Schools and learning

Course cancellation policy

What is the minimum number needed on a course?
In order to make courses viable we need to have a minimum of 10 governors enrolling and 25 on any conference. The reason we have set these numbers is to ensure that courses are effective and financially viable. Any course that has less than 10 governors, in our view, will not be a large enough group to participate in high quality group work or discussions. This is our first consideration.

We then consider the costs of the sessions. You will be aware that we need to cover tutor salaries, venue hire and printing costs. Although we charge a flat Governor Development and Support Service subscription this is based on running courses with at least 10 participants.  

For conferences we often involve outside speakers or Children, Schools and Families staff and therefore we set a higher number of 25 for a minimum. This number allows us to cover workshop sessions, costs of speakers, venue hire, refreshments and printing costs.

When do we decide on cancellations?
We constantly keep an eye on all course bookings. If the number on a course or conference is low, i.e. below 10 or 25, we make a decision 2 weeks before the start of the course whether to cancel or not.  We contact by e-mail and telephone all governors who have booked on the course or conference to give them as much notice as possible. We also suggest an alternative course that they can attend.

Non-attendance by governors
If you cannot attend a course it is essential that you let us know as soon as possible.  Telephone our 24-hour answer-phone line 01438 843888. There is a charge of £26 per governor for non-attendance on a course which will be charged to the school unless we have been notifed at least 48 hours in advance.  Please note that for courses which include lunch we must have at least 5 working days' notice.