Non-medical Helpers

The University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy forms the basis for behaviours and responsibilities when working at the University.

In summary, all members of the University Community have a responsibility to:

• Always have a supply of pens, pencils and paper.

• Always be punctual.

• Produce notes that are clear, complete and legibly written.

• Maintain a high standard of presentation whilst representing the University and Disability Services/Mental Health.

• Let Disability Services/Mental Health know as soon a possible if you are going to miss a session due to illness or other reasons so that the student can be informed and cover can be arranged, where appropriate.

• Make sure that students are happy with the support being provided; any problems must be referred to Disability Services/Mental Health immediately.

• Make sure you attend any relevant training or meetings.
• Give regular (termly) feedback to Disability Services/Mental Health.
• Inform Disability Services/Mental Health if your student does not attend a lecture or support session.
• Inform Disability Services/Mental Health if you have any problems working with a student or are worried for their welfare.
• Inform Disability Services/Mental Health of any problems you are having that are work related or effect your work, so we can help you come to a satisfactory conclusion or adapt your work to support your situation.
• Always adhere to the University’s Data Protection policy and Wellbeing and Student Support Confidentiality Statement. Information about a student should not be discussed or shared with third parties.
• When in a session with a student, other students' details must not be accessible e.g. any paperwork should be locked away and computers that you are logged into should not be left unattended with a student.
• Take academic notes in lectures, seminars and tutorials for students in higher education with a range of disabilities.
• In some instances you may be asked to also provide assistance to your student in and around campus in the form of sighted, orientation or mobility support.
• Mental health and academic mentors and study skills tutors are expected to record details of their meetings with students on the Student Support database. Alternatively you will be asked to complete weekly and termly forms for each student meeting.
• Complete electronic timesheets online on a weekly basis so that the hours can be approved.
• Do not add students to personal social media or meet with them outsde of your working role and booked sessions.

What Can You Expect From Students?

• Students have a responsibility to approve your electronic timesheets online in a timely manner.
• Students are expected to treat support workers with courtesy.
• We ask that students let non-medical helpers know if a session is cancelled or if they are unable to attend a teaching session. This can be via text, email or a telephone call.
• Students must not ask non-medical helpers to assist them with activities that are not part of the role.

Mental Health Mentors

Upon first meeting a student, a mentor will complete an agreement with the student that outlines the boundaries of the role. This agreement includes key information about boundaries and responsibilities of the mentoring role. If the student has concerns about this agreement that cannot be resolved within the mentoring session the mentor has a responsibility to discuss this in supervision prior to further mentoring sessions being offered. The agreement will be discussed in detail later.

Study Skills Tutors

Upon first meeting a student, please complete the DS student agreement and ILP outlining the boudaries of the role, ways of communicating with the student, reporting of concerns and complaints and signposting. This should be signed by both parties and a record should be available at the office.