Terms and conditions

 
 

These terms and conditions apply to your use of the Women in Fisheries website.

Please read the Terms of Use carefully before you start to use the Site. By using the Site, you indicate that you accept these Terms of Use and that you agree to abide by them. If you do not agree to these Terms of Use, you do not have permission to use the Site.

From this point on, ‘the Network’, ‘us’ or ‘we’ will refer to the Women in Fisheries network, its founding members and associated organisations.

The term ‘this (web)site’ or ‘our (web)site’ will from now on relate to the Network’s website and all the related sites hosted on the same server which link to this disclaimer.

The Network’s site contains links to internet sites maintained by others. These links are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by the Network of the content on those third-party sites. The Network is not responsible for the content of linked third-party sites or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them and does not make any representations regarding the content or accuracy of materials on such third-party sites. The Network cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and has no control over the availability of the linked pages.

All rights to the content of this site are owned, controlled or licensed by or to the Network and its parent institutions and are protected by all applicable English or international intellectual property laws.

The Network shall have the right, at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these Terms of Use, such change shall be effective immediately upon posting to the site. You are responsible for regularly reviewing these Terms of Use to obtain timely notice of any such changes, as they are binding on you.

You may only use the site for lawful purposes. You may not use the site:

  • In any way that breaches any applicable local, national or international law or regulation.

  • In any way that is unlawful or fraudulent, or has any unlawful or fraudulent intent purpose or effect.

  • To transmit, or procure the sending of, any unsolicited or unauthorised advertising or promotional material or any other form of similar solicitation (spam).

  • To knowingly distribute any material that contains viruses, Trojan horses, worms, time-bombs, keystroke loggers, spyware, adware or any other harmful programs or similar computer code designed to adversely affect the operation of any computer software or communications network or hardware.

    Membership Directory

  • The Membership Directory is intended solely for enabling women to create professional connections within the WIF network.

  • Members are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide and for respecting the privacy of other members.

  • WIF commits to protecting access to the Membership Directory and will not share data with third parties. However, WIF is not liable for unauthorised sharing by other members.

  • Members may not use Membership Directory information for mass marketing, external solicitations, or any purposes outside the WIF network. Members found to have abused the security of the Membership Directory will be excluded from the network.

  • Any misuse of the Membership Directory must be reported immediately. WIF reserves the right to remove profiles or revoke membership in cases of violation.

  • The Membership Directory is run by Community Box. Find out more about the Community Box Privacy Policy here

Mentorship Matchmaking Code of Conduct


By participating in this programme, both mentors and mentees agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Programme overview

  • The WIF Mentoring Matchmaking Service provides a platform to connect industry professionals to support career development, skill-building, and support mentees. The mentoring relationship is voluntary and based on mutual respect, shared goals, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

  • The mentoring programme is a fully voluntary programme; no fees or payments should be exchanged between mentors and mentees for any mentoring activities or advice. 

  • All mentors and mentees are responsible for shaping their interactions and setting boundaries, timelines, and expectations together. WIF provides guidelines and support resources but is not responsible for managing individual mentoring sessions.

2. Respect and confidentiality

  • We expect all participants to engage respectfully, valuing each other's time, knowledge, and experiences. Mentors and mentees should discuss and respect each other’s confidentiality needs and use common sense regarding personal and professional information shared.

  • Any sensitive or personal information shared during mentoring sessions should not be disclosed to third parties without the explicit consent of the person sharing it.

3. Safety 

  • WIF encourages all participants to use their best judgment and common sense regarding interactions, whether in person or online. WIF does not take responsibility for any risks associated with meetings held outside the scope of virtual mentoring.

  • For those who choose to meet in person, please prioritise safety by meeting in a public place for initial meetings, notifying a trusted friend or colleague, and using discretion with the location and time of meetings.

4. Expectations and boundaries

  • Each mentoring pair is encouraged to establish a plan that aligns with their schedules, communication preferences, and desired outcomes. Participants are free to decide the frequency, format, and duration of meetings based on their unique needs and availability.

  • Both parties are encouraged to set clear goals for the mentorship and review progress regularly. 

  • WIF will conduct a check-in at six months to gather feedback.


  • The WIF Mentoring Matchmaking Service aims to provide a meaningful experience, but WIF does not guarantee specific outcomes from mentorship or compatibility between mentors and mentees.

  • WIF is not liable for the actions, advice, or outcomes resulting from mentorship activities. Participants should assess any advice or guidance and make decisions based on their own discretion.

5. Termination

  • Either party is free to end the mentoring relationship at any time if it is no longer beneficial or comfortable. Participants should inform WIF if the relationship ends and provide feedback to improve future matchmaking.

6. Code of Conduct

  • Discrimination, harassment, or any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Any reports of misconduct will be reviewed by WIF and may result in removal from the programme.