Disputes
In the rare event that a dispute should occur we have provided some useful advice below.
General
• To protect yourself from entering into a dispute - over communicate! Many disputes arise from missed expectations and assumptions made up front. Make sure that the other party is clear on the requirements or terms, and that you are agreeing on the same thing. Clarify ambiguous areas.
• Don’t panic. Most misunderstandings can be resolved quickly and amicably.
• Stay calm and remain professional in all communications. Unprofessional communication will undermine your case.
• In the event that we receive numerous complaints about a particular student or employer, we may close the account.
Students
If you feel that you completed a project to a good standard and according to the client’s specifications but you have yet to receive full payment then try the following:
• Contact the client and discuss their concerns.
• Keep a record of all communications with the client as evidence of your attempts to resolve the problem.
• Contact the Small Claims Court: www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk.
Employers
Remember that you are dealing with students and not hardened professionals. Many of the students will be applying their trade for the first time, so we ask that you show patience and provide guidance. If, however, things have gone badly wrong then try the following:
• Contact the student to discuss your concerns and see if the problem can be rectified.
• Be flexible and give the student the chance to rectify the problem.
