Last updated January 2025

These Terms and Conditions set out what you can expect from Cochrane (“we” or “us”) in terms of services or benefits provided to a Member (“you”). They also set out the rules to which you must agree in order to gain membership of Cochrane.

The CochraneCollaboration's Articles of Association set out our legal definition and specifications for membership. These Terms and Conditions provide further practical detail for Members, but they do not supersede the Articles of Association.

Cochrane is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (number 1045921), whose registered office is at 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, United Kingdom.

1. Membership definition

A "Member" of Cochrane is an individual who meets the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 2 of these Terms and Conditions and has confirmed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

2. Eligibility to be a Member

We operate a contribution-based membership system. You will be eligible to become a Cochrane Member for a defined time-period once you have contributed substantively to Cochrane by completing volunteering activities, or by publishing on the Cochrane Library, or by undertaking a core role in a Cochrane Group.

Cochrane Membership is open to anyone who has reached the required membership thresholds, detailed on our website, with the exception of those currently employed by:

• Pharmaceutical companies; and
• Medical device companies.

Employees working in these industries are considered to have potential conflicts of interest in Cochrane’s work and so they are not eligible to become Cochrane Members. We reserve the right to update and expand the eligibility criteria in accordance with paragraph 12 of these Terms and Conditions.

3. Commitments of a Member

In accepting membership you will be:

• Committing to abide by the rules, principles, policies and regulations of Cochrane as established by its Governing Board. Noting in particular the limited liability of members in the unlikely event of Cochrane ceasing to operate, as set out in section 29 of the Articles of Association.
• Confirming that you are eligible to become a Member as set out in paragraph 2 of these Terms and Conditions, and that you will inform us if, at a later date, you cease to be eligible.

4. Membership must be earned

Membership is an acknowledgement of what you have contributed to Cochrane. It is not possible to pay to gain membership; you can only gain membership through contributions.

5. Member benefits

Current benefits include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• The right to share your digital Cochrane membership badge and other membership resources (for personal use only)
• The right to stand for internal governance positions.
• The right to vote in Cochrane elections and at general meetings.
• Discounts for certain Cochrane subscriptions

Member benefits are not transferable.

6. Member communications

As a member you will receive a membership email bulletin that will cover essential information regarding available internal governance positions, voting, AGM's and other information linked to your membership. You must have opted into receive promotional communications to receive these emails.

We will also send you emails regarding your membership, for example reminders to complete contributions to maintain your membership, if you will be eligible for another membership term or if your membership has expired. These non-promotional emails will be sent regardless of whether you have opted into receive promotional communications from Cochrane.

7. Duration of Membership

Standard membership is time-limited. Membership terms vary depending on the contributions made as detailed on our website. You will be informed in advance of your membership expiring so that you can undertake further contributions to retain your Member status. If your membership expires you will no longer be entitled to the benefits of membership as set out in paragraph 5 of these Terms and Conditions.

Role-based memberships are limited to the duration of your role in a Cochrane Group. When a person leaves their role, Cochrane may grant a subsequent time limited membership at their discretion.

Lifetime and Emeritus memberships are not time limited and are only achieved via the nomination process set out on our website.

8. Our right to refuse or withdraw Membership

In accordance with clause 5 of our Articles of Association, the Governing Board reserves the right to refuse or withdraw an individual's membership.

9. Your right to end your Membership

You may cancel your membership at any time by contacting support@cochrane.org . Once your membership has been cancelled you will no longer be entitled to the benefits of membership as set out in paragraph 5 of these Terms and Conditions.

10. Transferability

Membership is not transferable.

11. Queries, comments and complaints

We aim to respond to any query or complaint received within five (5) working days. This may be an acknowledgement that we have received your query or complaint whilst further investigations are carried out.

You can contact us:

• by email: support@cochrane.org;
• by telephone: +44 (0)207 183 7503 (lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm UK time) (excluding UK public holidays); or
• by post: Cochrane, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, UK.

12. Variation

We may change these Terms and Conditions at any time upon giving you 14 days' written notice. The most recent edition of these Terms and Conditions will be binding for all Members.