Statement of service

The Northampton Assessment Centre (NAC) provides appointments for DSA-funded Study Aids and Strategies Assessments, sometimes referred to as 'Needs Assessments' for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).

The NAC also provides specialist ICT one-to-one training on many different software applications and equipment provided through the DSA.

These services are based at The University of Northampton, Ground Floor, Bassett Lowke, Avenue Campus, Northampton, NN2 6JD; but are available to all disabled students, including those studying at other HEI's (higher education institutions), eligible for the DSA in higher education.

A printed copy of our information is also available. Where possible we aim to produce information in formats to suit individual client needs.

NAC staff can help clients by:

providing assistance with making appointments for DSA funded assessments and ICT training
providing a friendly, helpful and impartial service. What you tell us is kept confidential to the DSA process unless you agree otherwise
helping clients come to an understanding of their problems and to identify client needs
providing accurate, impartial advice and information, explaining and exploring options with clients, and helping clients to plan the next steps to take
signpost or make referral to other specialist services at The University of Northampton or to external agencies in Northampton and beyond, where appropriate.

Clients can help NAC staff to help them by:

being punctual for booked appointments
notifying us as quickly as possible if you cannot attend. If you need to cancel or re-arrange an appointment, then it may be that someone else can benefit from the appointment time
taking responsibility to carry out any preparation or follow-up you are advised to do to get the most from the services we offer
showing consideration to your fellow students and staff when using our services
keeping the NAC informed about any change in contact and address details.

Charges for NAC services

The majority of the NAC services are paid for by the DSA. Contact us if you have any queries about charges.

Unfortunately we also have to reserve the right to withdraw our services; although we expect this to be only a rare event

We do reserve the right to withdraw our service from clients behaving rudely, aggressively, or violently to staff or other clients.
Support may also be withdrawn if a client repeatedly misses or fails to give adequate notice that they will be unable to attend appointments.
A member of staff may be professionally obliged to withdraw support if there is a conflict of interest. In this case we will do our best to suggest or arrange alternative support.

Giving feedback on NAC services

We value your feedback and use it to help us to plan/make improvements to our services.

If you wish to make a comment, compliment, suggestion, or complaint about any aspect of our services, the following options are available:

You may like to complete a comment or survey form available from the NAC office.
You can discuss the matter directly with staff at the NAC. We will deal with the matter ourselves, or refer it to the relevant manager, with your agreement in advance.
Should the matter be one which is not directly handled by the NAC e.g. if you wish to make a complaint about a doctor, tutor or bus services, we can offer guidance, including referral or signposting to the relevant department or service to help.
In case of complaint about the NAC we will outline your options so that you can decide how you wish to proceed.
If you are unhappy with the way your complaint has been dealt with and still wish to keep your complaint informal, you may choose to take your concerns to the Head of Student Services. If, however, you wish to make a formal complaint, please refer to the University leaflet 'How to make a complaint' (available from the Student Services' help desks at either campuses).

Confidentiality

Information about clients is treated as confidential. Any information stored about a client is only done so with his/her knowledge and information is not divulged to third parties except with the prior agreement of the client. Information is held in accordance with Data Protection legislation.

Choices and decision making

Clients do not have to take the first appointment slot offered to them.
NAC staff can give guidance about other assessment centres and their contact details.
Clients will usually be able to choose between being assessed by either a male or female assessor.
In exceptional circumstances assessments may be provided off site or outside normal office hours.
Clients usually have the chance to choose the length of and venue of ICT training and in exceptional circumstances training may be provided outside normal office hours.

Equality of opportunity and diversity

Our staff are committed to ensuring impartiality and equality of opportunity in the delivery of our services. Our premises are accessible to students with mobility difficulties. Specialist support for clients with additional needs is available within Student Services: please ask for details.