Terms & Conditions
1. Copyright & Intellectual Property
Ownership: All written, photographic, design, audio, video content, course materials, presentations, downloads, logos, software and resources used by the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Scheme are owned by or licensed to the WiSe Scheme and are protected by copyright and intellectual property law.
Usage Restrictions: Course materials and resources are provided for the personal use of registered participants only. They may not be copied, reproduced, recorded, distributed, shared, uploaded, adapted or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Participants may download or print one copy for their own personal, non-commercial use.
Recording Training: Participants must not record, photograph, livestream or otherwise reproduce any part of WiSe training sessions, whether delivered online or in person, without the prior written permission of the WiSe Scheme.
Trademarks: All names, logos, slogans and branding displayed by the WiSe Scheme remain the property of the WiSe Scheme or their respective owners.
2. Operator Certification & Conduct
Certification Period: WiSe certification is valid for three years from the date of successful course completion.
Awarding Certification: Certification is only awarded once a participant has:
- Successfully completed the required training;
- Paid the applicable course fee; and
- Signed the WiSe Declaration.
The WiSe Scheme reserves the right not to issue certification where these requirements have not been met.
Commitment to Best Practice: Certified operators agree to follow the WiSe Codes of Conduct, the UK Government Marine & Coastal Wildlife Code, and all relevant local, national and international legislation and byelaws.
Professional Conduct: Participants are expected to behave respectfully towards tutors and other delegates during training. The WiSe Scheme reserves the right to remove anyone displaying abusive, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour without refund.
Disciplinary Action: Three substantiated breaches of the WiSe Code may result in immediate suspension of certification and logo use for a minimum period of 12 months.
Legal Proceedings: Certification may be suspended immediately where an operator, guide, employee or affiliated business is subject to legal proceedings relating to wildlife crime or is found guilty of such an offence.
Where a live court case is ongoing, certification may remain suspended for a period of up to three years, after which the case will be reviewed at the discretion of the Directors. Where an individual representing, employed by, or acting on behalf of a company is convicted of a wildlife crime, the Directors reserve the right to suspend the certification of the wider company and/or its associated employees for a period of up to three years where this is considered necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the scheme. Any reinstatement following suspension will be subject to Director review and approval at their sole discretion.
Certification & Presence: WiSe certification is awarded to the named individual who has attended and successfully completed the full WiSe training programme and signed the WiSe Declaration.
Certification is personal to that named individual and is not transferable to any other person.
WiSe certification is only valid for an activity when the certified WiSe holder is personally present and actively participating in the operation.
Where a certified individual works for, represents or operates vessels or activities on behalf of more than one company, business or vessel, their WiSe certification remains personal to them and is valid only when they are personally present at the activity.
A company, business or vessel may not use an individual's WiSe training or certification to represent that other personnel are WiSe certified or to operate under that individual's certification when the certified holder is not present.
The certified WiSe holder must have proof of their current WiSe certification available while operating and should be able to provide this upon request.
The WiSe Scheme may encourage customers to look for and verify the current WiSe certification of the person leading or participating in their wildlife-watching activity.
3. Course Bookings & Payments
Course fees must be paid in full before certification can be awarded. Course places are transferable only with prior agreement from the WiSe Scheme.
We reserve the right to alter course dates, venues or tutors where necessary.
4. Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course may receive a refund (less any administration fee if applicable).
Unfortunately, refunds cannot normally be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the course, although transfers may be offered at the discretion of the WiSe Scheme.
Should the WiSe Scheme cancel a course, participants will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
5. Course Content
The WiSe Scheme continually reviews and updates its training and resources to reflect current scientific evidence, legislation and best practice. Course content, speakers and materials may therefore change without prior notice.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, the WiSe Scheme accepts no liability for decisions made solely on the basis of course content.
6. Website & Online Services
We aim to ensure our website and online training platforms are available at all times. However, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access and accept no liability for temporary outages caused by technical issues beyond our control.
7. Logo Use & Branding Guidelines:
The Wildlife Safe (WiSe) Logo is the intellectual property of The Wildlife Safe Scheme and any misuse, misrepresentation or replication may result in legal proceedings.
Logo & Individual Certification: The WiSe logo may only be used to represent an individual, company, business or vessel where the relevant WiSe certification is current and the certified WiSe holder is personally present at the activity.
An organisation, company or vessel must not use the WiSe logo or certification of an individual when that individual is not present.
Where a certified individual works across multiple companies, businesses or vessels, their WiSe certification does not automatically extend to those businesses, vessels or their other operating personnel.
Each operation must comply with the applicable WiSe certification and registration requirements.
Logo Entitlement: WiSe logos and stickers are intellectual property supplied only to individuals and operators who have completed the full course requirements and maintain current certification.
Prerequisites: Entitlement is strictly conditional upon the submission of a signed WiSe Declaration and a completed Operator Registration Form.
Authorised Usage: Certified operators may display the logo on digital platforms (websites/social media), physical assets (vessels/vehicles), and marketing or educational materials.
Prohibited Actions: You must not alter the logo in any way (colours, elements, or effects), display it after certification expiry, or transfer the logo to non-certified third parties.
Mandatory Removal: Upon expiration or revocation, you must remove all digital logos within 7 days and physical logos within 30 days.
8. Privacy & Data Handling
Any personal information collected by the WiSe Scheme will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection legislation. We do not share your details with third parties.
Public Listing: By signing the Operator Declaration, you agree to WiSe using your name, commercial details, and operation description to publicise your trained status on our website.
Data Retention: Personal and professional data will be held for a minimum of six years. You may request to update, correct, or delete your information by contacting info@thewisescheme.org.
9. Force Majeure
The WiSe Scheme shall not be liable for delays, cancellations or changes resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, illness, technical failures, industrial action or government restrictions.
10. Changes to these Terms
We reserve the right to update or change this Website and these terms and conditions at any time, without prior notice.
11. Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair and flexible as possible.
More than 14 days before the course: A full refund or transfer to an alternative course date will be offered.
7–14 days before the course: You may transfer to another course date or receive a 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the course: Transfers may be offered at the discretion of the WiSe Scheme.
If WiSe cancels a course: You will receive a full refund or be offered priority rebooking onto a future course.
We recognise that exceptional circumstances can arise and will always aim to be as flexible and understanding as possible.
12. Complaints
If you have any complaints or concerns regarding our services, please contact us by email at info@thewisescheme.org.
13. General Provisions
Contact Responsibility: Any emails we send will be sent to the email address you provide. It is your responsibility to ensure that your contact details, including your email address and telephone number, are accurate and kept up to date.
No Waiver: If either party does not enforce any right under these terms, this does not mean that the right is waived and does not prevent it from being enforced at a later date.
Severability: If any part of these terms is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that part will be treated as removed. This will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms.