Terms & Conditions

FT Leaders Academy Terms & Conditions

Please read this carefully because it sets out the terms of a legally binding agreement between you and the Financial Times (“FT”).

1. Introduction

  • These terms and conditions govern participation in all Financial Times (“FT Leaders Academy”) offerings, including Future Leaders, Women in Business, Executive Programmes, Board Director Programme, Diplomas and Qualifications, in-person and virtual workshops, eLearning modules, Communities, and any free-to-access partner-funded courses. These terms set out the legally binding agreement between you and the Financial Times (“FT”). These terms and conditions replace all previous terms and conditions. We may update these terms and conditions for legal or regulatory reasons, or to reflect changes in our services or business practices, and you should regularly check for any changes.

  • Each Programme will have its own booking form which sets out programme-specific details such as fees, dates, delivery format, and may include additional terms specific to that Programme. Where there is any conflict between a Programme booking form and these general terms and conditions, the Programme booking form will take precedence. Both documents form part of your binding agreement with FT and you should read them carefully before booking.

2. Access and Use

  • 2.1 All information received by you from your use of the Website will be used by FT in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We are the owner or licensee of all intellectual property rights in the Website, including FT Content. FT Content is defined as the content and/or services available on the relevant FT website.

  • 2.2 As a user of the Website, you also agree that you shall not copy, publish, redistribute, or in any way make available any content from the Website. You must not remove the copyright or trademark notice from any copies of FT Content.

  • 2.3 “The Financial Times” and “FT” are trademarks belonging to us. You are not granted any license or consent to use these trademarks in any way and you agree not to use them without our prior written permission.

3. Our Responsibilities and Liability

  • 3.1 The Website and FT Content are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to amount to any form of advice on which you should rely. The FT promises to develop and operate the Website with reasonable skill and care and will use reasonable efforts to promptly remedy any faults of which it is aware.

  • 3.2 To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, the FT disclaims all warranties, representations, conditions, and duties of any kind, including any warranties of satisfactory quality, merchantability, or of fitness for a particular purpose.

  • 3.3 To the maximum extent permitted by law, the FT shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, economic or consequential loss or any loss of business, use, profit, anticipated profit, contracts, revenues, goodwill or anticipated savings arising in connection with this agreement, even if you have been advised of the possibility of such loss or damage.

^ Back to top

Booking Terms & Conditions

4. The Programme

The Programme is the FT Leaders Academy offering as described in the booking form. These terms apply to all bookings for any Programme, whether delivered:

  • In-Person: Tutor-led sessions delivered physically at a designated venue;

  • Live Virtual: Synchronous, tutor-led sessions delivered online via video conferencing platforms (such as Google Meet or Zoom) involving real-time cohort interaction and participation and 1-to-1 Executive Coaching sessions; or

  • eLearning: Asynchronous, self-paced online modules accessed via an online platform for individual study without real-time tutor or cohort interaction.

Your specific Programme delivery format, dates, fees, and other details will be confirmed in your booking form.

5. Booking and Confirmation

  • 5.1 All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by FT. Your booking will be confirmed in writing, together with your Programme booking form setting out the specific details of your Programme. Upon FT's written confirmation, a legally binding contract is formed between you and FT, comprising these terms and conditions and your Programme booking form. FT reserves the right to refuse any booking in its absolute discretion.

  • 5.2 When a company books a cohort of employees, it does so on their behalf. The company is responsible for ensuring all employees consent to this booking.1.3 FT reserves the right to refuse to accept any booking in its absolute discretion.

6. Fees

  • 6.1 Fees for the Programme are correct at the time of publication and are specified in the booking form, but FT reserves the right to change the Fees at any time. For in-person Programmes, the Fees also include refreshments and access to Programme materials. For eLearning or Live Virtual Programmes, the Fees include access to the relevant software and Programme materials. The Fees do not include travel or accommodation costs.

  • 6.2 Under VAT Excise regulations, delegates from all countries are required to pay VAT @ 20% on all face-to-face Programmes. For Programmes taking place in other countries or virtually, delegates are required to pay any applicable VAT, excise duty or other sales tax. 

  • 6.3 For programmes in collaboration with Cambridge Judge Business School, London Business School or IE Business School, individuals and companies currently contract with the business schools directly.

  • 6.4 Flexible Payment Option (applicable to Diplomas only)

    We may, at our sole discretion and on a limited basis, offer a staged payment plan ("Payment Plan") to self-funding participants. This Payment Plan is not an automatic right and is subject to availability and our written approval prior to registration.

    If you are approved for a Payment Plan, the course fee will be payable in four (4) installments as follows:

    • Deposit: A deposit equal to 20% of the total course fee, payable via the registration link for your course cohort;

    • Second Installment: 30% of the total course fee payment, payable immediately upon acceptance of your registration;

    • Third Installment: 25% of the total course fee payment, payable during the first month of the course cohort

    • Final Installment: The remaining 25% of the total course fee, payable during the second month of the course cohort and, in any event, no later than 5 business days prior to the scheduled Two-Day Workshop.

    You acknowledge that payments under this plan are processed manually via our third-party provider (Bizzabo). You agree to settle all invoices or payment requests immediately upon receipt. Failure to pay any installment by its due date constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

7. Changes, Cancellations and Postponements

  • 7.1 FT may alter the content, format, venue, delivery medium or timing of a Programme, and will notify all delegates of such changes.

  • 7.2 If you cannot attend the Programme, no refunds will be given. However, FT may, at our discretion, allow you to send a substitute or attend the next available Programme (please note FT will only allow one deferral).

  • 7.3 FT may, in exceptional circumstances, postpone or cancel a Programme. If the Programme is cancelled, or if it is postponed and you cannot attend the rearranged date, we will refund any Fees you have paid.

  • 7.4 For Individual Bookings of online courses, we will refund any Fees you have paid provided you notify us no later than 24 hours from the Course login credentials being sent to you and provided you have not accessed any of the Course Materials. Corporate Bookings of online courses are non-refundable. For Executive Coaching sessions, 72 hours’ notice is required for cancelling or rescheduling, otherwise the session will be forfeited with no refund or credit (participants are limited to a maximum of 2 reschedules). FT reserves the right to assign coaches and may substitute coaches if necessary due to availability or performance reasons.

  • 7.5 A deferral is when a candidate applies to undertake part or all of the assessments with a later cohort. Candidates are limited to a maximum of two deferrals and will be charged a deferral fee of 10% of the course fee for each deferral. Extensions are granted for a short amount of additional time to deliver an individual assessment piece in exceptional circumstances only, with a maximum period of four weeks. Candidates must complete the qualification within 20 months from the date of the original cohort’s end date. Full details of the policy on deferrals and extensions are available on request by contacting ned-diploma@ft.com.

8. Your Attendance and Conduct

  • 8.1 FT reserves the right to refuse you admission or eject you from the Programme for failure to comply with these terms, or if you represent a security risk, nuisance or annoyance. FT is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and professional learning environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. We believe that all participants should be able to engage in Programme activities without fear of prejudice or intimidation, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

  • 8.2 All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to: discrimination based on protected characteristics; harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind; offensive, derogatory, or inappropriate comments or conduct; deliberate disruption of Programme activities; and any unlawful conduct or behavior that creates an unsafe environment for other participants.

  • 8.3 If you experience or witness any unacceptable behavior, please report it immediately to Programme staff or by emailing conduct@ft.com. All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly. FT encourages early reporting to ensure swift resolution and to maintain a positive learning environment for all participants.

  • 8.4 You are permitted to make reasonable video or audio recordings and to take photographs at the Programme for your own personal use. You must not make recordings of the whole Programme or use any recordings or photographs for commercial purposes unless expressly permitted by FT. You agree to permit FT to use and distribute such footage and photographs, which may feature images of you, for publicity and advertising purposes. Such purposes may include (without limitation) advertising, publicity, reporting, education, research, technology development (including training artificial intelligence systems) or any other related activities. If you have any concerns about being included in any photographs or recordings, please inform FT before such photography or recording takes place.

  • 8.5 You are responsible for arranging your own appropriate insurance cover in connection with your attendance. To the maximum extent permitted by law, FT shall not be liable for any kind of loss or damage to you or your personal property, unless caused by our negligence.

9. Programme Access and Usage

  • 9.1 You will be granted access to an online platform to access the Programme materials. You are responsible for all activities carried out on the platform under your username.

  • 9.2 You must not interfere with information that belongs to another user. You will not use the platform to use or publish material that is obscene, libelous or defamatory.

  • 9.3 Programme materials are provided for your personal educational use only. You must not copy, modify, reproduce, or distribute any of the Programme materials without prior written permission. You will not record the Programme materials or share your login credentials or password.

  • 9.4 You are responsible for ensuring that your technology meets the minimum requirements for participation in Live Virtual and eLearning Programmes. This includes maintaining a stable internet connection with minimum download speeds of 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds of 1 Mbps, using compatible devices (desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone), ensuring your browser is up-to-date (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), having necessary software installed as specified by FT, and maintaining functioning audio and video capabilities including microphone and camera for interactive sessions.

  • 9.5 FT will provide reasonable technical support for platform-related issues within our control, including access to the learning management system, platform functionality problems, and content delivery issues. However, FT's technical support does not extend to resolving issues with your personal equipment, internet service provider problems, workplace firewalls or IT restrictions, third-party software conflicts, or hardware malfunctions on your devices.

  • 9.6 FT is committed to providing accessible Programmes and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate participants with disabilities. Requests for reasonable adjustments must be submitted at least 14 days before the Programme start date by emailing contact@ft.com.

  • 9.7 Upon receiving a request for reasonable adjustments, FT will work with the participant to identify and implement appropriate adjustments where reasonably practicable. FT may require supporting documentation from a qualified medical professional or disability service provider to assess and implement the most suitable adjustments.

10. Data Protection

  • 10.1 All information collected by FT about you will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

  • 10.2 The names, job titles and organisations of all registered delegates may be placed on a delegate list which may be provided to sponsoring companies and other delegates for networking. If you do not wish to be included on this list, you must notify FT at the time of booking.

  • 10.3 When a company books a cohort of employees, it consents to FT sharing details relating to the progress and performance of these employees with the company. FT will comply with its privacy policy in respect of all information held about the employees.

  • 10.4 Applicable to FT NED Diploma only- The names of successful candidates will be published in a congratulatory notice in the FT unless you have notified us that you do not wish your name to be published by emailing contact@ft.com.

  • 10.5 For Executive Coaching sessions, the content, discussions and outcomes remain strictly confidential between the participant and coach. No personal matters, session content or coaching outcomes will be disclosed to employers or third parties without explicit written consent from the participant (only the participants name and number of sessions attended will be shared with participants employer).

11. General Terms

  • 11.1 These terms contain the entire agreement between you and FT. If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid, the invalidity will not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

  • 11.2 A person who is not a party to these terms has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of these terms.

  • 11.3 These terms shall be governed by English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

  • 11.4 Information about the FT and our privacy policy is available on www.ft.com. Registered Office: 1 Friday Street, London EC4M 9JA Registered No: 227590 England.

  • 11.5 You may not assign, transfer, or delegate your rights or obligations under these terms without FT's prior written consent. FT may assign its rights and obligations to any affiliate, subsidiary, or successor entity upon written notice to you.

  • 11.6 Force majeure events are defined as causes beyond FT's reasonable control including acts of God, pandemic, epidemic, fire, flood, earthquake, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes, labour disputes, and telecommunications failures. FT shall not be liable for any failures or delays in the performance of its obligations under these terms resulting from such force majeure events. Upon the occurrence of a force majeure event, FT shall notify participants promptly of such event and shall use reasonable efforts to minimize its impact through rescheduling, alternative delivery methods, or offering access to future programmes as appropriate. If a Force Majeure Event continues for more than ninety (90) days, either party may terminate the relevant programme booking by giving written notice to the other party. In such circumstances, FT shall provide pro-rata refunds calculated on delivered programme content less incurred costs and any portions already delivered to participants.

  • 11.7 These terms and conditions were published on 10 February 2026 and apply to all Programme bookings placed from that date until these terms and conditions are superseded by a new version.

^ Back to top
 

WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE?

We are here to help. Enquire for more information and have your questions answered by our team.