Freelance self-employed support providers play a vital part in allowing students with additional needs to participate fully in academic life.
When a student discloses that they have a disability, they will meet with an accessability adviser and have a Disabled Students' Allowance DSA needs assessment (if appropriate). If it is recommended that the student would benefit from additional one-to-one non-medical help from a support provider, they will be referred to the Register of Support Providers.
As a support provider, it is your responsibility to:
- Make initial contact with your allocated student and arrange the first meeting.
- Not exceed the support hours recommended to your student on their matching letter.
- Only carry out the activities associated with your support provider role.
- Give your student and the Register of Support Providers at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel a scheduled support session.
- Ensure that support is delivered in a neutral, public space on campus where both parties feel secure.
- Complete and return Statement of Agreement forms and Learning Plans as directed in a timely manner. Find these forms in our resources.
- Ensure all work records are completed correctly and submitted on time, in accordance with the monthly payment schedule.
- Keep all information related to students you are working with confidential and secure and respect the privacy of the students you support.
- Only breach confidentiality if you are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of a student you are working with, in particular, if they could be a risk to themselves or others.
- Be mindful of your health and safety as well as that of your student.
- Follow the Register's protocols for professional conduct.
- Contact the Register of Support Providers if any difficulty or concern arises from working with individual students.
The following information describes the key stages involved in the allocation of support, support delivery and payment of support that is managed by the Register of Support Providers.
