Terms of Membership for Choir Members

1.INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE:

This Terms of Membership outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and commitments of individuals who join The ATML Choir CIC, a Community Interest Company dedicated to promoting mental wellness, creativity, and social inclusion through music.

As a member, you are joining a collective of passionate individuals working together to build a musical community that uplifts both its members and the wider public. Our mission is rooted in using music to ease loneliness, foster connection, and create meaningful impact through performance and outreach.

These terms are designed to guide your participation, ensure mutual respect, and uphold the values that define our choir. By agreeing to this document, you commit to contributing positively to the choir’s vision and maintaining a professional and inclusive environment.

2.SCOPE OF MEMBERSHIP :

This Terms of Service applies to all individuals who are formally accepted as members of The ATML Choir CIC, including vocalists, instrumentalists, and support volunteers participating in choir-related activities.

It governs participation in:

  • Weekly rehearsals and meetings
  • Vocal and musical training sessions
  • Community performances and outreach events
  • Media engagements and fundraising activities
  • Any other official programs or initiatives organized by the choir

These terms remain in effect for the duration of a member’s active involvement with the choir and are subject to periodic review by the organization’s leadership.

3.EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (EDI) :

The ATML Choir CIC is committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all members. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and promote equal opportunity across every aspect of choir participation.

Membership is open to individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and musical experience. We encourage any person 18 years and above to join. We value the unique contributions each person brings and strive to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

The organization will take practical steps to ensure that all members can participate fully in rehearsals, performances, and other activities. Every effort will be made to remove barriers and foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and mutual respect.

All members are expected to uphold these principles and contribute to a community where everyone belongs.

4.WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING :

The ATML Choir CIC is committed to the welfare of its members and to fostering a safe, supportive, and emotionally healthy environment.

Members are encouraged to engage in team bonding activities, check in on one another, and offer help and encouragement both within and beyond rehearsals. This culture of care is central to our mission of using music as a tool for healing and connection.

The organization will promote wellness through:

  • Regular social gatherings and wellness check-ins.
  • A safeguarding framework to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure respectful conduct.

All members are expected to contribute to a safe and inclusive atmosphere, report any safeguarding concerns promptly, and treat one another with kindness, discretion, and respect.

5.COMMUNITY INTEREST COMMITMENT :

The ATML Choir CIC is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), established to serve the public through music-led initiatives that promote mental wellness, social inclusion, and community cohesion.

As a member, you are part of a legally recognized organization whose activities are governed by the principles of public benefit. This means:

  • The choir operates for the good of the wider community, not for private profit.
  • All rehearsals, performances, outreach, and media engagements contribute to its social mission.
  • Any surplus income or donations are reinvested into the choir’s programs, member development, and operational sustainability in line with CIC regulations.

By joining, members affirm their support for this community-first purpose and agree to participate in ways that uphold the legal and ethical obligations of the CIC structure.

6.TRAINING AND MEDIA ENGAGEMENT:

The ATML Choir CIC is committed to supporting the musical and personal development of its members through structured training and organized media engagement. Members may be required to participate in workshops, rehearsals, and development sessions focused on vocal technique, performance skills, wellness, and confidence-building. These activities are designed to strengthen both individual capacity and the collective impact of the choir.

The choir also undertakes media activities including interviews, recordings, social media campaigns, and promotional materials. By joining, members consent to the use of their image, voice, and performance in such media, which may be distributed across platforms including social media, websites, and press outlets. All media content will be handled with professionalism, dignity, and in line with safeguarding policies.

Participation in training and media engagement forms part of the obligations of membership and supports the choir’s mission as a Community Interest Company.

7.WEEKLY REHEARSALS AND MEETINGS:

The ATML Choir CIC conducts its rehearsals and meetings weekly on a ‘term time’ basis following an easy laid down annual calendar to ensure every member has the opportunity to participate in the choir’s activities. Calendars are released to all members to help plan their time and other engagements across the choir’s schedule. Day and Time of weekly meetings or rehearsals are members-decided.

  • Rehearsals: Members are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals at the scheduled day and time. We encourage giving notice to the choir leader of any potential absence to help maximize resources. Consistent participation is essential for maintaining performance standards and group harmony.
  • Meetings: Administrative or planning meetings may be convened in place of a week’s rehearsal to address upcoming performances, outreach activities, safeguarding matters, or other organisational issues, subject to the needs of the choir.
  • Attendance: Members who are unable to attend are encouraged to notify the choir leadership in advance. Repeated absences without reasonable cause may affect membership status.
  • Conduct: All rehearsals and meetings are to be conducted respectfully, in line with the choir’s safeguarding policies and community-first ethos.

By participating, members commit to contributing actively to the collective progress of the choir and to respecting the time and efforts of fellow members.

8.CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION:

The ATML Choir CIC is committed to protecting the confidentiality and personal data of its members in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • Confidentiality: Information provided by members is confidential and shall be stored in a secured database. Information regarding mental health and wellbeing of a member are not to be made public within the choir except by explicit consent of the member.
  • Data Collection: The choir may collect and process personal data including names, contact details, media consent, and attendance records, solely for the purposes of administration, safeguarding, and fulfilling its mission as a Community Interest Company.
  • Data Use: Personal data will only be used for legitimate organizational purposes and will not be shared with external parties except where legally required or with the member’s explicit consent.
  • Data Security: The choir will implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
  • Member Rights: Members have the right to access, rectify, or request deletion of their personal data in line with GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act. Requests must be submitted in writing to the choir leadership, who will respond within the statutory timeframe.

By joining the choir, members acknowledge and consent to the lawful collection, processing, and safeguarding of their personal data as outlined above. Please refer to our Privacy notice, Data Protection and Confidentiality policies

9.DONATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP FEES:

The ATML Choir CIC welcomes voluntary donations from members and members of the public, to support its mission and community benefit activities. Donations are not compulsory. As a community interest company, public and private Grants will be our major source of funding to carry out the choir’s activities. By the end of 2026/2027 tax year, we intend to introduce a meagre amount for monthly membership fees. Membership fees will be used to engage in activities to improve the quality of the choir. All donations are applied strictly in accordance with the governing documents of the Community Interest Company, ensuring that funds are directed towards advancing the choir’s objectives, including musical development, outreach, safeguarding, and activities that promote public benefit. Records of donations and membership fees, and their application will be maintained by the leadership and made public, to ensure transparency and accountability.

10.CODE OF CONDUCT:

The ATML Choir CIC requires all members to adhere to the following standards of conduct to ensure harmony, professionalism, and respect within the organization.

DOs:

  • Be organized and prepared for rehearsals and meetings.
  • Take rehearsals seriously and contribute positively to the collective progress of the choir.
  • Attend rehearsals regularly, except where reasonable excuses have been communicated in advance to the leadership.
  • Respect fellow members, leadership, and the wider community in all interactions.
  • Uphold safeguarding principles and maintain a supportive environment for all participants.
  • Represent the choir with dignity and professionalism during performances, media engagements, and public appearances.
  • Comply with the choir’s policies, including confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding obligations.

11.NON – REMUNERATION CLAUSE FOR MEMBERS:

Members of the ATML Choir CIC shall not receive any salary, wage, or financial remuneration for their participation in the choir. Membership is undertaken on a voluntary basis, and involvement in rehearsals, performances, meetings, and other activities does not create any entitlement to payment.

Any funds, income, or resources obtained by the choir, whether through donations, grants, sponsorships, or performance‑related contributions, shall be applied strictly in accordance with the governing documents of the Choir and used to advance its community interest objectives.

For the purposes of this clause, community interest includes but is not limited to:

  • Providing safe space for members of the local community in Greater Manchester experiencing loneliness, stress and social exclusion, expanding throughout England through mental health awareness campaigns.
  • Creating opportunities for aspiring singer‑songwriters and musicians to join a socially cohesive group where vocal skills are developed through consistent rehearsals, public performances (fundraising programs), and outreach projects.
  • Promoting mental health awareness through signature medleys, themes, and performances, and offering support to people in and around the community through music.
  • Conducting weekly rehearsals, media engagement, publicity, and creative collaborations to foster teamwork, confidence, and social inclusion across diverse backgrounds.
  • Raising funds through public performances and fundraising programs for local charities and community causes, particularly those that promote mental health awareness.
  • Using any surplus to promote mental health awareness online and offline, provide food banks to families and individuals, and in the future, introduce legal aid and pro bono legal services to members of the choir.

By joining, members acknowledge that their participation is voluntary and that any financial or material gains of the choir are directed exclusively towards sustaining and advancing its community interest objectives.

12.TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP :

Membership of the ATML Choir CIC may be terminated either by the organization or voluntarily by the member.

Organization Termination: The organization reserves the right to terminate membership where a member’s conduct or circumstances are deemed inconsistent with the objectives and ethos of the choir. Grounds for termination may include, but are not limited to: persistent non‑attendance without reasonable excuse, breach of safeguarding policies, misconduct or abusive behavior, failure to comply with the Code of Conduct, or actions that bring the choir into disrepute. Termination shall be effected by a decision of the leadership, communicated in writing to the member concerned.

Voluntary Resignation: Members may resign their membership at any time by providing written notice to the leadership. Resignation does not affect any obligations already undertaken prior to the date of notice.

Notice: Termination of membership by the organization shall require 14 days’ written notice to the member, setting out the reasons for termination and allowing the member an opportunity to respond before the decision takes effect.

Procedure: Before termination is finalized, the member will be given reasonable opportunity to respond to any concerns raised. The leadership will consider such representations before making a final decision. All decisions regarding termination or resignation will be recorded to ensure transparency and accountability.

13.INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND MEDIA RIGHTS :

All intellectual property created in connection with the ATML Choir CIC, including but not limited to musical arrangements, recordings, publicity materials, and media content, shall remain the property of the organization. Members acknowledge that their contributions, whether vocal, musical, or creative, form part of the collective output of the choir and are not individually owned.

Recordings, photographs, and other media produced during rehearsals, performances, or promotional activities may be used by the choir for publicity, fundraising, training, and community engagement purposes. By participating, members consent to the lawful use of their image, voice, and performance in such materials, which may be distributed across platforms including social media, websites, and press outlets.

No member shall reproduce, distribute, or exploit the choir’s intellectual property for personal gain without prior written authorization from the leadership. Any income or benefit derived from the use of intellectual property shall be applied strictly in line with the choir’s community interest objectives, as set out in its governing documents.

14.DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND RIGHT TO APPEAL :

The ATML Choir CIC is committed to resolving disputes in a fair, transparent, and constructive manner, consistent with its safeguarding and community‑first ethos.

Internal Resolution: We shall put all necessary measures in place to ensure there are no disagreements within the group. However, we understand that disagreements may happen between members and between members and the leadership/management of the choir.

  • If between members; we encourage concerned members to try and resolve the issues by themselves if not so serious (exception is if the concerns raised by a member is as a result of discrimination in any form, then this should be escalated immediately to the Leadership through our complaint policies). If members can not resolve their disagreements, members not in agreement should raise this within 7 days to the leadership in writing. The leadership will have joint and separate meetings with the members involved and if any witnesses, in a bid to resolve the issues raised. Meetings will be recorded to ensure transparency and fairness in the entire process. If the issues raised cannot be resolved within 21 days from the date of reporting the concerns, the member (s) at fault will be suspended or dismissed from the choir. Each member has 14 days to appeal in writing, the choir leadership’s decision to suspend or dismiss.
  • If between Members and the Leadership: Members shall have the right to raise complaints against the choir’s leadership if they are offended by actions of a member of the leadership or management team, which could include but not limited to disagreement with a choir policy, discrimination or harrasment,and any other related conduct or words. Members shall raise complaints first with the leadership within 21 days of the incident. The leadership will ensure the issues raised are resolved in a timeous manner within 14 days of the issues raised. To ensure fairness in the process, members will be encouraged to bring family or friends to support them throughout the process. Outcome will be raised with the concerned member (s). If a member is not satisfied with the outcome, such member (s) should raise their complaints to the CIC regulator. Members are encouraged to raise concerns respectfully and in good faith, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
  • If between members and the public: In most cases complaints raised by the public against a member of the choir will lead to the member’s suspension or dismissal if it puts the choir into disrepute or loss of public trust and confidence in the choir’s activities.

External Resolution: Where the internal appeal process does not resolve the matter, disputes may be referred to an independent process of arbitration, mediation, or conciliation. The choice of process will be agreed by the leadership and the parties involved, and shall be conducted in accordance with recognized standards of fairness and impartiality. The decision reached through arbitration, mediation, or conciliation shall be final and binding on all parties.

15.GOVERNING LAWS:

The terms contained herein shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the applicable laws of England and Wales including the GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Equality Act 2010, the Companies Act 2006, the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004, and the Community Interest Company Regulations 2005 (as amended). All matters arising under or in connection with this terms of membership, including disputes, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, save where alternative dispute resolution procedures such as arbitration, mediation, or conciliation have been agreed and undertaken in accordance with Clause 14.

Acceptance statement :

Membership is undertaken voluntarily, with full commitment to the choir’s ethics, safeguarding principles, and community‑first objectives.

By joining the ATML Choir CIC, you acknowledge, having read and understood these terms of membership, and having sound and mental capacity, you agree to be bound by its provisions.

Review :

The ATML Choir CIC shall reserve the right to update and review these terms of membership at any time by consultation with members to get feedback.