Membership
Terms of Service

1.1 These terms and conditions (the Terms) form the basis of the contract through which World Design Council (WDC, we, us, or our) provides membership services to you as a WDC applicant or member (you, applicant, or member).

1.2 Details of WDC membership services, benefits, and programs are available on the website at www.worlddesigncouncil.org.

1.3 The Terms govern your WDC membership to the exclusion of any other terms which you may seek to impose or incorporate, or which may be implied by law, trade custom, practice, or course of dealing.

1.4 We will handle all personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy available on our website.

1.5 These Terms apply to all WDC membership applications, approvals, renewals, access to services, and related benefits.

2.1 Applications for membership should be submitted through the WDC website or through official WDC application forms or platforms.

2.2 Applicants should select the membership level appropriate to their education, experience, or professional stage and provide all information requested in the application form.

2.3 All information provided in the application must be complete and accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.

2.4 Applications can only be submitted once all required information has been completed and the applicable membership fee has been paid.

2.5 By submitting an application and making payment, the applicant is deemed to have accepted these Terms.

2.6 Applications will be reviewed by the WDC membership team as soon as reasonably practicable.

2.7 WDC reserves the right to approve, decline, revoke membership, or offer an alternative membership level based on the information and supporting evidence provided by the applicant.

3.1 Membership access begins once registration and payment have been successfully received and the WDC account has been activated.

3.2 Access to the WDC membership dashboard and WDC Learning is generally provided instantly after successful registration or payment.

3.3 Membership certificates, membership IDs, digital badges, and professional designations may be activated only after review and approval of the application by WDC.

3.4 Where additional verification or documentation is required, certain membership benefits may be activated only after the review process is completed.

4.1 The membership term runs for 12 months from the membership activation date unless otherwise stated.

4.2 Applicants must pay the first year’s membership fee in advance using an approved payment method provided by WDC.

4.3 Membership fees and benefits may vary depending on the membership level selected.

4.4 Current membership categories, benefits, and fees are published on the WDC website.

4.5 Membership cannot be transferred to another individual.

4.6 Members may renew their membership annually. Renewal notices may be sent before the membership expiry date using the contact details registered in the member account.

4.7 Payment of a renewal fee confirms continued acceptance of the Terms in force at the time of renewal.

4.8 If membership is not renewed before the expiry date, the membership may automatically lapse at the end of the membership term.

4.9 WDC reserves the right to revise membership fees from time to time. Any revised fee will apply from the next renewal or new application date.

4.10 All fees must be paid in full without deduction, counterclaim, set-off, or withholding except where required by law.

5.1 Membership fees are non-refundable once payment has been completed.

5.2 This applies regardless of whether the member fully uses the benefits, services, or learning resources provided through membership.

5.3 Members may cancel their membership at any time; however, the membership will continue until the end of the current paid membership term.

5.4 No full or partial refund will be provided for cancellation during an active membership period.

5.5 Membership cannot be paused, transferred, or postponed unless WDC agrees otherwise in writing.

6.1 WDC reserves the right to reject or cancel an application if payment cannot be authorised or if the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria for the selected membership level.

6.2 WDC may offer an alternative membership level where the submitted evidence does not support the membership level applied for.

6.3 WDC may suspend or revoke membership where an applicant or member provides false information, misuses WDC credentials, or breaches WDC policies or professional standards.

6.4 Where membership is suspended or revoked, WDC will normally notify the member in writing.

6.5 Decisions regarding membership approval, grading, suspension, or revocation are made by WDC and will normally be final.

7.1 WDC membership provides a range of benefits that may vary depending on the membership level.

7.2 Membership benefits may include access to WDC Learning, masterclasses, professional recognition, membership certificates, digital badges, and networking opportunities.

7.3 Some benefits may be activated immediately after registration, while others may be activated only after membership review and approval.

7.4 WDC reserves the right to change or update membership benefits from time to time.

7.5 Where possible, WDC will provide reasonable notice of significant changes to membership benefits.

8.1 References to liability in this clause include liability arising in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation, restitution, or otherwise.

8.2 Nothing in these Terms limits liability which cannot legally be limited, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or fraud.

8.3 Subject to clause 8.2, WDC’s total liability to a member for any loss or damage shall not exceed the membership fee paid by the member for that membership year.

8.4 Subject to clause 8.2, WDC shall not be liable for indirect or consequential loss including loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, or loss of goodwill.

8.5 WDC is not responsible for the content or services provided by third-party platforms or providers that may be accessible through membership benefits.

9.1 During membership, members may access trademarks, learning materials, frameworks, and other content produced by WDC.

9.2 All intellectual property rights in WDC content remain the property of WDC or its licensors.

9.3 WDC grants members a limited, non-exclusive licence to use WDC materials for personal professional development.

9.4 Members must not reproduce, redistribute, or commercially exploit WDC content without written permission.

10.1 By joining WDC, members confirm their commitment to developing their professional and creative capabilities.

10.2 Members are expected to maintain professional standards and uphold the reputation of WDC.

10.3 Members must not misuse WDC membership status, credentials, badges, or professional designations.

11.1 WDC makes reasonable efforts to ensure that information provided through its website, communications, and learning resources is accurate and up to date.

11.2 All content provided is intended for educational and professional development purposes.

11.3 Members should seek independent advice before applying any information to specific business, legal, or professional decisions.

12.1 Members may be invited to attend events, webinars, masterclasses, or networking activities organised by WDC.

12.2 Some events may be included as part of membership while others may require separate registration or payment.

12.3 Specific event terms may apply at the time of booking.

13.1 Members may be permitted to use WDC membership logos, badges, or professional designations only while their membership remains active.

13.2 Any WDC logo or badge must be used in its original form and must not be altered without written permission.

13.3 WDC logos or designations must not be used in any misleading or reputationally damaging manner.

13.4 WDC reserves the right to withdraw permission to use logos, badges, or designations if misuse occurs.

14.1 Members who wish to cancel their membership may do so by notifying WDC in writing at info@worlddesigncouncil.org.

14.2 Membership will remain active until the end of the current membership term unless revoked earlier under these Terms.

14.3 No refunds or partial repayments will be made following cancellation.

16.1 Any notice given under these Terms must be in writing and may be sent by email or post.

16.2 Notices to WDC should be sent to:

17.1 WDC may revise these Terms from time to time.

17.2 Updated Terms will take effect when published on the WDC website or communicated to members.

17.3 Continued use of membership services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

21.1 These Terms shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.

21.2 Any disputes arising from these Terms shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.