Participation Agreement for the Home Buying and Selling Council (HBSC) Community

Last updated: November 2025

 

1. Purpose of this Agreement

This Participation Agreement sets out the terms under which individuals may take part in the Home Buying and Selling Council (HBSC) Community (“the Community”).

The Community is a collaborative network of professionals and organisations working together to make the home buying and selling process simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone.

This Agreement applies to all individuals who have been invited to participate in the Community, whether in a personal capacity or as representatives of their organisations.

 

2. Chatham House Rule

All HBSC Community discussions, whether online or in person, are held under the Chatham House Rule:

Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

This ensures open, respectful, and constructive conversation where ideas can be shared freely.

 

3. Confidentiality

Participants agree to treat as confidential any draft, unpublished, or commercially sensitive materials shared within the Community and to use such information solely for the purpose of furthering HBSC’s objectives.

Confidential information must not be copied, disclosed, or distributed outside the Community without prior written permission from HBSC or the originator of the material.

 

4. Use of Materials

All materials, presentations, documents, and resources shared within the HBSC Community remain the intellectual property of their respective authors or the HBSC.

Members may:

• Reference or share materials internally within their organisation, provided attribution to HBSC or the author is retained.
  
  
• Use the information to inform internal policy, process improvement, or staff training.
  
  

Members may not:

• Republish, upload, or distribute HBSC materials publicly.
  
  
• Rebrand, edit, or reproduce materials for commercial purposes.
  
  
• Present HBSC content externally without express written consent.
  
  

 

5. Data Protection

HBSC will store participant details securely and use them only for purposes directly related to Community participation, including communications about meetings, updates, and collaborative initiatives.

Contact details will not be shared publicly or with third parties without prior consent.
Members may request removal of their data or withdraw participation at any time by contacting:
[email protected]

 

6. Conduct and Participation

Members are expected to:

• Engage respectfully and contribute constructively to discussions.
  
  
• Avoid any behaviour that may be discriminatory, defamatory, or otherwise inappropriate.
  
  
• Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
  
  

HBSC reserves the right to revoke membership or remove individuals who fail to comply with these terms or whose participation is deemed inconsistent with the Council's objectives.

 

7. Term and Termination

Participation continues unless withdrawn by the member or revoked by HBSC.
Members may request to leave the Community at any time by emailing [email protected].

 

8. Agreement and Acceptance

By checking the box or signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the HBSC Participation Agreement and the principles set out above.

 

Name: ____________________________________

Organisation: ______________________________

Email: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________________________