Terms and Conditions
The General Terms and Conditions (GTC) of the Board Foundation, including the Swiss Board School, the Swiss Institute of Directors and the International Center for Corporate Governance
1 Scope and Applicability
1.1 These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern all registrations for programs, courses, modules, and events offered by the Board Foundation, including offerings of the Swiss Board School, the Swiss Institute of Directors, and the International Center for Corporate Governance.
1.2 By registering for a program, course, or event, participants acknowledge and accept these GTC as an integral part of the contractual relationship with the Board Foundation.
2 Registration and Conclusion of Contract
2.1 Registration is completed exclusively online via boardfoundation.org.
2.2 A contractual relationship is established upon written or electronic confirmation of registration by Board Foundation.
2.3 Registrations are binding. There is no statutory right of withdrawal under Swiss law once the contract has been concluded, subject to the cancellation provisions set out in Section 5 below.
3. Participation and Attendance
3.1 Board Certificate Programs and Board Diploma Programs: Programs comprising multiple modules require regular and continuous participation. Missed modules may only be made up in exceptional circumstances and subject to prior approval by the Board Foundation; there is no legal entitlement to attend replacement modules. Completion of the respective program requires attendance of all modules within a period of two (2) years from the commencement of the program.
3.2 Board Courses and Board Masterclasses: Missed courses may, subject to availability, be attended in a subsequently offered course upon prior consultation with the Board Foundation, provided that written cancellation is received five (5) days before the scheduled course date.
3.3 Board Events: There is no entitlement to defer participation.
3.4 Detailed information regarding programs, modules, or events will be provided approximately five (5) days prior to commencement. The Board Foundation reserves the right to make reasonable changes to content, schedule, speakers, or venues, provided that the overall character and value of the offering are preserved.
4 Fees and Services
4.1 Program and event fees include, unless otherwise stated, speaker honoraria, digital course materials, and meals and refreshments during scheduled breaks.
4.2 For Board Certificate Programs, the program fee additionally includes the evening program integrated into the modules (e.g. dinners, company visits, sightseeing activities).
4.3 Accommodation, travel, and personal expenses are not included and shall be borne by the participant unless stated otherwise.
4.4 All fees are stated in Swiss francs (CHF). Value-added tax (VAT) is applied where required by law.
5 Cancellation and Withdrawal by Participants
5.1 Cancellations must be submitted in writing.
5.2 The following cancellation fees apply and are deemed appropriate and proportionate compensation within the meaning of Swiss law:
- Cancellation up to four (4) weeks prior to the start of the program or event: free of charge
- Cancellation between three (4) weeks and one (1) week prior to the start: 50% of the applicable fee
- Cancellation less than one (1) week prior to the start or non-attendance (no-show): 100% of the applicable fee
5.3 The relevant date for determining the cancellation fee is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Board Foundation.
5.4 Participants remain free to nominate a suitable substitute participant, subject to prior approval by the Board Foundation.
6 Rebookings
6.1 Rebookings to a different program, course, or event date are subject to availability and approval by the Board Foundation.
6.2 Any price differences or additional costs resulting from a rebooking shall be borne by the participant.
7 Accommodation
7.1 For Board Certificate Programs and selected Board Diploma Programs, the Board Foundation preselects hotels at preferential rates. Hotel details are communicated with the registration confirmation.
7.2 Unless expressly stated otherwise, accommodation bookings are made by the participant directly with the hotel and are subject to the respective hotel’s cancellation and payment terms.
7.3 Participants remain free to arrange alternative accommodation at their own discretion and expense.
8 Changes or Cancellation by the Board Foundation
8.1 The Board Foundation reserves the right to modify, postpone, relocate, or cancel a program, course, module, or event for justified reasons, including but not limited to force majeure, insufficient participant numbers, or the unavailability of speakers.
8.2 In the event of cancellation by the Board Foundation, any fees already paid will be refunded in full. Further claims, in particular for travel, accommodation, or loss of earnings, are excluded to the extent permitted by Swiss law.
9 Liability
9.1 The Board Foundation shall be liable only for damages caused by intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
9.2 Liability for slight negligence is excluded to the extent permitted by Swiss law.
9.3 The Board Foundation assumes no liability for personal belongings, travel arrangements, or accommodation booked by participants.
10 Data Protection
10.1 Personal data is processed in accordance with applicable Swiss data protection law. Further information is available in the Board Foundation Privacy Policy published on boardfoundation.org.
11 Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
11.1 These GTC shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Swiss substantive law, excluding conflict-of-laws rules.
11.2 The exclusive place of jurisdiction is St. Gallen, Switzerland, unless mandatory statutory provisions provide otherwise.
