Table of Contents

1. Code of Conduct & Ethics
2. Responsibilities of Membership
3. Intellectual Property/Non-Disclosure Agreement
4. Other ProVisors Policies
5. Process: Addressing Breaches of Agreement

Overview

ProVisors has a rich history of bringing together experienced Trusted Advisors for meaningful networking. Through our 30+ year history, we have developed processes, policies and guidelines that help foster a safe and productive environment for our Members. We subscribe to the philosophy that “strong fences make good neighbors,” so as you read this document, please know that its primary intent is to help prevent or minimize any Member misconduct or misunderstandings.

By joining ProVisors, you are agreeing to read, acknowledge and honor the policies and processes detailed in this, the Provisors’ Code of Conduct (including the arbitration provisions), the Member Handbook and any further policies and procedures that ProVisors may implement (after notice) from time to time.  These are collectively referred to as the ProVisors’ “Member Agreements.”

A current version of ProVisors’ Member Agreements can always be found on the ProVisors Hub, and Members will be asked to review the most current version on a regular basis. If you have any questions, please connect with your Group Leader or your ProVisors Regional Director.

  

I. Code of Conduct & Ethics

  

II. Responsibilities of Membership

To optimize the value that Members both bring and derive from Membership, you acknowledge and agree to honor the following responsibilities:

1. Ethics: I have read the ProVisors Code of Conduct and Ethics and agree to abide by it.
2. Participation: I will get to know each Member of my group. I will endeavor to attend at least 75% of my group’s meetings or the number of meetings that my group requests, whichever is greater, and one New Member Orientation during my first year of Membership. In subsequent years of Membership, I will commit to attending at least 75% of my group’s meetings, or the number of meetings that my group requests – whichever is greater. I will RSVP online in advance of each month’s meeting. I will participate in my assigned Troikas.
3. Collaboration: I will exchange referrals with and provide introductions to Members of my group and throughout the ProVisors community.
4. Referrals: I will read and follow “Referral Etiquette Guidelines,” as described in the Member Handbook. I will communicate the outcomes of referrals to the referring parties in a timely manner, regardless of whether business actually transpired. As appropriate, I will publicly acknowledge referrals during group meetings.
5. Referral Fees: I will not request a referral fee from another Member of ProVisors.
6. Information Sharing: I will be a resource and proactively share information with my fellow Members.
7. Recruiting: I will foster the continued success of ProVisors by identifying qualified new Members. I will ask the Candidate to contact the ProVisors Regional Director to be vetted for suitability and availability. I understand that Guesting is to be approved by the relevant Group Leader, and I should not invite Candidates to Guest without the express consent of the Group Leader and the ProVisors Regional Director.
8. Engaging the Services of a Member: If I engage the services of a ProVisors Member or provide services to another Member, I will resolve any disputes regarding such service (including fees) directly with that Member. I will not involve the ProVisors community, including Professionals Network Group, Inc. (“PNG”), in any such disputes.
9. Non-Solicitation: I will abide by ProVisors’ non-solicitation policy and will not directly solicit business from other Members or ProVisors Staff, solicit personal business, or ask for referrals from other Members. I understand that my ProVisors’ Membership allows me to do business with other Members’ clients.
10. Membership Database Terms of Use:  Access to ProVisors’ online Membership database is an exclusive benefit of Membership in ProVisors. I will not sell, rent, or share ProVisors’ Membership directory, or allow non-ProVisors Members to view ProVisors’ Membership directory.
11. Membership: I understand that my Membership is individual, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Membership renewal is subject to approval by ProVisors and the Group Leader.

  

III. Intellectual Property/Non-Disclosure Agreement

Through your affiliation with ProVisors, you may gain access to information of a confidential, proprietary, or trade secret nature (“Confidential Information”) relating to the business of ProVisors, its Members, and their clients. You agree to protect this Confidential Information as follows:

1. ProVisors encourages you to introduce Members to non-Members for prospective business opportunities, and to identify potential new Members who may be interested in joining ProVisors (“Permitted Uses of Confidential Information”). In complying with the Permitted Uses of Confidential Information, you may provide to a non-Member the names of ProVisors’ Members, their contact information, and their occupations only on a need-to know basis for the purpose of developing a prospective business opportunity for such Member or for encouraging a non-Member to Guest at a ProVisors meeting or to join ProVisors.
2. Subject to the limited Permitted Uses of Confidential Information described above, you agree that you will keep strictly confidential all ProVisors’ Confidential Information and that you will not, directly or indirectly, either while you are a Member with ProVisors or at any time after it: (i) use, publish, or otherwise disclose to any third party any ProVisors’ Confidential Information in any format or medium, except with the express written consent of the CEO of ProVisors, or as otherwise required by law, or (ii) use, publish, or otherwise disclose ProVisors’ Confidential Information in any format or medium for your benefit to compete with ProVisors or to use for spamming or other unauthorized contact with Members, or for the benefit of any other person or entity to compete with ProVisors or to use for spamming or other unauthorized contact with Members, or (iii) publish or allow to be published or disclosed, any ProVisors’ Confidential Information to any person who is not affiliated with ProVisors, except with the express written consent of the CEO of ProVisors. “Confidential Information” means information, whether or not marked as “confidential” or “proprietary” and whether or not in electronic or documentary form, relating to, without limitation, past, present, or future research, development, financial, technological, or business activities of ProVisors, including, but not limited to, ProVisors’ Member Handbook, Member lists, Vacancy Checklist, strategic partner lists, data about Members and their businesses, marketing information, ProVisors’ website content and design, computer software, research, designs, know-how, inventions, methods of operation, copyrightable material, patentable material, trademarkable material, and other intellectual property and trade secrets (as defined in the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act).
3. Any contribution or suggestion made to ProVisors about ProVisors by a Member becomes the intellectual property of ProVisors.

  

IV. Other ProVisors Policies

A) Membership Policy

Membership is limited to one person per firm per ProVisors group. Memberships are individual, non-transferable, and non-refundable. ProVisors does not offer corporate rates or shared Memberships.

Only Memberships that are paid in full are considered active Memberships. The annual renewal date is based on the month in which the Member initially joined and full payment was received.

All new Members are on probation for the first year. Membership renewal is at the discretion of ProVisors and the Group Leader and is based upon demonstrating commitment to the Responsibilities of Membership, which includes a minimum of 75% attendance at group meetings, or the number of meetings that my group requests, whichever is greater, and all Troikas, proactive collaboration, providing referrals, and information sharing with other ProVisors Members.

1. Joining a Second Group

New Members must wait a minimum of six months before asking to join a second group. Joining a second group is subject to Group Leader approval based on the Member’s attendance, commitment, and contributions to the “Home Group” of the Member and seat availability in the desired new group. A new ProVisors group must be open three months before accepting a Member joining as a second group; no more than three current Members will be allowed to add the new group as a second Membership three months after opening (functionally month four).

2. Transferring to Another Group

A Member must be in their original Home Group for a minimum of one (1) year before requesting to transfer to another ProVisors group. This ensures continuity in a group and fosters the “Know. Like. Trust. Refer.” model of ProVisors. If a transfer is desired, the Member must first get approval from the Regional Director, as there may be someone else pending in the Member’s category for the group to which the Member seeks to transfer. The Member must then obtain approval from the new Group Leader and inform the Member’s current Group Leader. A new ProVisors group must be open six months before accepting a Member transferring to the group; no more than three current Members can transfer to the group six months after its opening (in month seven).

3. Membership Sabbaticals

A sabbatical may be requested when a Member knows they are not able to participate for an extended period of time but wish to retain Membership with ProVisors. A sabbatical is intended for absences greater than 2 months – for reasons such as medical leave, maternity leave, extended travel/court needs, etc. and requires approval by the GL, RD and VP of Membership and/or COO. If a sabbatical is approved, the sabbatical begins on the first day of the next month following approval of the request. There are no partial month sabbaticals – they are all from the first of a month until the end of a month.

Sabbaticals may be requested for a minimum of two (2) months and up to a maximum of six (6) months. Once a sabbatical is approved, the ProVisors office will place the Membership on hold. Upon return, the ProVisors office will “reset” the Membership termination date to accommodate the additional months of Membership. During the approved sabbatical, the Member is disconnected from the Hub, and unable to attend any ProVisors events. Any previously scheduled meetings, events and any other reservations will be canceled. It is up to the Member to contact ProVisors when they are ready to become an active Member again, this process is not automated (The Member will need to re-register for meetings upon their return with the help of their MSR.)

During a sabbatical, a Member’s spot in their Home Group is not necessarily held open. Upon conclusion of the sabbatical, the Member may not be able to return to his/her original group as that group may have already recruited other professionals in specific industry segments.  Returning Members are responsible for contacting their Regional Director to discuss if the opportunity to return to their original group is still available or if a recommendation to another group is necessary.  If a sabbatical exceeds six (6) months, the additional months will be subtracted from the remaining term of their Membership.

4. Membership Renewal Process

Within 90-days of the Membership expiration date, the Group Leader will be notified by ProVisors management. The Group Leader will verify that each Member up for renewal is a Member in good standing. Among other factors they will consider the testimonials and commerce generated by each Member as they make this assessment. They will identify current Members not recommended for renewal and/or those Members who have already notified the Group Leader that they do not intend to continue their Membership.

Within 60-days of Membership lapse, the ProVisors management team continues the renewal process through email directly with the Member. Current Members who have already been recommended for non-renewal and/or those Members who have already informed the Group Leader they do not intend to renew, will not be notified during this 60-day process.

Members will receive a 60 day, 30 day and 15 day notice prior to their Membership expiration date. If a Member does not pay their Membership invoice on or before the Membership expiration date, access to the ProVisors Hub will be terminated. Once the Member submits their payment (check, credit card, etc.), all Membership benefits, including access to the Hub, will be restored.

When a Member has allowed their Membership to lapse, they have 30 days to renew online. It is the responsibility of the Member to renew in a timely manner, non-renewal opens up a vacancy in the group that the Member previously occupied and may be quickly filled.

 

B) Recruitment Policy

ProVisors has a specific strategy for growing and strengthening groups in order to improve the value of ProVisors to all of its Members. The key element of that strategy involves a targeted effort to recruit new Members into the organization that fit the profile that we have found to contribute to and receive the most value from ProVisors. Not all professional contacts we make are appropriate candidates for Membership.

Our history has proven that when groups move away from the core Membership of Trusted Advisors with vibrant client bases, the value proposition of the groups (and therefore ProVisors) begins to suffer. As a result, in order to deliver a high-value experience to each of our Members, we are only considering new Members who fit the following profile:

• Trusted Advisor: Influencer with clients who regularly go to him/her for advice, introductions to other professionals, and resources both within and outside of their respective area of expertise or company/firm.  Typically the Member will have 10+ years of experience in their field.
• Referral Maker: Regularly makes and receives quality referrals and introductions. Professionals who are at the top of their game, as well as rainmakers with good deal/client/prospect flow who want to share/connect others.
• Professional: Reflects a high degree of experience, competence, integrity, accountability, and accessibility. Needs to be in good standing, certified and/or licensed in their respective profession.
• Connector: Builds consensus, infuses energy and enthusiasm into the group and connects other professionals to potential resources. Connects at the highest level of decision-making with Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Financial Officers, investors, and Members of a Boards of Directors.
• Markets Served: Principally service middle market companies, established professional service firms and high net-worth individuals. Connect at the center of influence, including owner, CEO, CFO, COO, investor and/or Board of Directors level.

Regardless of how much we like a candidate, if they are not providing advice to the key decision-makers at middle market companies or high net-worth individuals, they will not be able to “give,” no matter how hard they try. Therefore, they are not suitable ProVisors Members. Additionally, being “well connected” is not necessarily equivalent to being a Trusted Advisor.

While Group Leaders will continue to have discretion regarding retaining existing Members, ProVisors is stringent regarding admission of new Members. The categories that seldom hold a Trusted Advisor relationship include but are not limited to: residential real estate brokers; marketing representatives for corporate service providers (i.e., payroll services, software vendors, document management services, etc.); business development/sales representatives for law firms; providers of IT and related services; and providers of graphic design, interior design/architecture, construction and contracting, temporary staffing, or employee leasing.

There may be some individuals in these professions who are Trusted Advisors, referral makers, etc., who would be admitted as Members following the interview process. We strongly encourage groups and Group Leaders to follow the Group Composition Matrix for optimum commerce.

ProVisors makes every effort to not only recruit top level professionals into the group but also to retain a high percentage of these Members, as well.  ProVisors Management, Regional Directors, Group Leaders, each Executive Committee Member and Members, all play an important role in the retention of Membership.

 

C) Exclusivity Policy

Unlike most networking organizations, ProVisors does not promote exclusivity within a profession in a group. This open approach produces these important benefits: larger, more interactive groups which thrive over time; more commerce exchanged among high-level professionals who understand their clients’ needs; and a better opportunity to build relationships with a wide variety of resources and personalities.

The ProVisors’ structure for a group is based on the following concepts:

• Two (2) or more persons in the same profession may want to participate in the same group.
• Membership is on an individual basis. One Member’s personality may not match the client’s style. Often, you may want to refer two or three persons to a client. For some of us, providing more than one referral is a requirement of our profession or firm.
• In addition to personality differences, very few people, even in the same discipline, do the same work. For example, two intellectual property attorneys may have completely distinct practices: one may handle only patents, while the other specializes in trademarks and copyrights. Each group should know these types of distinctions.
• More important than the discipline may be the client base of that person. Two corporate attorneys could fit well in the same group. The size of the firms might be significant (large vs. small). The type of client (technology vs. healthcare providers) may distinguish the two. Also, firm “conflict of interest” could necessitate a referral to the other corporate counselor. The key is to find and emphasize the differences, rather than automatically assuming that the two are competitive and inappropriate for the same group.
• Certain categories of professionals are overly broad. For example, a financial planner might provide life and health insurance products, investment advice, tax counsel, etc. That person should join a ProVisors group focusing on one of those areas of specialty.

ProVisors Group Leaders and the ProVisors office have final discretion over admission, retention, and maintenance of the balance of professions and specialties within groups.

 

D) Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion is a key element of ProVisors’ culture and strategy to ensure that all Members feel valued, supported, known, and trusted. Therefore, we are committed to achieving a Membership mix that reflects the diversity of trusted advisors in the regions we serve. Further, we commit to placing these practices and mindset at the center of our active recruitment, group meetings, relationship building and referrals to help generate more commerce.

Diversity: We value the variety of traits, characteristics, and practices (gender, ethnicity, race, point of view, age, sexual orientation, ability and religion) that comprise one’s individual identity. ProVisors appreciates and welcomes diversity as essential to the development of its Members’ relationships and professional opportunities.

Inclusion: We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which everyone feels respected, valued, and welcome.

 

E) Non-Solicitation Policy

ProVisors adheres to a strict “non-solicitation” policy. This means that our Members cannot sell or pitch services and/or products to each other or ProVisors staff, but they can use one another’s services if they wish.

Our definition of solicitation includes (but is not limited to):

• Directly asking for business
• Any communication that is a direct solicitation to action
• Directly promoting a product or service from which a Member will receive remuneration from the sale or transaction.

Examples of what is unacceptable according to ProVisors’ non-solicitation guidelines:

• A Member using the Troika sheet after a group meeting to email Members about their services. It is not permissible to email other Members to provide company information, ask for referrals, or try to sell them something.
• A Member automatically adding other ProVisors Members or staff to their group email or email newsletter list, without asking them FIRST if they would like to be added.
• A Member using LinkedIn or other channels to solicit business from other Members.
• A Member offering books they have written for sale. (Members may talk about books they have written and post the information on the ProVisors Thought Leadership portal.)
• A Member selling services to ProVisors staff or requesting an introduction to sell services to ProVisors staff.

Approved exceptions to our non-solicitation policy include:

• If a Member asks another Member about his or her service or for individual help, there is an expectation that they can respond directly and provide services to that Member.
• Emailing general information to other Members, as long as:
  • The Member has FIRST asked the other Member(s) and confirmed that they agree to receive newsletters or announcements sent to a bulk distribution mailing list;
  • The content of these emails (which, again, require prior explicit consent) are educational or personal invitations to Member-sponsored events and do NOT ask other Members for business;
  • Communication includes an opportunity to opt-out for any reason at any time so Members can easily choose no longer to receive future emails; and
  • Communication is not for a paid event of any kind.

Note: Any Member who is on the receiving end of an email from a ProVisors colleague should not hesitate to opt out if they do not find the communication useful. Likewise, when someone asks to opt-out of communication, ProVisors’ Members should not be offended, nor should they follow-up to ask why.

Examples of approved exceptions to ProVisors’ non-solicitation guidelines:

• Newsletter emails where information is shared, and nothing is requested – and it is only sent to Members who “opted in” to the distribution list. Eg. a newsletter with an informational article about recent developments in the Member’s field of expertise which does not include any solicitation of business.
• Using the “Introductions” section of the ProVisors Community email to ask for warm introductions to a specific person or specific types of people who may be interested in the Member’s services. (Blanket introduction requests are not permitted.)
• Bringing one-sheets or marketing material to group meetings – if approved in advance by the Group Leader.

Additionally: ProVisors’ non-solicitation policy is, in part, written to help prevent our Members and staff from being inundated by emails. Direct email blasts often create more ill will than goodwill, so even if a Member’s intended use-case is consistent with our approved exceptions, for the sake of their professional brand, we encourage Members to share requests through ProVisors Business Opportunities rather than bulk emailing Members.

 

F) Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

As stated in the Code of Conduct, ProVisors prides itself on guiding principles that include integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and respect. Members who engage in acts of harassment and/or discrimination directly violate these guiding principles.

ProVisors Members must refrain from any act which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other Members. ProVisors Members agree to work together to provide a Membership experience that is free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, or intimidation including, but not limited to, on the basis of gender, sex, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Harassment includes conduct that reasonably could be expected to and/or does interfere with an individual Member’s ability to avail himself or herself of all the benefits available to ProVisors Members or creates an intimidating or hostile environment at any ProVisors event or meeting.

Some examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal/Written: Unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances/invitations or requests for sexual favors; unwanted invitations or comments on appearance, physical conditions or other protected characteristics; racist or derogatory slurs, jokes or comments, intimidation, bullying.
• Visual: Sharing inappropriate content or objects, threatening gestures, or acts of aggression; and
• Physical: Inappropriate physical contact.

All Members are responsible for helping to assure that ProVisors meetings, events and interactions are free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, and intimidation. If a Member witnesses or experiences any such conduct, they are to report the situation to ProVisors management as soon as possible in accordance with the Complaints Procedure set forth in Section V below.

ProVisors will investigate any and all complaints regarding harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, or intimidation including, but not limited to, on the basis of gender, sex, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

 

G) Recording Policy

In the spirit of fostering trust, note taking, recording and/or transcription by artificial intelligence assistants is not permitted in any ProVisors meetings. The only exception to this policy is if explicit permission has been granted by a representative of ProVisors and everyone in the meeting has been informed and consents to be recorded. Violation of this policy will result in Membership review.

 

H) Sensitive Topics Policy: Religion & Politics

While we are proud of all our Members’ accomplishments and charitable contributions, ProVisors takes a neutral stance on politics and religion so as to remain an unbiased and welcoming community for all.

With that in mind, ProVisors’ Members are not permitted to share announcements, posts or email related to political or religious events and topics, nor should Members engage in political/religious conversations during meetings – or during breakout room/chat dialogue when meeting virtually. Additionally, ProVisors’ email broadcasts and ProVisors Business Opportunities are not a forum for political or social causes.

 

I) Meeting Topic Policy

Open dialogue about any topic subject to all views is welcome as long as the meeting is purposeful in promoting relationships and commerce. Outside speakers may lead a discussion, as long as they are a neutral resource for the topic.

 

J) Guesting Policy

ProVisors Membership includes the ability to guest at all other ProVisors Home Groups up to three (3) times at each group during the calendar year, subject to space availability and Group Leader approval. There are exceptions to this policy in new markets. ProVisors reserves the right to alter this policy at any time. We encourage Members to maximize the value of their Membership by guesting at least once a month. Members interested in guesting need to use the Hub to submit their request; it is the responsibility of the Member to check back on the Hub to view their guesting status and ensure their request has been approved before attending the meeting.

 

K) Weather Policy

Member and staff safety is a primary concern, and weather and natural disasters can sometimes cause changes to meeting schedules and to other scheduled activities.  ProVisors meetings and activities may be canceled or shifted to a virtual platform (such as Zoom) due to inclement weather (snowstorm, flash flood, etc.), earthquake, wildfire, and general road/visibility hazards, if deemed necessary.

Group Leaders and ProVisors Staff will make every effort to distribute updates to Members. However, if conditions seem hazardous, we encourage Members to proactively contact their Group Leader or Regional Director to confirm that a meeting or activity is still scheduled.

 

L) Alcohol Policy

Although alcoholic beverages may be available during social and other special events, ProVisors does not sell alcohol, under any circumstances.  If an event is at a restaurant or other venue where alcohol can be purchased, Guests may elect to purchase alcohol directly from a vendor who is licensed to sell it.

We encourage celebration and recognition of Members — responsibly. We ask that we all look out for each other and not let anyone drink to excess and drive. Should Members elect to serve alcohol to their Guests, they agree to assume all related responsibility and hold ProVisors harmless.

 

M) Non-ProVisors Events Policy (Assumption of Risk and Waiver)

ProVisors Members have the opportunity to participate in events and activities that are organized by other ProVisors Members that are neither sponsored nor planned by ProVisors (“Non-ProVisors Events”). ProVisors does not take responsibility for such events, including the safety, equipment, supervision, or training of those involved.

By participating in a Non-ProVisors Event, ProVisors Members (as well as the hosts of the Non-ProVisors Events) assume any and all risks of loss, damage or injury that may occur to them by or as a result of such participation, without limitation or qualification, and they waive all claims against ProVisors, and its Members arising from or related to such assumed risks.

ProVisors may list Non-ProVisors Events on ProVisors’ calendar and send email announcements or reminders of scheduled Non-ProVisors Events, which does not modify or affect in any way the assumption of risk and waiver by ProVisors Members when attending Non-ProVisors Events.

  

V. Process: Addressing Breaches of Agreement

This section outlines the process we follow when addressing breaches to the policies and agreements articulated in the Member Agreements (which include this Code of Conduct and the Member Handbook).

Membership is contingent upon your acceptance of the policies and terms outlined in the Member Agreements. All Members must confirm acceptance online prior to joining or renewing their Membership. Additionally, Group Leaders need to attest that you are in good standing as a condition for your annual renewal.

Enforcement of these policies and agreements is the responsibility of ProVisors management. Decisions resulting in the termination of Membership are made by ProVisors management through its CEO empowered by the Board of Directors.

Please note: ProVisors only investigates claims of a breach of ProVisors’ policies and agreements. For example, complaints about a Member’s professional competence should be directed to the relevant professional body. ProVisors will not investigate disputes about services rendered, including but not limited to, fee disputes. Should such disputes be recurring, however, ProVisors, at its sole discretion, may decide to terminate the Membership of the offending Member.

 

A) Impermissible Conduct (Removal from Home Group and Possible Transfer to Another Group)

Group Leaders, may, in their sole discretion, remove a Member from their Group if they determine that the member is not a good fit for the group or if a member acts contrary to the spirit and intent of the Code of Conduct.  Such behaviors include, but are not limited to, failure to demonstrate the professionalism and attributes (for example, sincerity, kindness, respect, etc.) that are expected of all Members of ProVisors. If a Group Leader concludes that removal of a Member from their Home Group is warranted, the subject Member will be removed from that Home Group.  If the Member is unable to find another home group immediately, that Member will be placed in a Temporary Group.  The subject Member is permitted to remain in the Temporary Group until the renewal date for their membership (the Member will not be permitted to renew their membership in a Temporary Group).  During the time between removal from a Home Group and the time the member’s membership expires, the member will be listed on the ProVisors website, is able to request to guest at other Home Group meetings, is allowed to attend Affinity Group meetings, as well as any ProVisors events, if and until, they find another Home Group.  At the point the Member finds another Home Group, that member will be fully reinstated.  If the Member cannot find another Home Group before their membership expires, they will cease to remain a ProVisors member.  It is the Member’s responsibility (not that of any Group Leader or the Regional Director) to identify an alternative Home Group.

 

B) Code of Conduct Violations (Possible Termination of Membership)

One or more breaches of the ProVisors’ Code of Conduct could result in termination of Membership without reimbursement of any dues or fees previously remitted to ProVisors. Below are some examples (including, but not limited to) of what may lead to termination of Membership:

1. Credentials: Failure to hold an appropriate license or credential at any time during your Membership or any false statement with respect thereto. You will be unable to re-apply for Membership for one (1) year from termination and must have proof of a valid license or credential.
2. Respect: Any actions resulting in intimidation, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or bullying, including but not limited to harassment based on gender, sex, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. You will not be eligible to re-apply for Membership.
3. Intellectual Property: The use of our Membership list and Member details (from the Hub) other than as prescribed in our Member Handbook.
4. Integrity, accountability, and confidentiality: Any serious or recurring breach of these values.

C) Code of Conduct Violations (Immediate Termination of Membership)

If a Member is found to violate the spirit and terms of the following policies in the Code of Conduct, they will be subject to immediate removal from their Group at ProVisors and will be ineligible to rejoin their Home Group or any other Group at a later date:  (1) the Diversity & Inclusion Policy, (2) the Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy, (3) the Sensitive Topics Policy: Religion and Politics, and (4) any other violations of the Code of Conduct that Provisors’ Management, in its sole discretion, determines is ground for immediate termination of membership.

 

D) Responsibilities of Membership Violations

The Responsibilities of Membership are guidelines, with the anticipation that they will be met. ProVisors Members are expected to be professional and responsive.

Examples of conduct not meeting ProVisors’ expectations include but are not limited to: directly soliciting other Members for business; failing to maintain confidentiality; failing to attend Troikas and other meetings that one committed to attend; disrupting meetings; failing to follow up on referrals; taking referrals, but not giving them; and other conduct not consistent with ProVisors’ Code of Conduct and Responsibilities of Membership.

Fee disputes between Members: We recognize that from time to time, Members do seek out other Members for their own personal and professional needs. When this happens, ProVisors advises that you undertake normal due diligence before engaging the services of another Member. We suggest signing an agreement stating the terms of the engagement. ProVisors will not get involved in any fee disputes between Members. However, if a Member has recurring issues with other Members with respect to services rendered, including but not limited to fee disputes, ProVisors reserves the right to terminate the Membership of the offending Member.

Client disputes: ProVisors will not get involved in any disputes between Members regarding the non-payment of fees or non-delivery of services to or by a referred client. This is a matter between the Member and the referred client.

 

E) Complaints Procedure

Any violation of the Code of Conduct or Member Handbook should be promptly reported thru our hotline solution on the #NotMe reporting platform. Full instructions for using the app can be found at https://www.provisors.com/resources/notme-hotline/.

Reporting should take less than 3 minutes and can be submitted anonymously.  All reports will be received by a 3^rd party and investigated without bias or retaliation. ProVisors reserves the right to take any necessary action to enforce its Code of Conduct, including and up to termination of Membership.

Alternatively, you can report issues directly to ProVisors management at hotline@provisors.com.

 

F) Appeals Process

A Member may appeal his or her Membership termination to the ProVisors CEO. The CEO will review and may conduct further investigation. The final arbiter as to termination or continuation of Membership is at the sole discretion of the ProVisors CEO.

G) Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Any controversy or claim the Member may have arising out of or relating to their Membership in ProVisors shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration before a single arbitrator. The arbitration shall be held in the major city which is closest to the location of the Member’s home group (i.e., Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Boston, and the like) and shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of ADR Services, Inc. then in effect.  In the event ADR Services, Inc. does not have an office within 50 miles of the Members’ home group, the arbitration shall be administered by JAMS pursuant to its Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures. All submissions to the arbitrator, the arbitration proceedings and the award shall be confidential.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, either the Member or ProVisors may, in aid of the arbitrator’s jurisdiction, bring a proceeding seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctive relief in either federal or state court with appropriate jurisdiction. Such an order shall remain in effect until a final award is made in the arbitration described above. The arbitrator shall have the power to award permanent injunctive relief as part of the arbitration award. Additionally, a court action may be brought to enforce any arbitration award.

The Federal Arbitration Act shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of such arbitration proceeding. The arbitrator shall apply the substantive law (and the law of remedies, if applicable) of the state in which the Member’s home group is located, or federal law, if such state law is preempted.  BY ACCEPTING MEMBERSHIP IN PROVISORS, YOU ARE AGREEING TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

The Member further agrees that (i) no arbitration proceeding hereunder shall be certified as a class action or proceed as a class action, or on a basis involving claims brought in a purported representative capacity on behalf of persons similarly situated, and (ii) no arbitration proceeding hereunder shall be consolidated with, or joined in any way with, any other arbitration proceeding.  The Member agrees to arbitrate a dispute on an individual basis and waives the right to participate in a class action.

 

* ProVisors reserves the right to make further revisions and changes to this Code of Conduct from time to time and in its sole discretion.  Member agrees to abide by all such changes and revisions.