Terms and conditions 

Membership

British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) memberships run on a calendar year from 1 April to 31 March. Memberships are not pro-rated. Any membership purchased outside of the 1 April will be due for renewal on the next 1 April.

Membership of the BSE is open to everyone associated with echocardiography, for example: cardiac physiologists, clinical scientists, cardiologists, anaesthetists, acute medical physicians, anaesthetists, doctors in training, veterinarians, managerial, sales and technical staff of instrumentation companies; medical physicists, radiologists, and radiographers, including international colleagues/retired colleagues.

If you have previously been refused or had membership of a professional body removed, this must be declared at the time of application.  The BSE maintains the right to request supplementary materials to support your application. Should you have been the subject of an investigation, this should also be declared, with the outcome reported during the application process. Similarly if you become a subject of investigation at any time during your membership, you must inform us as soon as possible. Under the Articles of Association, membership may be refused if the Trustees considers that an applicant’s membership will be detrimental to the Society.  

Applications which do not meet the relevant membership category criteria will be reviewed by the BSE Trustees.  

Payment will be taken at the point of application.  After payment, your membership subscription is automatically activated, providing immediate access to online resources. If membership is subsequently denied, a full refund will be made.  This may take up to 14 days.

The BSE reserves the right to check that you have applied for the correct level of membership. If the incorrect membership level has been purchased online, you will be advised about any differences in payments if applicable. Membership payments made debit or credit card will be processed immediately. Direct Debit payments will be processed on the date indicated on the Direct Debit form.

BSE members are required to conduct themselves in line with the organisation's Code of Professional Conduct, which can be found here. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination of your membership and accreditation. For further details on the mission and values of the BSE, please see here.

Membership cancellation policy

You have 14 days from the sign-up date in which to cancel your membership subscription.

If you have paid your membership in full and decide to cancel after the 14-day grace period, no refunds are provided. If during this time you have purchased further BSE services at member rates you will be liable for any difference in the cost of member and non-member charges.

If you have paid by Direct Debit your membership will automatically renew on the 1 April using the bank account nominated by you. You may contact us at any time to change your nominated account or to cancel your direct debit.

Event bookings

1. Booking confirmation
   1. A booking is confirmed only when full payment has been received, or other confirmation is provided (such as approval or a reservation number).
2. Payment terms
   1. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.
   2. Payments can be made via credit or debit card or invoice payment.
   3. Any discounts or promotional offers must be applied at the time of booking and are not retroactive.
3. Cancellations and refunds
   1. Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking will receive a full refund.
   2. Cancellations made after 24 hours but before 7 days of a physical event or 2 working days before a virtual event will receive an 85% refund.
   3. Cancellations made within 7 days of a physical event or 2 working days before a virtual event will not be refunded.
   4. Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].
   5. Refunds will only be made to the original payment method.
4. Event changes and postponements
   1. The BSE reserves the right to change event details (including but not limited to dates, speakers, and location) in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
   2. In the case of event postponement, your booking will be automatically transferred to the new event date, and no additional charges will apply.
   3. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, a refund will be offered.
5. Attendance
   1. By attending the event, you agree to comply with all event-related policies and guidelines.
   2. Admission is only permitted to registered attendees.
   3. Attendees must bring confirmation (e.g., ticket, booking reference) to gain entry.
6. Catch-up for recorded events
   1. Attendees who are unable to attend a live event may be offered access to a recording of the event. However, this is not guaranteed and will only be provided at the BSE’s discretion.
   2. Access to event recordings will generally be available for a limited period after the event. In order to access a recording, attendees must provide a valid reason for their absence and evidence may be requested.
   3. Requests for catch-up access should be submitted to [email protected] within four working days, and each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
   4. The BSE reserves the right to refuse access to event recordings if the absence is not considered to be due to a valid reason.
7. Privacy and data protection
   1. By registering for the event, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for event-related purposes.
   2. Your data will not be shared with third parties unless required by law or for event-specific purposes (e.g., sharing with event partners or sponsors).
   3. You can request to access or delete your personal data by contacting [email protected].
   4. For further information, please refer to our privacy policy.
8. Liability and insurance
   1. The BSE is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to personal property during the event.
   2. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own insurance coverage for travel, health, and any other personal risks associated with attending the event.
9. Code of conduct
   1. We expect all attendees to behave respectfully and professionally during the event.
   2. The BSE reserves the right to remove any individual from the event if their behaviour is disruptive or violates event policies.
10. Recording and photography
    1. The event may be recorded or photographed for promotional or documentation purposes.
    2. By attending, you consent to being recorded or photographed. If you prefer not to be included, please inform the event staff.
11. Force majeure
    1. In the event of force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances), the BSE reserves the right to cancel or postpone the event. In such cases, no refunds will be issued unless required by law.
12. Acceptance of terms
    1. By booking your place at the event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.

Digital content purchases

1. Booking confirmation
   1. Access to digital content including catch ups and eLearning modules is granted only when full payment has been received, or other confirmation is provided (such as approval or a reservation number).
2. Payment terms
   1. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.
   2. Payments can be made via credit or debit card.
   3. Any discounts or promotional offers must be applied at the time of booking and are not retroactive.
3. Access to digital content
   1. Upon successful payment, you will receive access details (e.g., a link or access code) to the digital content.
   2. Access to the content is provided for a limited time and is subject to the specific terms for each content offering.
   3. You are responsible for ensuring you have the necessary hardware and software to access the digital content.
4. Cancellations and refunds
   1. Digital content purchases are non-refundable, except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., technical issues preventing access to the content or content being removed).
   2. If you experience difficulty accessing the content, please contact [email protected], and we will assess the issue.
   3. In the event of a technical failure on our part preventing access to the content, we will offer a refund or alternative access as appropriate.
   4. Refunds will only be made to the original payment method.
5. Licence to access content
   1. Upon purchase, you are granted a limited, non-transferable licence to access and view the digital content for personal use only.
   2. You are not permitted to reproduce, distribute, or share the content in any form without prior written consent from the BSE.
   3. The BSE reserves the right to revoke access to the digital content if these terms are violated.
6. Technical support
   1. Basic technical support for accessing the digital content will be provided by the BSE.
   2. If you encounter technical issues, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
7. Privacy and data protection
   1. By purchasing digital content, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for event-related purposes.
   2. Your data will not be shared with third parties unless required by law or for content-related purposes (e.g., providing you with access).
   3. You can request to access or delete your personal data by contacting [email protected].
   4. For further information, please refer to our privacy policy.
8. Liability and insurance
   1. The BSE is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to personal property arising from the use or inability to use the digital content.
   2. The BSE is not liable for any issues arising from the failure of third-party services or platforms used to deliver the content.
9. Changes to content
   1. The BSE reserves the right to update, modify, or remove virtual content without notice.
   2. In the event of significant changes to the content or delivery platform, you will be informed as soon as possible.
10. Force majeure
    1. In the event of force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances), the BSE reserves the right to suspend, cancel, or alter access to the digital content. In such cases, no refunds will be issued unless required by law.
11. Acceptance of terms
    1. By purchasing digital content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.