Gold Advice Terms and Conditions
1. Eligibility
1.1 Gold Advice is offered as part of the NGA membership offer to the following categories:
1.1.1 Governing boards that are Gold members
1.1.2 Trust boards and academy committees (sometimes known as local governing bodies) at Multi academy trusts that have Multi Academy Trust membership
1.1.3 Local Associations that have Local Association membership
1.1.4 Local Authorities that have group membership
2. Access
2.1 Gold Advice is offered throughout the year, via the following channels
|
Channel |
Contact information |
Access Hours |
|
Telephone |
0121 237 3782 |
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday |
|
Online |
|
*The NGA office is closed in on UK Bank Holidays and for a week in between Christmas and New Year.
2.2 Gold Advice is given on the clear understanding that it is for the organisation rather than the individual requesting it. However, in order to maintain consistency of approach and avoid potential conflicts of interest (see section 4 below), access to the service is generally restricted to the following individuals:
2.2.1 The chair of the governing board
2.2.2 The clerk to the governing board
2.2.3 The governance professional in a Multi academy trust
2.24 Chair of the Local Association
2.25 Clerk to the Local Association
2.3 We recognise that there are circumstances when it may be necessary for others, such as the vice-chair of a governing board, chair of a committee/panel and or the school or trust leader, to access the service on behalf of their organisation. When such circumstances arise, we will assess the risk of a conflict of interest occurring and wider implications. This may result in access being denied.
3. Scope and delivery and scope
3.1 Gold Advice covers matters that relate to the governance of state funded, maintained and academy schools.
3.2 All advice is impartial and based on the relevant rules, procedures, legal documents, guidance and source material.
3.3 Where we deem it necessary to ensure the correct advice is given, we will consult with our legal advisers on matters of legal interpretation.
3.4 Where Gold Advice recommends a course of action, this will be clearly stated along with the known risks and benefits.
3.6 Advice requests submitted by email and via NGA’s website receive an automatic acknowledgement that confirms the request is being dealt with.
3.7 We endeavour to deal with all requests for advice in a timely manner and provide a full response as soon as possible. Where it is reasonably practicable, this is within the timescale requested.
3.8 The Gold Advice team will maintain professional confidentiality and adhere to the requirements of NGA’s privacy policy.
3.9 NGA reserves the right to decline advice and/or withdraw Gold Advice in such circumstances as NGA may determine.
3.10 Complaints about Gold Advice should be made using the NGA Complaints Procedure.
4. Conflict of interest statement
4.1 A conflict of interest may arise in cases where the service owes separate duties to act in the best interest of two or more parties on the same or related matters, and there is a significant risk that those duties may conflict. In such cases we reserve the right to decline from giving advice (see 3.9) and refer the parties to alternative sources of support.
5. Indemnity
5.1 Gold Advice is included in NGA’s Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover.
We may update or change these Terms and Conditions from time to time. If we do amend these Terms and Conditions, any changes we make will be binding on you in respect of your continued use of Gold Advice.