Applications for DHF membership - Terms and conditions
Purpose of these Terms and Conditions
The DHF Terms and Conditions of Membership exist to protect the integrity, value, and reputation of the federation as a trusted trade association. They are designed to enable all members to meet consistent, high standards, and that the benefits of DHF membership are preserved for those who are committed to adhering to legal compliance, professionalism, and safety.
As a not-for-profit organisation committed to raising industry standards. These obligations are in place for the benefit of all members, providing assurance to clients, specifiers, and regulators that membership signifies a meaningful commitment to best practice.
- Meetings
All members are invited to attend meetings that are relevant to the product or service that they provide. These are known as ‘Group Meetings’. Each product group normally has two meetings per year covering such topics as:
- Change in legislation and how it affects business
- Latest updates in standards
- How can DHF help your business gain competitive advantage
These meetings are held either face to face or via a video platform such as Microsoft Teams.
It is in a member’s interest to attend at least one meeting per year.
- Training Requirements
There are certain training requirements for specific groups. Those legal entities applying for or holding DHF membership who operate within Automated Gates, Industrial Doors & Shutters, or Garage Doors must employ at least one individual who has:
- Attended the DHF 2-day safety and legislation training course relevant to the product sector (Automated Gates, Industrial Doors & Shutters, or Garage Doors),
- Successfully covered the requirements of the Complimentary Conformity Advice (CCA) session at the end of Day 2,
- Holds sufficient responsibility within the company to influence or implement compliance processes.
Failure to meet these training obligations may lead to rejection or suspension of membership.
- Misrepresentation and Compliance
- Misrepresentation of DHF membership status by any business operating within a Group—where not all relevant entities have met the membership and training obligations—may result in formal investigation under the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- DHF reserves the right to suspend or terminate the membership of any business, or Group, whose actions are found to bring the federation into disrepute.
- Group Membership Requirements
This section is relevant to those companies who have a business model where there is a parent company, cooperative, pyramid or franchise agreements in place.
Where two or more establishments are trading relevant products, whether in the UK or Ireland, and are operating under the same brand name and/or common ownership, they shall be considered a Group for DHF membership purposes. Accordingly:
- If a Group comprises branches or wholly owned subsidiaries of a single legal entity, the total relevant turnovers may be aggregated to determine the appropriate membership subscription band.
- If a Group is made up of separate legal entities operating under an agreement e.g. franchisor and franchisee(s) or cooperative etc, the turnovers cannot be aggregated, and each legal entity will be assessed individually for subscription and training purposes.
- All entities within the Group, whether aggregated or individually assessed, are individually required to comply with all DHF training requirements relevant to the products they supply or service.
- It is not permitted for only some members of a Group to be or become DHF members while others are not.
- Code of Conduct and Governance
If there is any uncertainty about how this applies to your business, please contact membership@dhfonline.org.uk for clarification.
By signing the membership application, applicants confirm they will:
- Adhere to the Memorandum & Articles of Association and any DHF Codes of Conduct in force,
- Comply with the training, insurance, and product compliance requirements laid out in the Membership Pack,
- Allow DHF to conduct credit checks and circulate application details to existing members as part of the standard approval process.
