Other services

Overview

Provision of an efficient and effective legal service including advice on a range of issues affecting schools.

What the Service provides

Representation and advice on the following:

• Data Protection and Freedom of Information
• Contract disputes/dispute resolution
• Debt recovery
• Employment issues
• Duties owed by parents/pupils
• Nuisance on school premises
• Negligence
• Property dealings eg dual use, boundary disputes, transactions
• Use of materials eg copyright
• Parents and pupils - duty to disclose pupil information, family proceedings disputes and effect of contact/residence orders; discipline, access to premises, harassment and discrimination

Benefits to your school

Readily available practical advice can be given to deal with problems as they arise.

The service can be used to gain information about changes in the law which affect the school.

Advice is provided by lawyers with experience in all service areas, knowledge of the local area and the local authorities policies and procedures.

The service is highly cost effective in comparison with private practice.

Costs

The costs of this service are charged per primary or high school and the price is included in the price list sent to schools.

Additional information

Issuing/defending legal proceedings or advice on complex issues, including the provision of an advocacy service and preparation of case and witness statements will be charged at an hourly rate over and above the annual fee and disbursements may also be incurred, following discussion with the school.

Overview

Provision of an efficient and effective procurement service combining access to a full range of best value contracts. On demand support, advice, and guidance to meet the needs of schools to secure financial value for money, compliance with the scheme for financing schools and public procurement legislation.

What the Service provides

• Access to a wide range of purchasing arrangements that have been competitively tendered to ensure best overall value and awarded in line with best practice procurement.
• Compliance with legislation, Public Procurement Regulations and Bury's Scheme for Financing Schools
• Advice, information, guidance and support for Business Managers and Head Teachers in respect of procurement processes
• Access to standard tender documents
• Management and administration of Purchasing Cards facilitating efficient payment when raising an order isn't possible
• Access to 'punchout' facilities through Agresso P2P (Web Requisitioning) to frequently used suppliers

Benefits to your school

• Savings in time and money
• Compliance with School Financial Standing orders and Contract Procedure Rules
• All best round value and potential budget savings
• Reduced reputational risk for schools by fully vetting suppliers to ensure compliance to standards, including insurances, health & safety, and financial capability.
• Legally compliant procurement arrangements reducing the risk of challenge to your purchasing contracts.
• Professional, experienced, and knowledgeable team

Costs

The costs of this service are based on a lump sum amount per school.

Additional information

This is just a snapshot of what we provide. Further details are contained within the full SLA or please get in touch for further information.

We regularly review the contracts available to schools and welcome feedback from schools on new contract requirements.