Qelvea Refined Finish Index™
These Licensed Use Terms govern all use of the Qelvea Refined Finish Index™ (RFI), including its name, framework, accreditation references, wording, marks, badges, documentation, and associated materials.
By referencing, displaying, or otherwise using the RFI, you agree to these terms.
1. Ownership of the Index
The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™ is the exclusive intellectual property of Qelvea.
This includes, without limitation:
- the RFI name and framework
- accreditation levels and descriptors
- marks, badges, logos, and visual assets
- written standards, criteria, and documentation
All rights are reserved.
No rights are granted except those expressly set out in these terms.
2. Nature of the Index (Important)
The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™ is:
- a private professional conformity framework
- administered by Qelvea Standards
It is not:
- a statutory or regulatory scheme
- a certification mark under the Trade Marks Act 1994
- a government-approved or industry-mandated standard
Licensed use reflects conformity with a private standard only.
3. Grant of Licensed Use
Licensed use of the RFI is granted only where:
- accreditation has been formally granted by Qelvea Standards
- the accreditation is current and valid
- use remains within the approved scope and period
- all renewal and compliance requirements are met
Licensed use is non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and revocable.
4. Permitted Use
Where licensed, the user may:
- state that they are “Accredited under the Qelvea Refined Finish Index™”
- reference their specific accreditation level only
- display approved RFI marks or badges
- appear on the public register (where applicable)
All use must be:
- accurate
- current
- proportionate
- not misleading
5. Scope & Accuracy of Use
Licensed use applies only to:
- the services assessed
- the accreditation period granted
It does not apply universally to all services or outcomes produced by the licensee.
Licensees are responsible for ensuring all references remain accurate at all times.
6. Prohibited Use
The following is strictly prohibited:
- using the RFI without accreditation
- continuing use after expiry, suspension, or withdrawal
- exaggerating or misrepresenting accreditation level
- implying endorsement, approval, or guarantee by Qelvea
- describing the RFI as statutory, regulatory, or government-approved
- modifying RFI marks, wording, or badges
- transferring or sharing licensed use
- using the RFI outside the approved scope
7. Renewal & Ongoing Compliance
Licensed use is conditional upon:
- timely renewal
- continued conformity with the standard
- correct and proportionate use of marks and wording
- cooperation with review or audit where reasonably required
Failure to renew results in automatic termination of licensed use.
8. Suspension & Withdrawal
Qelvea Standards may suspend or withdraw licensed use where:
- misuse or misrepresentation occurs
- evidence is found to be misleading or false
- conduct brings the Index into disrepute
- renewal requirements are not met
Upon suspension or withdrawal:
- all references to the RFI must cease immediately
- all marks, badges, and wording must be removed
No compensation is payable following suspension or withdrawal.
9. Unauthorised Use & Fees
Use of the RFI without consent may result in enforcement action.
Where applied, Unauthorised Use Fees represent a genuine pre-estimate of administrative, investigative, enforcement, and reputational costs incurred as a result of unauthorised use.
These fees:
- are not intended to operate as a penalty
- may be waived, reduced, or adjusted at Qelvea Standards’ discretion
- do not grant accreditation or licensed use
Published fee schedules are incorporated by reference.
10. Proportionality & Resolution
Qelvea Standards applies enforcement measures proportionately, taking into account:
- the nature and severity of the misuse
- whether the misuse was deliberate or inadvertent
- the extent of public or professional impact
Where reasonable, Qelvea Standards will seek correction before escalation.
11. No Endorsement or Guarantee
Licensed use of the RFI:
- does not constitute endorsement by Qelvea
- does not guarantee client outcomes
- does not replace legal, regulatory, or insurance obligations
Accreditation reflects conformity with the RFI standard only.
12. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- Qelvea Standards accepts no liability for client outcomes
- use of the RFI is at the licensee’s own risk
- Qelvea Standards shall not be liable for indirect or consequential loss
Nothing in these terms limits liability where it cannot be lawfully excluded.
13. Termination
These Licensed Use Terms terminate automatically upon:
- expiry of accreditation
- suspension or withdrawal
- material breach of these terms
Termination does not affect accrued rights or enforcement actions.
14. Changes to These Terms
Qelvea Standards may update these terms from time to time.
The current published version supersedes all previous versions.
Continued use of the RFI constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from these terms.
The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™
Licensed use protects the integrity of the standard.