Service. Fellowship. Humanity.

PREAMBLE

We believe that the measure of a person is found not only in what they achieve, but also in what they contribute to the lives of others.

Across our communities are people with extraordinary knowledge, experience, abilities and resources. Among them are professionals, business owners, educators, entrepreneurs, retired individuals and people from every walk of life.

Many share a common desire: to use what they have, and what they know, to make a positive difference.

The Seva Guild has been conceived to bring these people together.

Our inspiration comes from the principle of Seva, meaning selfless service, deeply rooted in Sikh and Hindu traditions and reflecting a universal human value: that helping others is worthwhile in its own right.

We believe that kindness is a strength, generosity need not involve wealth, and even the smallest contribution can make a meaningful difference.

We recognise that no individual has all the answers, but that people working together, sharing their skills, ideas, influence and goodwill, can accomplish far more than they might achieve alone.

The Seva Guild therefore exists to encourage fellowship, inspire ideas, mobilise practical assistance and celebrate the positive contribution that individuals can make to society.

It is a place where goodwill becomes action.

We come together not because of what we possess, but because of what we are prepared to give.

ARTICLE 1 — NAME, IDENTITY AND STATUS

1.1 The organisation shall be known as The Seva Guild, hereafter referred to as the Guild.

1.2 The Guild shall operate as a professional and community-focused membership organisation owned and administered by Pheon Agency Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales.

1.3 The Guild shall maintain its own distinctive public identity, website, membership arrangements, communications and activities.

1.4 The Guild is not established as a separate legal entity. Its legal and contractual responsibilities shall rest with Pheon Agency Ltd.

1.5 The Guild shall operate on a secular, independent-of-party-politics and inclusive basis. It shall welcome people of every religion, belief and background.

1.6 The Guild shall not represent itself as a registered charity, statutory professional body, government institution or religious order.

1.7 Membership of the Guild shall not confer ownership, shares or voting rights within Pheon Agency Ltd.

ARTICLE 2 — PURPOSE AND MISSION

2.1 Our Mission

To bring together people of goodwill who are willing to use their knowledge, experience, skills and resources to improve the lives of others.

2.2 Our Objectives

The Guild shall seek to:

1. Encourage kindness, compassion, generosity and selfless service in personal, professional and community life.

2. Establish a respected and inclusive fellowship whose members share a commitment to the welfare of others.

3. Connect individuals with knowledge, expertise and resources to people and organisations who could benefit from their assistance.

4. Provide an environment in which members can propose, discuss and develop initiatives that benefit society.

5. Encourage business owners and professionals to use their experience and influence responsibly for the wider good.

6. Recognise and celebrate individuals whose actions demonstrate exceptional humanity, generosity and service.

7. Collaborate with charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and other appropriate bodies where shared objectives exist.

8. Promote the principle that kindness and professional achievement are complementary rather than competing values.

2.3 Our Guiding Belief

Success should be measured not only by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the difference we make to others.

ARTICLE 3 — THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GUILD

The Guild shall be guided by six founding principles.

I. Seva — Selfless Service

We believe that offering our time, abilities, knowledge or resources for the benefit of others is a worthwhile expression of human responsibility.

We do not regard kindness as a transaction, nor do we expect personal reward for every act of assistance.

II. Humanity

We recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

We shall demonstrate compassion, empathy, understanding and consideration in our dealings with others.

III. Fellowship

We believe that people with different experiences, beliefs, professions and backgrounds can find common purpose through goodwill.

Our fellowship shall be characterised by mutual respect, friendship, collaboration and a willingness to listen.

IV. Integrity

We shall act honestly, fairly and responsibly.

We shall not exploit the Guild, its members or those it seeks to assist for inappropriate personal, financial or professional advantage.

V. Contribution

We recognise that everyone has something of value to offer.

A contribution need not be financial or substantial. Advice, encouragement, an introduction, a practical skill or a small amount of time may be equally valuable.

VI. Action

We believe that good intentions acquire their greatest value when translated into meaningful action.

The Guild shall encourage practical initiatives and seek to demonstrate the difference they make.

ARTICLE 4 — MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Eligibility

Membership shall be open to individuals aged 18 or over who support the Guild's principles and agree to comply with this Charter and the published membership terms.

Although the Guild will actively engage professionals, business owners and people with specialist knowledge, professional status, financial means or academic qualifications shall not be prerequisites for membership.

The Guild shall welcome individuals from all backgrounds who demonstrate goodwill and a sincere commitment to its purpose.

4.2 Membership Categories

Ordinary Membership

Open to individuals who support the aims and principles of the Guild.

Founding Membership

Recognition of individuals admitted during the Guild's initial establishment period. Founding Membership shall acknowledge an individual's early commitment. It shall not confer ownership or preferential commercial rights.

Corporate Membership

Available to businesses and organisations supporting the Guild's objectives. A corporate member shall nominate an authorised representative and remain responsible for ensuring that its participation complies with the Guild's standards.

Honorary Membership

May be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to others or made a significant contribution to the Guild's aims. Honorary Membership shall be awarded on merit and shall not be available for purchase.

4.3 Admission

Applications shall be made through the Guild's official website.

Applicants shall be required to accept the Guild's principles, Code of Conduct, membership terms and applicable privacy information.

The Guild reserves the right to decline an application where there are reasonable grounds to believe that admission would conflict with its purposes or standards.

Admission decisions shall be made fairly, consistently and without unlawful discrimination.

4.4 Membership Rights

Subject to their category and current membership status, members shall be entitled to:

Participate in the Guild's designated discussion forums and activities.

Propose ideas and initiatives for consideration.

Offer expertise, assistance and support to fellow members and approved projects.

Receive membership communications and relevant information about Guild activities.

Attend events and participate in opportunities made available to their membership category.

Use approved membership identification in accordance with the Guild's branding rules.

Raise suggestions, concerns and complaints through established procedures.

4.5 Membership Responsibilities

Members shall be expected to uphold the Guild's principles, respect one another, contribute constructively and protect the dignity of people receiving assistance.

There shall be no compulsory volunteering requirement, minimum number of service hours or obligation to make charitable donations.

Membership signifies a commitment to the Guild's values, not a guarantee of an individual's availability or resources.

ARTICLE 5 — SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP FEES

5.1 The Guild shall ordinarily operate through affordable annual membership subscriptions.

5.2 Subscription levels shall be published on the Guild website and approved by Pheon Agency Ltd.

5.3 Fees shall be kept proportionate to the Guild's purpose and the membership benefits provided.

5.4 Membership income may be used to support the Guild's administration, website, communications, activities, events and development, together with other legitimate operating expenditure.

5.5 Subscriptions are payments for membership provided by Pheon Agency Ltd. They shall not be represented as charitable donations.

5.6 The Guild may, at its discretion, offer complimentary, supported or reduced-cost membership where circumstances justify this.

5.7 Renewal arrangements, cancellation procedures, refund rights and any automatic renewal conditions shall be clearly disclosed before payment and comply with applicable law.

5.8 Members shall receive appropriate notice of changes to subscription rates before renewal.

ARTICLE 6 — LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

6.1 Founder

The Seva Guild is founded by Gary Stapleton FRSA, whose founding vision and principles shall inform its initial development.

The Founder shall provide leadership in establishing the Guild's identity, purpose, membership and public presence.

6.2 Operating Authority

Pheon Agency Ltd shall retain ultimate responsibility for the Guild's ownership, administration, finances, contracts, safeguarding arrangements and compliance with applicable law.

The company shall have final authority over operational and financial decisions, subject to its legal obligations and published membership commitments.

6.3 Founding Council

The Guild may establish a Founding Council comprising respected individuals from professional, commercial, charitable, educational and community backgrounds.

The Council should, wherever practicable, reflect a diversity of experience, perspectives, cultures and skills.

Its functions may include:

Advising on the Guild's long-term direction.

Encouraging participation and fellowship.

Identifying opportunities for worthwhile initiatives.

Considering project proposals and making recommendations.

Supporting ethical standards and the Guild's reputation.

Providing constructive challenge and independent perspectives.

Council members shall initially be appointed by the operating company, with appointments and terms of service recorded.

The Council shall be advisory unless particular responsibilities are formally delegated in writing.

Council membership shall not imply trusteeship, directorship or legal authority to bind Pheon Agency Ltd.

6.4 Transparency

The Guild shall publish appropriate information about its leadership, operating arrangements, membership principles and significant activities.

Members shall be informed of material changes affecting the Guild's purpose, membership arrangements or governance.

ARTICLE 7 — FELLOWSHIP, DISCUSSION AND PARTICIPATION

7.1 The Guild shall maintain a dedicated discussion community for its members, initially through LinkedIn.

7.2 The discussion community shall provide a place for members to exchange ideas, offer assistance, seek collaboration and discuss matters relevant to the Guild's purposes.

7.3 Members shall be encouraged to contribute thoughtfully, respectfully and constructively.

7.4 The discussion community shall not operate as an unrestricted advertising, sales or recruitment platform.

7.5 Members may introduce professional opportunities or resources where these directly support the Guild's objectives, provided any commercial interests are disclosed.

7.6 Moderators appointed by the Guild shall be authorised to manage discussions and address behaviour that breaches the Code of Conduct.

7.7 Important proposals and project decisions shall be recorded through the Guild's official systems. Social media conversations alone shall not constitute formal approval for expenditure or activities undertaken in the Guild's name.

ARTICLE 8 — GUILD INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS

8.1 Member-Led Ideas

The Guild shall actively encourage members to identify opportunities where collective action could produce a meaningful benefit.

Ideas may arise through member discussions, professional contacts, community organisations or requests for assistance.

8.2 Project Consideration

Proposals shall be considered against the following criteria:

Alignment with the Guild's mission and founding principles.

Demonstrable or reasonably anticipated benefit to others.

Availability of suitable volunteers, expertise and resources.

Practical feasibility and proportionality.

Financial, reputational and operational risks.

Safeguarding, insurance and other legal requirements, where relevant.

Potential conflicts of interest.

Appropriateness of the proposed recipients, partners and activities.

8.3 Project Approval

No proposal shall become an officially endorsed Guild project without approval from an authorised representative of Pheon Agency Ltd.

Approval shall define the project's purpose, responsibilities, resources, limitations and reporting arrangements.

8.4 Project Leadership

Approved projects may be allocated a member coordinator or project lead.

The project lead shall be responsible for coordinating authorised activities, maintaining appropriate records and reporting progress.

Project leads shall have no authority to incur liabilities, enter into contracts, commit expenditure or represent the Guild beyond their written authorisation.

8.5 Project Register

The Guild shall maintain a register recording:

The purpose of each approved project.

The person responsible for coordination.

Resources or assistance required.

Significant decisions and relevant approvals.

Progress and outcomes.

Expenditure or contributions where applicable.

8.6 Public Accountability

Where appropriate and with necessary permissions, the Guild shall publish accounts of completed initiatives and their outcomes.

The Guild shall favour genuine evidence of benefit over exaggerated claims of impact.

ARTICLE 9 — FINANCIAL INTEGRITY, SPONSORSHIP AND CHARITABLE SUPPORT

9.1 Pheon Agency Ltd shall be responsible for the financial administration of the Guild.

9.2 Membership income, sponsorship and payments received by the Guild shall be accounted for in accordance with their nature and applicable financial and tax requirements.

9.3 The Guild shall distinguish clearly between membership subscriptions, sponsorship, commercial income and funds raised for identified charitable purposes.

9.4 The Guild shall not imply that payments received by Pheon Agency Ltd are donations to a registered charity.

9.5 Where fundraising is undertaken for an established charity, the Guild shall ordinarily encourage contributions to be made directly to the charitable organisation through an appropriate authorised mechanism.

9.6 Any formal charitable fundraising partnership shall be subject to relevant checks, agreements, disclosures and legal requirements before fundraising activity begins.

9.7 Where additional financial support is sought for a specific Guild initiative, the intended use of the funds, recipient, financial arrangements and responsibility for expenditure shall be made clear to contributors before payment.

9.8 Funds restricted by an agreed project purpose shall be recorded and used in accordance with those terms and applicable law.

9.9 The Guild shall not promise or imply Gift Aid eligibility unless the relevant payment is made through a qualifying organisation and the necessary conditions are met.

9.10 An annual summary of the Guild's activities and relevant finances shall be made available to members, distinguishing the Guild's operating expenditure from funds administered for specific projects.

ARTICLE 10 — RECOGNITION AND HONOURS

The Guild shall recognise and celebrate examples of exceptional kindness, service, generosity and positive social contribution.

Recognition may include public acknowledgements, certificates, commendations or honorary membership.

Any formal recognition scheme shall be governed by published criteria.

Awards and honours shall not be sold, nor shall financial contributions create an entitlement to recognition.

Recipients shall be selected for the character and value of their contribution rather than their wealth, social standing or professional influence.

The Guild shall not create or award titles that misleadingly imply official, state, academic or professional accreditation.

ARTICLE 11 — EQUALITY, DIGNITY AND SAFEGUARDING

11.1 The Guild shall be committed to equality of opportunity, dignity, mutual respect and freedom from unlawful discrimination.

11.2 Membership and participation shall not be restricted on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, save where a lawful and objectively justified requirement applies.

11.3 The Guild shall respect the origins of the concept of Seva while maintaining independence from any particular religious institution.

11.4 Members shall not use the Guild to impose religious beliefs, promote sectarian divisions, pursue party-political campaigning in the Guild's name or discriminate against others.

11.5 Members undertaking activities involving children, adults at risk or other potentially vulnerable individuals shall comply with applicable safeguarding requirements and approved project procedures.

11.6 No member shall assume that Guild membership alone authorises them to provide regulated professional services, undertake unsupervised work with vulnerable people or represent themselves as professionally accredited.

11.7 The Guild shall maintain appropriate procedures for raising concerns, reporting misconduct and addressing safeguarding matters.

ARTICLE 12 — CODE OF CONDUCT

Every member shall be expected to:

1. Treat others with courtesy, fairness, consideration and respect.

2. Act honestly and in good faith.

3. Respect confidentiality and personal privacy.

4. Avoid intimidation, harassment, discrimination and abusive behaviour.

5. Disclose relevant personal or financial interests when proposing or participating in Guild initiatives.

6. Refrain from exploiting membership for inappropriate commercial or personal advantage.

7. Represent their qualifications, experience and professional standing accurately.

8. Avoid making unauthorised commitments on behalf of the Guild.

9. Protect the dignity of people receiving help and avoid publicity that exploits their circumstances.

10. Conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Guild's founding principles.

12.1 Breaches of Conduct

The Guild may investigate alleged breaches of its Code of Conduct.

Depending on the circumstances, action may include informal guidance, a written warning, restricted participation, temporary suspension or termination of membership.

Decisions shall be proportionate and based on reasonably established facts.

Except where urgent protective action is necessary, members shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to allegations before a final decision.

Members shall have access to a published procedure for requesting reconsideration of a decision.

Membership action shall not remove any statutory consumer or other legal rights.

ARTICLE 13 — DATA PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

13.1 Personal information collected through Guild membership and activities shall be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection law.

13.2 Pheon Agency Ltd shall identify its responsibilities for the processing of Guild membership information and publish an appropriate privacy notice.

13.3 Information collected for Guild administration shall not automatically be used for unrelated commercial marketing by Pheon Agency Ltd.

13.4 Members shall be given appropriate choices concerning public membership listings, publication of personal information and optional marketing communications.

13.5 Member details shall not be publicly displayed in a directory without an appropriate lawful basis and transparent arrangements. An optional public directory shall ordinarily use specific member opt-in.

13.6 Photographs, testimonials, case studies and accounts of personal experiences shall only be published where the Guild has established an appropriate basis and obtained any necessary permissions.

13.7 Members shall respect information shared in confidential discussions or through project work and shall not disclose it without appropriate authority.

ARTICLE 14 — IDENTITY, EMBLEM AND REPRESENTATION

14.1 The Guild shall maintain its own distinctive visual identity, emblem and membership documentation.

14.2 The name, emblem and official materials developed for the Guild shall be owned or appropriately licensed by Pheon Agency Ltd, subject to any third-party rights.

14.3 Members may describe themselves as members of The Seva Guild for as long as their membership remains current.

14.4 Use of the Guild's emblem, identity or membership designation shall be subject to published brand guidelines.

14.5 Membership shall not imply that the Guild endorses an individual's business, professional services, products or commercial activities.

14.6 No person may enter into an agreement, issue an official statement, solicit funds or undertake an activity on behalf of the Guild without appropriate authorisation.

ARTICLE 15 — CONTINUITY, DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

15.1 The Guild shall be established with the intention of developing a sustainable, respected and active membership community.

15.2 Its future development shall be informed by member participation, demonstrated community benefit and responsible management of available resources.

15.3 The Guild shall seek to publish an annual account of its membership, activities, initiatives and achievements.

15.4 Members shall be encouraged to provide constructive feedback on the Guild's operation and future direction.

15.5 The Guild may develop regional activities, member-led interest groups, partnerships, events and additional initiatives where appropriate.

15.6 Growth shall not be pursued at the expense of integrity, inclusion, financial responsibility or the quality of the Guild's contribution to society.

ARTICLE 16 — AMENDMENT AND CESSATION

16.1 This Charter may be amended by Pheon Agency Ltd, following such member consultation or advice from the Founding Council as is considered appropriate.

16.2 Material changes to the Guild's purposes, membership conditions or governance arrangements shall be communicated clearly to members, ordinarily with at least 30 days' advance notice where practicable.

16.3 Amendments shall not override members' statutory rights or existing contractual protections.

16.4 Pheon Agency Ltd retains the authority to discontinue or reorganise the Guild, subject to applicable law and contractual obligations.

16.5 Should the Guild cease operating, members shall receive appropriate notice and information concerning outstanding subscriptions, activities and commitments.

16.6 Where closure prevents the delivery of paid membership benefits for an unused period, appropriate refunds shall be considered and provided in accordance with the membership contract and applicable law.

16.7 Any outstanding funds held under specific charitable or project restrictions shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant terms and legal obligations.

ARTICLE 17 — ADOPTION OF THE CHARTER

This Charter expresses the founding purpose, principles and operating intentions of The Seva Guild.

It establishes the basis upon which the Guild shall invite members to join, contribute their experience and participate in activities for the benefit of others.

Upon formal adoption by Pheon Agency Ltd, it shall become the Guild's principal statement of purpose and governance, supported by its membership terms, Code of Conduct, privacy notice and relevant operational policies.

FOUNDING DECLARATION

We establish The Seva Guild in the belief that humanity is strengthened when people choose to help one another.

We recognise that personal success and professional achievement create opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of others.

We believe that kindness is not weakness, that service need not seek recognition, and that people of different backgrounds can accomplish remarkable things when united by goodwill.

We undertake to encourage these values through fellowship, leadership and practical action.

We shall be known not merely by the principles we declare, but by the good we accomplish.

SCHEDULE A — PROPOSED INITIAL MEMBERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS

For approval alongside the Charter. Figures remain provisional until formally adopted.

Membership shall be administered through the Guild's branded website.

The membership year shall ordinarily run for 12 months from admission or renewal.

Membership renewal and cancellation arrangements shall be specified in the published membership terms.

SCHEDULE B — INITIAL OPERATING PRIORITIES

1. Establish the Guild's official website and membership arrangements.

2. Recruit an initial body of founding members.

3. Establish a Founding Council with appropriate professional and community representation.

4. Open a dedicated LinkedIn discussion group for members.

5. Introduce a structured process for submitting and considering ideas.

6. Identify and approve the Guild's first practical initiative.

7. Establish procedures for recording and publishing projects and outcomes.

8. Develop opportunities for charitable partnerships, sponsorship and member-led service.

9. Introduce a programme of fellowship events and discussions.

10. Publish the Guild's first annual activity and financial summary.

ADOPTION RECORD

This Charter is adopted for The Seva Guild by an authorised signatory of Pheon Agency Ltd on the date recorded below.