Terms & Conditions

The terms and conditions below apply to all coaching and mentoring services provided by Tom Sanders (“the coach”), to any individual or organisation (“the client”) and constitute the contract for the service to be provided by Tom Sanders for the client. The term ‘coaching’ as here used covers life coaching, personal coaching, personal development, trauma recovery, executive coaching and business coaching for clients and where applicable includes mentoring or supervision services provided for clients, coaches or others.

In the spirit of good practice, when you are purchasing coaching services from me, I ask you to confirm that you have read and agreed to each statement below and that you wish to proceed.

Coaching is not a substitute for professional mental health care or medical care. The term ‘coaching’ as here used covers life coaching and personal coaching, but it also extends to executive coaching and business coaching for clients. Tom continually strives to ensure the standard of service he provides to its clients remains excellent. At the end of the coaching process, or series of coaching sessions, the client will be asked to complete a review form.

Coaching Disclaimer

In committing to life coaching with me, you acknowledge the following:

You understand that the coaching services you will be receiving from your Coach are not offered as a substitute for professional mental health care or medical care and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any mental health or medical conditions. You also understand that your Coach is not acting as a mental health counsellor or a medical professional.
For legal purposes, you understand that coaching is currently an unregulated industry and that your Coach is not “licensed” by any Australian body even though the sessions may take place in Australia or elsewhere in English.
You understand and agree that you are fully responsible for your well-being during your coaching sessions and subsequently, including your choices and decisions.
You understand that coaching is not a substitute for counselling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care or substance abuse treatment, and you will not use it in place of any form of therapy.
You understand that all comments and ideas offered by your Coach are solely for the purpose of aiding you in achieving the defined goals you create with your Coach. You have the ability to give your informed consent, and hereby give such consent to your coach to assist you in achieving such goals and understand that results are not guaranteed.

Frequency

Tom will recommend the frequency of coaching sessions based on a professional assessment of the client’s requirements. This recommendation, or plan, is not binding and may be altered and adjusted throughout the coaching journey by mutual agreement, in accordance with the terms set out in this agreement. Where no specific number is agreed sessions will be provided on a session by session basis.

The date that the first coaching session takes place shall be deemed to be the start date for the service. Where any client is unhappy with any of the terms and conditions they can contact Tom to discuss any concerns and see if they can be resolved before the first coaching session. Participation by any individual in the first coaching session constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Deliverables

In return for the fees payable by the client (or by a third party on their behalf), Tom agrees to provide the service as described below and in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below. The client agrees to pay fees for the service on the terms and conditions set out below (in situations where a third party pays the fees, the third party counts as an agent acting on behalf of the client).

Format of Sessions

Sessions are by phone either via Skype, FaceTime audio, WhatsApp audio or by telephone direct. The coach is open to other formats by mutual agreement. Tom is responsible for ensuring that he is available for consultation at agreed times.
The length of each session is set by the client at the time of booking on the appointment booking platform and paid for accordingly at the time of booking. Sessions may over-run by mutual agreement and paid for retrospectively, but only if the Coach has no commitments immediately following the session.

Services provided

Coaching is a way way of developing people's skills and abilities, and of boosting performance. It can help deal with issues and challenges before they become major problems.Our coaching sessions will explore whatever topics and issues are most pressing to you. The primary objective is to help you work through the situation and come out motivated and ready to move on.

Session Fees

Tom’s current fees are stipulated on the website and made clear at the time of booking. He reserves the right to change these from time to time. Any payments for sessions paid in advance are honoured even if prices have risen between the point of booking and the time of session.

Payment Terms

Fees can be paid online by debit or credit card, or by PayPal, using the “Stripe” payments gateway.

Receipts and/or invoices are available, and where receipts are requested by the client, they will be sent by e-mail.

Fees are payable in advance of each coaching session unless otherwise agreed. Where payment has not been received by Tom in advance of a coaching session Tom is not obliged to provide the session.

Between Sessions

Tom may assign the client tasks or exercises to complete between coaching sessions. There is no obligation on the client to complete these items of ‘homework’, but not doing so may slow the client’s progress in gaining improved quality of life or achieving desired business or personal outcomes. The client is welcome to contact Tom by phone or e-mail between sessions to seek clarification regarding anything arising from a coaching session or for administrative purposes (e.g. where a client needs to rearrange a coaching session or make a payment). Additional coaching can also be provided between sessions but there will be an additional charge.

Rearranging Sessions

If a client needs to rearrange a coaching session, they should provide at least 8 hours notice. No refunds will be given to clients for unused coaching sessions unless 8 hours notice has been given. In exceptional circumstances Tom may need to rearrange a coaching session. In those instances he will also give the client 24 hours notice where practical.

Where a client pays for a session or sessions in advance they must have the coaching session(s) that they have paid for within 6 months of the payment or their fee is forfeited.

Confidentiality

Personal information or business information supplied by clients in coaching sessions will be treated as confidential. It will not be disclosed to a third party without the client’s prior permission, save where required by law or where action might be necessary to prevent harm to the client or someone else.

Early Termination

In exceptional circumstances, such as illness or unavailability due to bereavement or other commitments, inappropriate behaviour by the client, actual or potential conflict of interest, or other reasons, Tom can decide to terminate the service to the client early. In such a circumstance the client will be given reasonable notice of termination by Tom where practicable and will be refunded any advance payments made for coaching sessions not yet provided.

Responsibilities

Tom will seek to enable the client to improve their quality of life or level of business success and to achieve their desired outcomes. Remarkable results can be achieved where clients follow a clear plan in a committed way. However, the client has sole responsibility for taking important decisions in their life or business. Tom has no liability for any loss incurred by any client, whether financial or otherwise, following commencement of coaching sessions, or for any perceived failure by the client, whether justified or otherwise, to achieve a material improvement in trauma recovery, quality of life, career or business or to achieve their desired outcomes or goals.

Data Protection

You understand that your Coach will protect your information as confidential unless you state otherwise in writing. If you report child abuse, elder abuse or neglect or threaten to harm yourself or someone else, you understand that necessary actions may be taken and your confidentiality agreement may be limited in this capacity. Furthermore, if your Coach is ordered by a court to provide information or to testify, he will do so to the extent the law requires.

Data Security

You understand that the use of technology is not always secure and you accept the risks of confidentiality in the use of email, text, phone, Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Skype and / or any other technology service that may be used during the sessions.

Waiver

You hereby release, waive, acquit and forever discharge your Coach, any agents, successors, assigns, personal representatives, executors, heirs and employees from every and any claim, suit action, demand or right to compensation for any issues, actions, decisions or damages you may, or may not, make, perform, do, initiate, cause or imagine, during or after our coaching sessions - beginning the moment of our first session. You further declare and represent that no promise, inducement or agreement not expressed in this agreement has been made to you to sign this agreement. This agreement shall bind your heirs, executors, personal representatives, successors, assigns, and agents.

Governing Law

This contract is governed by the law of Australia, whose courts have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any dispute, disagreement, proceedings or legal claim of any nature relating to the service provided or the contract.