1. Introduction

​1.1 These Terms of RHS Membership (the Terms) apply to all RHS Members and all those who apply for RHS Membership, excluding member organisations, known as Affiliated Societies.

1.2. In these Terms:
1.2.1. RHS Members and applicants are referred to as you/your; and
1.2.2. the RHS is referred to as we/us/our. The RHS is Registered Charity no. 222879 / SC038262 and Royal Charter company RC000480 of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE.

1.3. These Terms form a legal agreement between you and us.

1.4. If you need to submit a Notice to the RHS under these Terms, your Notice should be directed to Membership Services. Details of how to contact Membership Services are set out above and on the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk/membership/faqs.

1.5. We may change these Terms at any time by publishing the Notice of our new Terms on the RHS website, at least one month before they come into effect.

2. RHS Membership categories

2.1. We publish the categories of RHS Membership that are currently open to new members above and on the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk/join.  This sets out the requirements or criteria associated with each category of RHS Membership, together with the subscription amounts payable and the associated benefits at that time.

2.2. From time to time, we may limit or close certain categories of RHS Membership to new members.

2.3. If your category of RHS Membership is limited or closed to new members, we may end your RHS Membership within that category when your current period of membership expires.  We will notify you in advance and we may suggest alternative categories of RHS Membership that you may elect to move to.

2.4. If you have RHS Life Membership, your membership endures for your life.  If you have been granted the RHS’s Member of Honour, you will be granted membership for so long as you hold that title. 

3. Your application for RHS Membership

3.1. To apply for RHS Membership, you must follow the application process as set out on the RHS website, select the relevant category of RHS Membership that you are eligible for and submit the completed application to us. 

3.2. We may decline your application for RHS Membership if:
3.2.1. we consider you are not eligible for the relevant category of RHS Membership;
3.2.2. your application is incomplete; or
3.2.3. we consider, acting reasonably, it is in our interests to do so.

3.3. You must accept and comply with these Terms, and any changes that we make to them in accordance with these Terms, as a condition of your RHS Membership.

4. Payment of subscriptions

4.1. Unless we set out otherwise in writing, payment for your subscription is due at the date of application or renewal, as the case may be.  To become a member, or to renew your membership, you must pay all subscription amounts when due and payable in accordance with these Terms and any conditions to your membership.

4.2. Payment must be made by the methods of payment accepted by us, as set out at the time of application or renewal.

4.3. As your membership subscription is classified as a charitable donation, it is non-refundable under HMRC rules.  We will not refund a membership subscription unless we are required to under applicable laws or we determine it is in our interests to do so.  

4.4. From time to time, we may promote offers or promotions of RHS Membership that are subject to terms and conditions set out in writing with the offer or promotion.  For example, the offers may vary the membership subscriptions payable, the period of the membership term or the membership benefits included.  We may do this with the intention of increasing RHS Membership or reducing the cost of collecting and processing subscriptions or for any other reason where we consider it is in our interests to do so.  We may withdraw such offers or promotions at any time.

4.5. We may waive or accept late payment of the whole or any part of any subscription for any reason that we consider to be in our interests.

5. Direct Debit

5.1. To pay by Direct Debit, you must complete our Direct Debit mandate.

5.2. If you pay your membership subscription by Direct Debit and you wish to cancel a subscription before it is renewed, you must notify your bank and also give Notice to Membership Services at least 10 working days before the expiry of your RHS Membership.  If you don’t do this, your Direct Debit payment will be claimed and your membership will be renewed, with no refund given.

5.3. If your RHS Membership subscription is for a 12-month period (or such other long subscription period) but you pay by monthly Direct Debit, and you cancel your RHS Membership subscription and/or your Direct Debit during the subscription period, the outstanding balance for the full subscription period of your membership will become immediately due and payable.  For example, if you take out a 12-month RHS Membership which you pay by a monthly Direct Debit and you cancel after 4 months, you must pay for the remaining 8 months of your subscription.

6. Gift Aid

6.1. Some RHS Membership subscriptions may be eligible for gift aid.  We may ask you to complete a gift aid declaration when joining, renewing or during your membership.  The gift aid declaration sets out the requirements for gift aid.

6.2. If your RHS Membership is set up as eligible for gift aid, you must notify Membership Services of any changes to your circumstances which might affect gift aid, or if you wish to cancel your gift aid declaration.

6.3. If you have any queries relating to gift aid on your RHS Membership or would like to understand what gift aid has been claimed on your RHS Membership, you may contact Membership Services.

7. RHS Membership card

7.1. We will issue you with an RHS Membership card for each period of your membership as evidence of your RHS Membership.

7.2. If you have not received your RHS Membership card but you have paid all subscriptions that are due, you may still access RHS Gardens by showing proof of your identity and access RHS Partner Gardens by showing your confirmation email of your RHS Membership. 

7.3. If you have not received you RHS Membership card, or it has been lost or damaged, you should contact Membership Services to report it and request a replacement.  If two or more replacements have been issued to you in the previous 12 months, we may charge an administrative fee of £10 to issue a further replacement card.

7.4. RHS Membership benefits and the use of your RHS Membership card are for the named member(s) only.  If we have reasonable grounds to suspect that others are using your RHS Membership benefits or card, we may cancel use of your RHS Membership card, immediately suspend your RHS Membership and access to benefits (including access to any of the RHS Gardens) and initiate a complaint process that may result in the termination of your RHS Membership.

8. Membership Benefits

8.1. As an RHS Member, you are entitled to the RHS Membership benefits that are associated with your category of RHS Membership, provided you are not in arrears with the payment of your subscriptions that are due.  Details of RHS Membership benefits associated with each category of RHS Membership are published above and on the RHS website.

8.2. We may, acting reasonably, vary the RHS Membership benefits at any time without notice.

8.3. Certain RHS membership benefits may be unavailable from time to time including due to events beyond our reasonable control.  For example, RHS Gardens may be closed in certain weather conditions.

8.4. At the time of publication of these Terms, and always subject to availability, RHS Membership benefits may include the following where specified within the relevant category of RHS Membership:
8.4.1. Admission to RHS Gardens on presentation of a valid RHS Membership Card by the rightful card holder.  Except as set out in paragraph 7.2, no other form of identity may be used for right of access.  You may be accompanied by one or more guests only if permitted under the relevant category of RHS Membership.
8.4.2. Admission to RHS Partner Gardens, for free or at a reduced entry price at specially selected periods of the year, in accordance with the terms and conditions of entry for that RHS Partner Garden.
8.4.3. The opportunity to purchase tickets to some RHS Shows and events at members’ rates.  The availability of such tickets is limited and tickets for any specific day or days and particular times cannot be guaranteed.  The number of tickets that you may purchase may vary and will be subject to availability.  You must be an RHS Member at the time you purchase the tickets and on the date of entry for the ticketed RHS Show or event.  Tickets are subject to separate terms and conditions, as notified at time of purchase or as set out on the RHS website. 
8.4.4. The opportunity to seek gardening and horticultural advice from RHS Gardening Advice for personal use only.  We may withhold advice if we consider that you are using the service for commercial use or benefit.  To ensure fair usage, we may limit the number of enquiries you can make.
8.4.5. The opportunity to receive the RHS’s magazine, The Garden.  We issue The Garden magazine at a frequency, and using publication methods, determined by us.  If we issue a print copy to you, we may include any leaflet, brochure, booklet or such other item as an insert in or carrier for The Garden.  These inserts and carriers may include advertisements for products or services provided by the RHS or any third party.  If you don’t receive a print copy of The Garden that you were due to receive, we are not required to issue a replacement print copy, and we may provide you with access to a digital copy.
8.4.6. The opportunity to join the RHS library lending service as set out on the RHS website. 

9. Members’ Voting Rights

9.1. If you are an RHS Member aged 18 or over, you are entitled to one vote at any RHS general meeting, election or poll.

9.2. For an election or poll conducted by postal and/or electronic ballot, you will only be eligible to vote if you are an RHS Member on the date that the voting papers are issued or the date the invitation to vote electronically is issued, as applicable.

10. Members’ obligations

10.1. You must notify Membership Services of any change to your address, email address or other contact details as soon as is possible.  We will not be responsible for any losses, including any loss of Membership benefits, that may result from your failure to notify us of your change of address, email address or contact details.

10.2. When acting in your capacity as a member, you must act in the interests of the RHS and in a way that is consistent with the objectives of the RHS.  

10.3. You must abide by our decisions and we commit to using our best endeavours to act reasonably and fairly, in accordance with our rules.

10.4. You must comply with these Terms and all relevant terms of entry and ticketing for RHS Gardens, RHS Shows and other RHS events.

10.5. You must treat our employees, volunteers, other RHS Members and visitors with respect, and in such a way not to cause offence or annoyance.

10.6. You may not use for your personal or commercial benefit any of our trade marks (such as RHS, Royal Horticultural Society and Chelsea Flower Show) or any statement, initials or logo implying your membership of the RHS, unless specifically authorised by the RHS.  You may not copy or reproduce any of the RHS logos (such as the RHS tree logo).

11. Complaints

11.1. You may raise a complaint relating to your RHS Membership in accordance with RHS Feedback Policy / RHS or by contacting Membership Services.

11.2. If you raise a valid complaint that you have been denied access to your membership benefits, other than as permitted by these Terms, we may offer to extend the period of your membership by a period that we consider appropriate in the circumstances.

11.3. You may raise a complaint under Bye-law 2.11, relating to the conduct of an individual RHS Member, an RHS Member organisation or a representative of an RHS Member organisation, by writing to RHSsecretary@rhs.org.uk. 

12. Renewal, suspension and cancellation of Membership

12.1. The RHS will specify the period of membership for each category of RHS Membership and the arrangements for renewal on the RHS website. 

12.2. We may suspend access to your benefits and rights of RHS Membership:
12.2.1. at any time if the payment of your subscriptions is outstanding following the due date;
12.2.2. whilst we conduct any necessary investigations if we receive a complaint relating to your conduct; or
12.2.3. otherwise in accordance with these Terms.

12.3. You may cancel your RHS Membership by contacting Membership Services (and subject always to paragraph 12.5 of these Terms).

12.4. We may cancel your RHS Membership if:
12.4.1. we have not received any subscription due and payable within 90 days of the due date;
12.4.2. you do not comply with these Terms or any terms of entry for RHS gardens, premises or property; or
12.4.3. after considering a complaint relating to your conduct, the RHS’s determination, acting reasonably and in good faith, is that your membership should be cancelled.

12.5. If your RHS Membership is cancelled under paragraphs 12.3 or 12.4, you must pay for any outstanding unpaid subscription amount up until the expiry of your membership or any other sums that are due to us.  We will not refund a membership subscription, or other sums already paid to us, unless we are required to under applicable laws or we determine it is in our interests to do so.

12.6. Access to your benefits and rights of RHS Membership will end on the day following the cancellation of your RHS Membership. 

12.7. Please contact Membership Services to notify us of a death of an RHS Member so that we can cancel their membership.

13. Member communications and privacy policy

13.1. By becoming an RHS Member, you agree to the RHS using your personal information to process your membership and to manage your membership as set out in the Privacy Policy.

13.2. As part of your RHS Membership, we may send you the following by email and post:
13.2.1. RHS news and information about RHS Gardens, RHS Shows and RHS Partner Gardens;
13.2.2. information about the work that the RHS does and the products and services it offers;
13.2.3. information about your RHS Membership and RHS Membership benefits;
13.2.4. special RHS Membership benefits and offers, including Members’ Day tickets for RHS shows and events;
13.2.5. special promotional offers for RHS and partner products; and
13.2.6. gardening tips.

13.3. You may unsubscribe from the majority of post, emails or phone calls at any time by contacting Membership Services.  We may still contact you about your voting rights or other non-marketing important information that you need to know such as:
13.3.1. your direct debit and Gift Aid confirmations;
13.3.2. renewal reminders and any information about your renewal or cancellation;
13.3.3. confirmation of changes we have made to your name or contact information that you have requested; and
13.3.4. any changes to the RHS Bye-laws, these Terms or to our Privacy Policy that you need to know about.

13.4. Please read the members section in the Privacy Policy for more information. 

14. Liability

14.1. We do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful to do so. This includes liability for death or personal injury caused by our or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

14.2. If we fail to comply with these Terms, we are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breach of these Terms, but we are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable.

14.3. If defective digital content that we have supplied damages a device or digital content belonging to you, we will either repair the damage or pay you compensation.  However, we will not be liable for damage that you could have avoided by following our advice to apply an update offered to you free of charge, or for damage that was caused by you failing to correctly follow installation instructions or to have in place the minimum system requirements that we advised.

14.4. We will have no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity.

15. Miscellaneous

15.1. If you have any queries or wish to contact us, please contact Membership Services.

15.2. We may transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to another legal entity under our control.  We will always tell you in writing if this happens and we will ensure that the transfer will not affect your rights under these Terms.

15.3. You may only transfer your rights or your obligations under these Terms to another person if we agree in writing.

15.4. These Terms are “Regulations” under the RHS Bye-laws.  

15.5. These Terms are a legal agreement between you and us and do not give rise to any rights to any third party to enforce any of these Terms.

15.6. These Terms are construed and governed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and both we and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.