Group Coaching Contract UK | Cohort Programme Agreement
Running a group coaching programme without a written agreement leaves you exposed when a participant drops out mid-cohort, disputes the refund policy, or shares your proprietary frameworks without permission. A group coaching contract sets clear terms for all participants simultaneously, covering payment schedules, cancellation rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where consumers are involved, intellectual property ownership of your coaching materials, and how you handle latecomers or substitutions within a cohort. For B2B cohort programmes, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 applies, giving you the right to charge statutory interest on overdue invoices. If you deliver coaching through a limited company, IR35 under Chapter 10 ITEPA 2003 may also be relevant. Generate a group coaching contract tailored to your cohort structure now.
Generate your Consulting Agreement free →Key clauses in a Consulting Agreement
Cohort Participation and Substitution
This clause defines who can attend sessions, whether participants can send substitutes, and how latecomers joining mid-programme are handled. Without it, disputes arise over access rights when a paying business sends an unregistered employee or a participant misses early sessions and demands catch-up provision.
Payment Schedule and Cancellation
This clause sets out instalment dates, what happens to fees if a participant withdraws part-way through the cohort, and any refund windows. Where participants are consumers, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 grants a 14-day cooling-off period for services not yet commenced, and this clause must reflect that statutory right.
Intellectual Property Ownership
This clause confirms that all coaching materials, frameworks, workbooks, and recordings remain the intellectual property of the coach or coaching business, protected under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. It prevents participants from reproducing or reselling programme content after the cohort ends, which is a common issue in group formats where materials are widely shared.
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Generate free →Frequently asked questions
Can I enforce a no-refund policy for group coaching programmes in the UK?
If your participants are consumers, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 means you cannot simply override statutory cancellation rights with a blanket no-refund clause. Consumers typically have 14 days to cancel a service contract before it begins, though they lose that right if they request the service starts immediately and sign a written waiver. For B2B cohort sales, parties have greater freedom to agree their own refund terms in the contract.
Do I need separate contracts for each participant in a group coaching cohort?
Not necessarily, but each participant should sign their own agreement or a clearly named participant schedule attached to a master cohort agreement. This is particularly important for enforcing intellectual property restrictions and confirming individual payment obligations, since a single unsigned group document creates evidential problems if one participant disputes the terms.
Does IR35 apply to me if I deliver group coaching through my limited company?
IR35 under Chapter 10 ITEPA 2003 applies when a worker provides services through an intermediary, typically a personal service company, to a client where the working relationship resembles employment. Group coaching delivered to multiple clients simultaneously, with no substitution restriction and no day-to-day control by one client, generally sits outside IR35, but the specific contract terms and working practices still need to reflect genuine self-employment to support that position.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contracto generates AI-assisted contract templates — they are not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor. For high-value or complex engagements, always seek independent legal review.