancellation or postponement of the event. Booking fees and handling fees shall not be refundable within 28 days of an event. Any refunds outside of this period shall be made only at ICB's discretion.
Tickets are sold subject to the following conditions:
- Once sale is completed, no exchange of tickets will be made. No refunds will be made within 28 days of the event, except pursuant to event postponement or cancellation and at ICB's discretion.
- ICB / Venue Owner reserves the right, without refund or compensation, to refuse admission/evict any person(s) whose conduct is disorderly or inappropriate.
- ICB may add, withdraw or substitute agenda items and schedule, and/or vary advertised speakers, programmes, event times, seating arrangements, audience capacity without prior notice.
Examinations Terms and Conditions
Full details regarding the Examination Process can be found on our website under 'Examination Process in Detail'.
Candidate's Responsibilities
ICB cannot be held responsible for loss of internet access, computer breakdown or any other problem arising from technical issues on the candidate's personal computer.
Candidates must ensure that they have sufficient facilities to complete the assessment within the allotted time-frame before they apply. It is the candidate's responsibility to carefully check all answers before submitting their assessment.
Candidates must ensure that their full name, postal address and email address details are correct prior to application for any examination. Candidates can check this information by logging into the MyICB online area, or by telephoning ICB on 0845 060 2345.
Results
Qualification certificates and results slips will be issued within 28 days after a candidate's paper has been received by ICB for marking.
All qualification certificates will display the full name of the candidate as it appears in the MyICB online area. If the name is not as the candidate wishes it to appear, the candidate must contact ICB on 0845 060 2345 immediately, prior to completion of the assessment. If a replacement certificate has to be issued, the candidate will incur a £25.00 charge for the replacement.
Lost Items
Assessments sent by ICB to candidates
When applying for a home-based examination (excluding online assessments) candidates are asked to specify on which Friday the paper should be dispatched. All papers are sent by 1st Class Mail and the two week completion allowance begins on the Monday following the nominated Friday. Candidates should notify ICB immediately if the paper is not received as expected by the Monday.
Assessments sent to ICB for marking
Any completed assessments submitted to ICB by post but not received, will be rendered null and void unless a certificate of posting has been retained by the candidate. In this instance the candidate will have the opportunity to retake the examination free of charge. ICB would advise that examination papers be sent by Recorded/Special Delivery where possible.
Qualification certificates
Certificates are legal documents; if they are lost or damaged, they can be replaced for a £25.00 fee and will be marked 'Copy'. Please contact ICB on 0845 060 2345 if you require a replacement or believe your qualification certificate has been lost in the post.
Delivery
Online assessments/ Online delivery
Candidates will be sent a link to the online paper via email.
Paper-based assessment
Paper-based assessments take the form of a paper question booklet which is posted to the candidate's personal postal address for completion.
These assessments are posted by first class mail, on a Friday of the candidate's choosing.
Centre-based assessments
Centre-based assessments are undertaken at Pearson Vue centres. The examinations are completed as Computer Based Assessments. For further information, please see Centre-Based Examinations.
Application deadlines
Online assessments / Online delivery
Available on demand. The candidate will be provided with 14 days in which to complete the paper from the date of booking.
Paper-based assessments
Each week's application deadline is 17:00 on the Thursday before posting, or midnight if booking via the website.
Centre-based assessments
Candidates are responsible for booking their own examination appointments. There are no deadline dates, but availability will vary according to the centre location and time of year.
Cancellations
Please note that ICB is unable to offer refunds on examination fees.
Online assessments / Online delivery
ICB is unable to accept cancellations on any online assessment once the link has been emailed.
Paper-based assessments
Cancellations must be made before the application deadline of 17:00 on the Thursday before posting.
Centre-based assessments
Cancellations can usually be accepted if made directly to the Pearson Vue examination centre within 5 working days of the examination appointment date.
Assessment expiry
Online assessments / Online Delivery
The assessment will expire after 14 days from the date of booking. If the assessment is not completed within this time, the paper will be graded as a Fail and the candidate must apply for a new assessment and pay any necessary fees.
Certain assessments will be allocated a timed slot when the candidate clicks Start - please see Examination Process in Detail for further details.
Paper-based assessments
Candidates are provided with a two week completion allowance which begins on the Monday following the nominated Friday the paper is posted. If the assessment is not completed within this time, the paper will be graded as a Fail and the candidate must apply for a new assessment and pay any necessary fees.
Centre-based assessments
Candidates are provided with two weeks from the Friday the paper is posted. If the assessment is not completed within this time, the paper will be graded as a Fail and the candidate must apply for a new assessment and pay any necessary fees.
Emails
The email address provided by the candidate should be their own personal email address and should not be shared with someone else as ICB will be sending personal information regarding the candidate's qualifications.
Candidates are urged to check their spam folders on a regular basis for mis-directed emails. ICB cannot be held responsible for a candidate not receiving a link to their paper by email. Emails that are not received by candidates can be caused by a number of factors outside of ICB's control.
Candidates should therefore not rely on the receipt of the assessment email to start their examination, and extra time or deadline extensions will not be issued based on non-receipt of an email.
Should the email containing the link for an online assessment not reach the candidate, the candidate should instead access their paper by copying and pasting the following web address into their internet browser address bar: http://my.bookkeepers.org.uk then select 'Take a pre-booked online assessment'.
Software Requirements
Computerised accounting software
Required for online delivery of assessments relating to the qualifications:
- Level II Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping
- Level III Diploma in Computerised Bookkeeping
The above assessments can be completed on any computerised accounting software package, however Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs are not appropriate. ICB would advise candidates to exercise caution when using any trial versions of software as they may offer restricted functionality, for example, a standard Sage trial version does not permit the user to print out the requisite reports.
Candidates will be required to state which computerised accounting software they have used when completing their reports.
Computerised payroll software
Required for paper-based assessments relating to the qualification:
- Level III Diploma in Payroll Management
The above assessment can be completed on any computerised payroll software package, however Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs are not appropriate. ICB would advise candidates to exercise caution when using any trial versions of software as they may offer restricted functionality, for example, a standard Sage trial version does not permit the user to print out the requisite reports.
Candidates will be required to state which computerised payroll software they have used when completing their reports.
File compression software
Required for online delivery of assessments relating to the qualifications:
- Level II Certificate in Computerised Bookkeeping
- Level III Diploma in Computerised Bookkeeping
Candidates will be required to compress all of their completed reports so that these can be uploaded for marking. Candidates will therefore require a program that can compress or 'zip' files, such as WinZip, 7-Zip or jZip. If candidates do not have access to a compressed folder program they will be able to upload their individual reports, however this may take a considerable amount of time.
Authenticity of work
Assessments must be completed by the candidate alone, and candidates are not permitted to request any help from the ICB, their tutor, or online forums. Candidates must also ensure that they do not post on online forums any questions from their question paper as this will invalidate the integrity of the paper's security.
Online assessments / Online delivery
In regards to the Level II Certificate and Level III Diploma in Computerised Bookkeeping assessments, candidates will be asked to complete an online 'Own Work Declaration' before the end of the examination.
Paper-based assessments
Candidates will be asked to sign an 'Own Work Declaration' which must be submitted with their completed paper-based assessment.
Centre-based assessments
Appropriate documentation is required when attending the Pearson Vue centre to attest to the identity of the candidate.
For further details regarding proof of identification for centre-based assessments, please see ID Requirements.
Practice Directory (Find a Bookkeeper) Terms and Conditions for Visitors
The details of ICB member practices are provided by the practices themselves.
ICB is not responsible for the content nor does it make any recommendations or provide any warranties whatsoever in respect of any practice, product or service save that the owner is a member subject to the rules of ICB. Users of the Practice Directory must satisfy themselves of the suitability and qualifications of the supplier and the product or service to be supplied before entering into any contract with a member's practice.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all rights including those in copyright in the content of this website are owned by or controlled for these purposes by The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers ("ICB"). Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or ICB's Terms of Use, the content of this site and the Practice Directory may not be copied, stored, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first the written permission of the ICB.
Using the directory to compile a mailing list is a prosecutable offence. Any unsolicited mailings of any kind for a purpose other than engaging an ICB member for a specific bookkeeping position, are strictly prohibited.
ICB reserves the right to record the IP address of all users.
Practice Directory Listing Terms and Conditions for Members
The ICB Practice Directory is a professional resource.
Logos should be company logos or an appropriate head and shoulders photo of the ICB member and the member must have the right to use such image.
ICB may reject, refuse to post or delete any content for any or no reason, including, but not limited to, content that in the sole judgment of ICB violates this agreement or which may be offensive, illegal or violate the rights of any person or entity, or harm or threaten the safety of any person or entity. ICB assumes no responsibility for monitoring the Members' Directory for inappropriate content or conduct. If at any time ICB chooses, in its sole discretion, to monitor the Members' Directory, ICB nonetheless assumes no responsibility for the content, no obligation to modify or remove any inappropriate content, and no responsibility for the conduct of the member submitting any such content.
ICB reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who, in ICB's sole discretion, violates this provision, including, without limitation, removing the offending content from the ICB website, terminating the membership of such violators and/or reporting such content or activities.
Forum Terms and Conditions
Forum Use General
To contribute to the ICB Forum you may have to register at www.bookkeepers.org.uk unless already registered. All users are required to set up a username and are not required to reveal their real name when using the forum. Despite this users should not represent themselves as another person.
Any personal information provided as part of this registration process and/or any other interaction with us will be collected, stored and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By virtue of your participation in the ICB forum, you are deemed to have agreed to abide by the rules.
The ICB Forum rules are intended to facilitate a welcoming atmosphere where users can exercise free speech balanced by common courtesy and common sense. We encourage users to take advantage of the forum and, by contributing, to develop its usefulness as a resource.
The rules outline what we think is acceptable behaviour and it is important that you read them carefully. Our terms and conditions are the rules governing your participation in the ICB Forum including in particular any comments, username, links, or images you submit to the Forum ("Content"). In these terms, "Our", "we" or "us" means the ICB, a company registered in England No.3274864.
Forum Acceptable Use Rules
1. The ICB Forum is restricted to users who are 18 years old or over. By using the ICB Forum, you are confirming that you are 18 years or over. We reserve the right to verify your age.
2. The views and opinions expressed on the forum do not represent the views and opinions of ICB.
3. Users must not submit any content which breaches these conditions in any way and in particular that which is designed to offend, uses expletives, is malicious, profane, pornographic, discriminatory, obscene, abusive, threatening, defamatory of any person or entity, breaks any law, solicits business, infringes the privacy or rights of an individual or entity, or is offensive in the ICB's opinion.
4. Users must not submit any content which refers to, or reproduces, examination questions past or present, with the exception of practice questions currently in circulation as 'Mock Papers' and available as such directly from ICB.
5. By participating in any discussion, you undertake to indemnify ICB and its members against any liability arising from any obscene, defamatory, seditious, blasphemous or other actionable statement, or any advice published by you on this site and against all damages, losses, claims and costs (including without limitation fines and expenses arising out of or incurred in conducting or defending any proceedings) arising from any such advice or actionable statements.
6. Discussion Moderators are available to help you get the most out of participating in online discussions and to ensure that these rules are observed. Moderators cannot take responsibility for monitoring all content and ICB reserves the right to remove items submitted.
7. Any information provided to you in private must not be published to a public discussion group without the prior consent of the person who provided it. Any contact information you may be granted access to on the site should remain within it and not used for any other external purposes without express permission. Any unauthorised attempt to extract or expose personal information for use outside of the ICB Forum will be subject to disciplinary procedures.
8. Advertising will only be accepted when operated by or approved through ICB. A fee will be charged for this service. Any advertisement post without approval of ICB will be removed immediately and will be charged at double the normal rate card rate.
9. Complaints about a breach of these Rules, or any content which you feel to be offensive, should be made to ICB directly.
10. Your access to this site is granted to you as an individual and your login details should be treated as strictly private and confidential. It is a disciplinary offence to share your access details with other users. Should you suspect that your account is being used by another person, you should change your password immediately and contact ICB.
11. We reserve the right to restrict your access, delete any contribution, or take action against any account at any time for any reason.
12. We reserve the right to report any content which is believed to be illegal.
13. Users retain the right to use their own content, however, by submitting such content to the ICB Forum you agree to grant ICB indefinite, royalty-free and irrevocable rights to reproduce your content and exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to the Content worldwide and/or to incorporate your contribution in other works in any media now known or later developed for the full term of any rights that may exist in your Content as we may require. By submitting or making available any Content to the Forum, you also agree to waive all moral rights in that Content. We may (without notice to you) grant the same or other rights in respect of your Content to third parties without payment to you and sell, distribute or otherwise publish your Content outside of the Forum.
14. We reserve the right to make changes to these rules at any time without prior notice.
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