In this article, we wanted to explain to you when SFE covers cancellations and when they need to be covered by the University.
So, here is a rundown of when SFE will and will not cover cancellation fees.
When SFE won’t cover cancellation fees
Timetable changes: if any sessions are changed due to a timetable change. So this would be the sessions* needing to be cancelled and re-booked.
As this is a change from the University, SFE will not cover these costs.
Lecturer unwell: this is another scenario where SFE will not pay the cancellation, as this is a result of something that has happened at the University.
What SFE will cover
SFE will cover two cancelled sessions a term per support worker role.
This will cover student sickness or not turning up to lectures.
However, any sessions cancelled over this amount would need to be funded by the University.
Working with suppliers
As a supplier of support worker (NMH) services, we are bound by these terms that SFE set out.
When we engage with a new University, we will explain these terms and share the relevant guidance.
We also ask all Universities to sign an Internal document and agree that any sessions like this will be covered financially by the University.
This ensures we continue providing this essential support to deaf students.
Process for cancellation
If there are any cancellations at all, do inform the supplier as soon as you are made aware of these changes (and encourage the student to do the same).
Any cancellations are subject to the following cancellation terms, which are approved by SFE and are in line with industry standards:
0-7 days cancellation – full fee
7-14 days cancellation – half fee
15 days+ – no cancellation fees
Suppliers would rather cancel the sessions for you with no cancellation fees.
To do this, you will need to give the supplier over two weeks’ notice.
These are also the Cancellation terms recommended by the National Union of BSL Interpreters (NUBSLI) – https://nubsli.com/guidance/freelance-interpreter-guidance-pack/
- A session takes into consideration a whole day, so if multiple support workers are booked for one day – this would count as one session.
For further information.
https://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/exchange-blog/2015/november/missed-and-cancelled-non-medical-helper-sessions/