Steward–Platform Operator appointment

Version RC-PLATFORM-2026-09-v1 · 12 September 2026

This agreement is between the Steward and Platform Operator identified in its appointment record. The record states the installation, effective date, services, standards, authorised use of branding, any charges and handover contacts. It forms part of this agreement.

The appointment

The Steward protects the Rooted Commons Charter, standards and the shared intellectual property and branding it holds. It appoints the Platform Operator to run the identified installation in accordance with this agreement.

The Platform Operator runs the website, authentication, accounts, permissions, infrastructure and platform configuration with reasonable care and skill. It maintains appropriate security, recovery arrangements, incident handling and operational records, and gives the Steward information reasonably needed to oversee the appointment.

Neither this appointment nor control of the website makes the Steward or Platform Operator every seller, a Circle Operator or owner of participants’ private records. Local contracts remain with their actual parties.

Rights and boundaries

The Steward grants the Platform Operator permission to use the name, marks and other rights identified in the appointment record for the appointed service, to the extent the Steward holds those rights. This does not transfer their ownership.

Existing open-source software licences continue to apply, including their distribution and source-availability requirements. This agreement does not revoke rights granted under those licences or grant rights the Steward does not hold.

Access to private records is limited to the agreed service, security, support and legal purposes. Private growing information must not be used to bargain against growers or advantage buyers. The applicable data arrangements identify responsibilities for each activity. Stewardship does not give routine access to individual growing, membership or transaction records.

Changes and accountability

Material changes to services, charges or contractual obligations require agreement. Standards changes must be explained with reasonable time to respond, except where urgent action is necessary for safety, security or law. Each party remains responsible for its own legal duties and conduct.

The installation’s organisation chart records properly authorised appointments and their history. A technical administrator cannot transfer ownership, contracts or legal obligations merely by editing that chart.

Ending and handover

Either party may end the appointment on reasonable written notice sufficient for an orderly handover. Serious breaches must be explained and a reasonable opportunity to remedy them given where remedy is possible. Urgent protective action may be taken immediately when necessary.

The outgoing Platform Operator must cooperate in transferring the agreed service assets, configuration, operational records and authorised access to a properly appointed successor. Transfer credentials securely, preserve necessary audit records, and agree responsibility for retained data and backups. Participant records and local contracts transfer only on a lawful basis and with any required agreement.

The parties must maintain a route for participants to obtain required records and address outstanding obligations. Once its appointment ends, the outgoing organisation must stop presenting itself as Platform Operator and stop use of branding authorised only by that appointment. Continuing software-licence rights remain unaffected.

English and Welsh law and courts apply. Nothing excludes rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded.