We felt that it would be helpful to our clients to send out some information regarding our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We have recently received a series of enquiries to ask what would happen to scheduled services and training courses, if:

1. Voluntary self-isolation prevents attendance to a scheduled booking
2. Government guidelines restricting travel or group gatherings prevent a booking from taking place

CMP are operating in line with current Government Guidelines but recognise that for many of our clients they may be taking a different approach which might cause some issues with CMP work currently booked, in particular, training projects.

Currently, our expectation is that all training courses, mediations and investigations will continue to run as planned and the Guidelines are clear that it is business as usual, until the ‘Delay Stage’ (and potential social distancing) is advised by the Government. In the latter scenario, the following apply:

1. If voluntary self-isolation prevents an individual or group of staff from being able to attend a booking, then our standard postponement/ cancellation fees (as outlined below) apply.
2. If government guidelines change, such that a booked session is inhibited from going ahead, then:
   1. Where a payment has already been made, we will issue a voucher to reschedule for a later date.
   2. Where a payment has not been made, we will communicate accordingly to arrange for a postponed booking.

In all other circumstances, if you do wish to consider moving/changing your work with us, we are doing so according to our Terms and Conditions, which state:

Postponement fees
• If the client must postpone the job, replacement dates must be agreed with CMP in writing at least 11 working days before the start date and attracts an administration fee of £250.
• If the job is postponed within 10 working days of the agreed start date, or if the new dates are not set before the 10-day deadline, the postponement will constitute a cancellation, and will be subject to the cancellation fees schedule as stated below, as relevant.

Cancellation fees
For cancellation of work once confirmed;
More than 35 working days’ notice 50%
Between 34 and 15 working days’ notice 75%
Less than 14 working days’ notice 100%

Therefore, we are writing to you to ensure that any postponement of work is done so within 2 weeks (10 working days) of the start date, otherwise this could fall within the ‘less than 14 days’ notice with 100% cancellation. Given the situation we are prepared to accept postponements without an identified new date but reserve the right to cancellation terms later in the year, should the work not be rebooked.

Please also note that many practitioners may have already booked transport and accommodation where required, so there may be some unrecoverable expenses that would need to be charged in addition to the administration fee.

If you have any specific questions relating to postponement or any client-specific T&Cs, please do get in contact with your Account Manager as soon as possible.

If the Government Guidelines change, we will reissue further updates accordingly.

Many thanks for your patience and understanding in this challenging time.

With best wishes,

Arran Heal
Managing Director