Voluntary and Honorary Roles Policy

Voluntary and Honorary Roles Policy

Addendum to the IJBMRS Charter

Effective Date: 08 January 2026
Issuing Authority: Office of the Chairperson, IJBMRS
Administrative Authority: IJBMRS Research Secretariat (under Office of Research Secretariat(s), Ahmedabad Centre for Research Innovation)

1. Purpose

The Voluntary and Honorary Roles Policy is established to formally define the nature of all non-editorial roles within IJBMRS as voluntary, honorary, and non-remunerated.

This policy exists to prevent ambiguity, misunderstanding, or future disputes regarding employment status, compensation, continuity, authority, or entitlement arising from voluntary association with IJBMRS.

2. Scope of Application

2.1 This policy applies to all roles and positions within IJBMRS, including editorial, administrative, research, ethics, secretariat, and representative roles, except where explicitly excluded.

2.2 Covered roles include, but are not limited to:

• Chairperson (exception as defined below)

• Editor-in-Chief

• Deputy Editor-in-Chief

• Chief Operating Officer

• Editorial Board members

• Advisory Board members

• Committee on Publication Ethics – IJBMRS (COPE-IJBMRS) members, including:

  • Chairperson (ex officio)

  • Vice-Chairperson

  • Secretary

  • Appointed Members

• Regional Secretaries

• Research Secretaries

• Coordinators

• Representatives

• Committee members

• Secretariat and administrative personnel

2.3 This policy applies irrespective of title, duration, seniority, contribution level, or region.

3. Nature of Engagement

3.1 Except for the Chairperson, all roles and positions within IJBMRS, including editorial leadership and COPE-IJBMRS membership, are voluntary and honorary in nature.

3.2 All such roles are:

• voluntary;

• honorary;

• non-remunerated;

• non-contractual;

• non-exclusive.

3.3 Appointment to any such role does not constitute:

• employment;

• consultancy;

• agency;

• partnership;

• legal or financial obligation.

• legal or financial obligation.

4. No Employment or Agency Relationship

4.1 No employer–employee relationship exists between IJBMRS and any individual serving in a voluntary or honorary role, including members of COPE-IJBMRS and editorial or ethics leadership.

4.2 No individual, including the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Chief Operating Officer, or any COPE-IJBMRS member, may represent themselves as:

• an employee of IJBMRS;

• an agent acting on behalf of IJBMRS;

• a person with authority to bind IJBMRS contractually or legally.

4.3 Participation in IJBMRS activities does not create any expectation of future employment, remuneration, or paid engagement.

5. No Compensation or Entitlement

5.1 No salary, honorarium, stipend, allowance, or monetary compensation shall arise from any voluntary or honorary role.

5.2 Contribution of time, effort, expertise, or resources:

• does not create entitlement;

• does not guarantee renewal or continuation;

• does not confer ownership, authority, or preferential status.

5.3 Any expenses incurred voluntarily are the sole responsibility of the individual unless expressly approved in writing by IJBMRS.

6. Term, Review, and Discontinuation

6.1 All voluntary and honorary roles are:

• time-bound;

• reviewable;

• revocable at discretion.

6.2 IJBMRS may suspend, discontinue, or not renew any voluntary role:

• without cause;

• without notice;

• without compensation.

6.3 Discontinuation shall not give rise to claims, liabilities, or disputes of any nature.

7. Voluntary Exit

7.1 Individuals may withdraw from voluntary or honorary roles at any time by written communication.

7.2 Such withdrawal does not entitle the individual to claims, recognition beyond the served term, or continued association.

8. Relationship with Other Policies

8.1 This policy operates in conjunction with:

• the Role Acceptance and Activation Policy;

• the Official Representation and Public Claims Policy;

• the Email Identity and Digital Access Policy;

• the Regional Secretary Policy 2026.

8.2 In case of conflict, the IJBMRS Charter shall prevail.

9. Authority and Administration

9.1 The IJBMRS Research Secretariat is responsible for:

• maintaining records of voluntary appointments;

• ensuring acknowledgment of this policy;

• coordinating reviews and discontinuations.

9.2 The Editorial Office holds no administrative or supervisory role under this policy.

10. Interpretation and Final Authority

10.1 Interpretation of this policy rests exclusively with the Office of the Chairperson, IJBMRS.

10.2 This policy is binding on all current and future voluntary and honorary appointees.

10.3 This policy forms an integral addendum to the IJBMRS Charter.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairperson
International Journal of Business and Management Research Studies (IJBMRS)