Terms of use

1. Acceptance

By using somes.so or holding a SOMES account, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, please do not use the site.

2. Membership

Membership is granted at the discretion of SOMES on professional criteria. Dues are payable annually in advance and are non-refundable except where SOMES cancels a service. Membership is personal and may not be transferred; institutional seats may be reassigned by the institution's nominated administrator.

3. Your account

You are responsible for the accuracy of the information in your profile and for keeping your credentials secure. Enable two-factor authentication. Tell us immediately at info@somes.so if you believe your account has been accessed by someone else.

4. Acceptable use

• Do not post unlawful, defamatory, harassing or discriminatory content
• Do not misrepresent your qualifications, certification status or affiliation
• Do not scrape, bulk-download or republish the member directory
• Do not use SOMES channels to solicit for purposes unrelated to evaluation practice
• Do not upload material you do not have the right to share, including client data or unpublished reports without permission
• Do not attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the site

5. Code of conduct

Members agree to the SOMES code of conduct and the seven code values. Breaches may result in warning, suspension of certification, or termination of membership, decided under the quality assurance and ethics process. Members may appeal to the Executive Board.

6. Content and intellectual property

SOMES retains rights in the site, its design and its own publications. Standards, guidance notes and templates published by SOMES may be used and adapted for non-commercial evaluation practice with attribution. You retain rights in content you submit, and grant SOMES a non-exclusive licence to host, display and distribute it in connection with SOMES activities. Journal articles are published open access under the licence stated on the article.

7. Payments

Dues, course fees, registration fees and donations are processed by third-party payment providers, whose own terms apply to the transaction. Prices are in United States dollars. SOMES issues a receipt for every payment.

8. Third-party links

The site links to external organisations, including partner associations, funders and job posters. SOMES is not responsible for the content or practices of those sites.

9. Availability and disclaimer

SOMES aims to keep the site available but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Content is provided for professional information. It is not legal, financial or commissioning advice, and SOMES is not liable for decisions made solely on the basis of material published here.

10. Termination

You may close your account at any time from the member portal. SOMES may suspend or terminate an account for breach of these terms or of the code of conduct, with reasons given in writing and a right of appeal.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Disputes are resolved first through good-faith discussion, then through the SOMES grievance procedure, and only thereafter through the courts.

12. Contact

Questions about these terms: info@somes.so.