DPSS Terms and Conditions

DPSS Ltd (also referred to as DPSS) Terms and Conditions Relating to all Commercial Training

  1. Payment terms: Our standard payment terms are 30 days from date of invoice. Bookings/reservations may be made via email or telephone. Payment terms for CIPS programmes – see section 25 of DPSS Terms and Conditions.

Telephone bookings/reservations must be confirmed in writing/email. Please quote purchase order numbers where applicable. Please note we do not accept payments via AMEX.

If payment is not received in full before the course commences then we reserve the right to withhold all training, exam entries, memberships applications, course materials and any other services or sundry items that may be applicable to the course. DPSS will not be responsible for any implications arising from withholding these services/sundries. This also applies to participants undertaking externally certified courses (WorldCC, CIPS, British CPD Standards Office and any others) who will not be put forward participants for certification/qualifications until the invoice covering course fees and associated certification costs has been settled in full, in line with the payment terms stated in said invoice. DPSS will not be responsible for any implications arising from withholding these services/sundries whatsoever.

Once a booking/reservation has been made (by e-mail, telephone or via registration form) for either public or in-house courses (either classroom/seminar/ based or virtual platforms) then a binding contract will have been deemed to be formed between DPSS Ltd and the client.

With regards to external exam fees/services, DPSS reserve the right to charge extra to the client/participant should the external fee/service increase after original invoice generated. (Please be aware that charges can be increased without prior notice or authorisation, so this charge is then passed to the client/participant). Failure to pay the increased fee/charge may lead to the client/participant not being entered into external exams. DPSS are not liable for any consequence of this action. Participants must submit all coursework as designated within the timeframe stated. DPSS cannot be held responsible for the consequences arising from late submission of coursework.

  1. Cancellations: Should circumstances mean that client cancel a course (public or in house) the following charges will be applicable:

More than four weeks prior to the course start date – 15%

Two to four weeks prior to the course – 50% of the course fee

Less than two weeks prior to the course – full fee.

Please note cancellations must be made in writing/email.

In the case of payments made in advance, then rebates will have provided after the appropriate deductions.

  1. Unforeseen circumstances: On occasions, due to unforeseen circumstances and/or forces beyond our control may require us to cancel or postpone a course. In such circumstances of postponement, client will be given as much notice as possible and a free transfer to the same course on a new date will be offered. If the course is cancelled, then client will be eligible for a refund.

We reserve the right to change venue (or consultant) if circumstances dictate but will make every effort to find a suitable alternative.

In some circumstances the course may be switched to an online event – client will be notified if this is the case. DPSS are not liable for any loss of income, travel/accommodation/visa or any other costs or expenses however incurred.

  1. Fees: All course delivered in the UK fees are subject to the current VAT rate.

For public courses, the course fees cover the cost of the trainer, venue costs, copy of course materials and may include refreshments and lunch. Virtual courses cover the cost of the trainer plus soft copy of materials.

In house bespoke courses are charged on the basis of agreed day rate plus agreed expenses

The fees do not include participants flights, travel, accommodation or visa costs/fees

  1. Access: We welcome participants with disabilities and DPSS would welcome in advance, for setup purposes, notification of any assistance that a participant is likely to need during the running of the course.
  2. Fair processing: All information that we hold concerning participants will be held and processed by DPSS strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. As an individual, client have a right under the Data Protection Act 1998 to obtain information from us, including a description of the data that we hold on client.
  3. Dress code: All participants should be suitably attired in smart/casual clothing and take into consideration that air-conditioning can make venue warm/cool.
  4. Overseas participants: Overseas Participants are responsible for securing all necessary visa’s etc to allow entry into the UK. DPSS will provide invitation letters if required. Failure to secure entry into the UK will be regarded as late cancellation.
  5. The client understands that by making a booking/reservation for a course place (or places) or in house course, it shall be considered a binding contract between the client and DPSS under these terms and conditions.
  6. DPSS will endeavour to ensure that all information provided during any of its courses are accurate. However, DPSS does not accept any liability whatsoever for any loss incurred by the client in relation to any information, facts or figures provided during any of its courses.
  7. All DPSS courses are conducted under the “Chatham House Rules” whereby participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
  8. In relation to courses delivered overseas, it shall be the responsibility of the client to provide appropriate documentation and/or entry visa. Failure to do so will be regarded as late cancellation and fees may apply.
  9. The virtual courses will be delivered using Zoom online software. DPSS will not be liable for any Zoom or online platform related technical failures or internet disruption for whatever reasons. We will endeavour to re-establish contact with the group or individual concerned and/or deploy an alternative software option as soon as practical and resume the course. We are not liable for any access issues due to the security systems of the participants organisation. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that access to the course.
  10. In-house/on-site course delivery: The client is responsible for the provision of a suitable learning environment. This may include rooms, desks, access to screens, flips charts and pens, access to the internet, stationary and any other reasonable equipment as requested by the trainers.
  11. Only the Director of DPSS is allowed to purchase good/services/sundries. No payment will be authorised from DPSS if the supplier does not have written/e-mail confirmation for the Director themselves.
  12. Force Majeure: “Force Majeure Event” means any of the events or circumstance that are beyond the control of an affected Party and which prevents the performance of any of the affected Party’s obligations under this Contract after that Party has taken every reasonable step to remedy the impact of the event:

Events or circumstances that may give rise to a Force Majeure Event are limited to the following:

Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, storms, tidal waves, floods or other physical natural disasters and Covid 19.

Acts of war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, riot, civil war, blockade, insurrection, or civil disturbances.

Acts of a governmental entity, agency or other local authority that prevent or make unlawful a Party’s performance under this Contract.

Strikes or labour disputes at the national level but excluding any strike or dispute which is specific to the performance of the Services under this Contract.

  1. Early Warning: Both DPSS and the client will endeavour to make known to each other any potential problems or concerns related to the forthcoming delivery of the course. The representatives from both sides will meet to discuss how the problem can be avoided or reduced. Decisions will focus on what action needs to be taken next and who is to take that action.
  2. Dispute Resolution Procedure

If a dispute arises out of or in connection with this agreement or the performance, validity or enforceability of it (Dispute) then the Parties shall follow the procedure, as follows:

(a) either Party shall give to the other written notice of the Dispute, setting out its nature and full particulars (Dispute Notice), together with relevant supporting documents. On service of the Dispute Notice, DPSS Service Manager and the client’s Supplier Manager shall attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation.

(b) If DPSS Service Manager and the client’s Supplier Manager are for any reason unable to resolve the Dispute within 30 days of service of the Dispute Notice, the Dispute shall be referred to the Director of DPSS and Director of the client who shall attempt in good faith to resolve it.

(c) If the Director of DPSS and Director of the Client are for any reason unable to resolve the Dispute within 30 days of it being referred to them, the Parties shall attempt to settle it by mediation in accordance with the CEDR Model Mediation Procedure. Unless otherwise agreed between the Parties, the mediator shall be nominated by CEDR. To initiate the mediation, a Party must serve notice in writing (ADR notice) to the other Party, requesting a mediation. A copy of the ADR notice should be sent to CEDR. The mediation shall start not later than 30 days after the date of the ADR notice.

(d) The commencement of mediation shall prevent the Parties from commencing or continuing court proceedings in relation to the Dispute. If mediation cannot resolve the dispute, both parties agree that the dispute should go to appropriate binding Arbitration or Expert Determination.

  1. 30 day money-back guarantee: If a significant majority of the course participants score the course less than satisfactory against our course evaluation criteria and if the claim is made less than 7 days after completion of the course, then we will guarantee to refund the course fee paid by the participant (less expenses) within 30 days and this will be in full and final settlement of the claim.
  2. This agreement and any other dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.
  3. Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this agreement or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).
  4. Limitation of Liability: DPSS is not liable due to any representation (unless fraudulent), or any warranty (express or implied), condition or other term, or any duty at common law, non-observance or non-performance of this Agreement, for … any loss of profits, business, contracts, opportunity, goodwill, revenues, anticipated savings, expenses, costs or other similar loss … and/or any indirect, special or consequential damages or losses (whether for loss of profits or otherwise)
  5. The four corners rule of contract law will apply to this agreement and stipulates that if two parties enter into a written agreement, they cannot use oral or implied agreements in court to contradict the terms of the written agreement. This will include, but not limited to, conversations about the signing of the contract, written evidence that is not part of the original written contract and comments from the defendant or plaintiff who are in a breach of contract case.
  6. When signing up to the DPSS Basingstoke CIPS programme client will be asked to confirm that that client have read and understood the terms and conditions listed here and are aware of what the programme entails. In addition to programme details, DPSS reserves the right to deliver the course(s) in virtual/webinar format from time to time and to make changes in previously schedule courses (we will endeavour to give as much advance notice as possible).
  7. Payment for CIPS programmes: After booking for the course(s) payment terms for CIPS Programme invoices are for immediate payment. If payment is not received, then the participant may not be able to attend the course(s)

Payment can be made via direct bank transfer or by credit/debit card. The same terms apply to invoices to corporates on behalf of their employees. Please note that we do not accept payment by AMEX.

  1. Examination and Membership for CIPS programmes: Participants MUST organise their own exam entry via CIPS (in addition, participants MUST have arranged CIPS participant membership before they can enter a CIPS examination). Course fees do NOT include exams fees, exam centre fees, moderation, CIPS Study Guides or textbooks. Places are limited therefore places will be allocated on a first come first served basis on receipt of payment in full for the booked course(s). If a payment is received and the course(s) is already fully subscribed, then the participant will be offered the next available course or a refund. DPSS Ltd cannot guarantee places on any of its course(s)
  2. Examination and Membership for World Commerce and Contracting (WCC) programmes: DPSS will organise payment of exam entry and membership fee direct with WCC. Places are limited therefore places will be allocated on a first come first served basis on receipt of payment in full for the booked course(s). If a payment is received and the course(s) is already fully subscribed, then the participant will be offered the next available course or a refund. DPSS Ltd cannot guarantee places on any of its course(s)
  3. Participant cancellations for WCC and CIPS programmes: Our contract with the participant is formed upon receipt of the course booking form. Refunds will not be given before commencement of course(s) nor during the courses if the participants decide to cancel.
  4. Unforeseen circumstances for WCC and CIPS programmes: On occasion, due to unforeseen circumstances and/or forces beyond our control may require us to cancel or postpone a course. In such circumstances of postponement, the participant will be given as much notice as possible and a free transfer to the same course on a new date will be offered. If the course is cancelled, then the participant will eligible for a full refund, paid within 30 days. We reserve the right to change venue (or consultant) if circumstances dictate.
  5. Limitation of Liability for WCC and CIPS programmes: DPSS will not accept any liability whatsoever for any outcomes for courses provided in whatever form nor will it guarantee any examination results. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure full attendance and to apply themselves to study and coursework.
  6. Fit and Proper Manner for WCC and CIPS programmes: All participants to conduct themselves in a fit and proper manner at all times and not to cause offence, distress or alarm to any other participants or to any of the DPSS team. Any participant deemed to be breaching this code of conduct will be evicted from the course(s) with no refund given.

DPSS reserves the right to have the final ruling in any situation/issue arising.

Dress Code: Formal/Smart casual.

  1. Complaints concerning CIPS programmes: Any complaints regarding the course must be addressed in writing to the Course Director – Geoff Kontzle in the first instance.
  2. In-house/on-site course delivery for WCC and CIPS programmes: The client is responsible for the provision of a suitable learning environment. This may include rooms, desks, access to screens, flip charts and pens, access to the internet, stationary and any other reasonable equipment as requested by the trainers.
  3. CIPS and Associated websites: DPSS Ltd are not liable and cannot be held responsible for the functionality and operational capability of the CIPS website or any other associated websites and the consequences and outcomes as a result.

“Force Majeure Event” means any of the events or circumstance that are beyond the control of an affected Party and which prevents the performance of any of the affected Party’s obligations under this Contract after that Party has taken every reasonable step to remedy the impact of the event:

Events or circumstances that may give rise to a Force Majeure Event are limited to the following:

Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, storms, tidal waves, floods or other physical natural disasters and Covid 19.

Acts of war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, riot, civil war, blockade, insurrection, or civil disturbances.

Acts of a governmental entity, agency or other local authority that prevent or make unlawful a Party’s performance under this Contract.

Strikes or labour disputes at the national level but excluding any strike or dispute which is specific to the performance of the Services under this Contract.

This agreement and any other dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

  1. Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this agreement or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).