TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
For staff at Court Equestrian LLP of Priors Court, Callow End, Worcester WR2 4TJ
Any specific agreements take precedence over this guide.
Work
Staff are expected to be flexible in the work that they do, reflecting the varying needs of the Riding School and the small number of staff that we have.
Although you will have a basic work pattern, you may be asked, from time to time, to vary it in order to accommodate such factors as: staff absences, problems with horses or ponies, problems caused by weather, or other emergencies.
Do not do any work or activity for which you are not qualified or confident.
Salary
You will be told separately about your salary rate, and whether it is a fixed rate per week/month or based on hours that you record and tell us each month. Salary is reviewed with effect from 1st April each year.
Overtime
Payable at flat rate if authorised in advance.
Use the form in the cupboard in the Kettle room to record overtime. Pass this to Roy or leave it just inside the main house kitchen.
Payment frequency
Paid monthly by bank transfer to your account, usually on the last Friday of the month.
Expenses
Any valid expenses will be refunded subject to appropriate receipts.
Send a scan or photo of the invoice/bill to Roy by email (info@courtequestrian.co.uk) or text (07831 201 975)
Pension
We use the Government “Nest” default scheme. At the appropriate age/stage you will be automatically enrolled, but you can then withdraw if preferred.
If you contribute, we also contribute to this scheme.
Contributing to a Pension Scheme is usually an excellent way of saving, helped by tax benefits.
Personal vehicles
We do not expect you to use your private vehicle on Company business.
If you do use your personal vehicle on Company business (as opposed to commuting to and from work) you must make sure that your insurance covers such incidental use. This is most important, and most insurance policies do not automatically cover this; if you do not have such cover, you must not use your private vehicle for any company business.
Use of Court Equestrian vehicle
Before you use a company vehicle (for which approval must be obtained each time), you must, for insurance purposes, tell us about:
any speeding fines or other conviction within the last 5 years;
any pending or potential prosecutions
any accidents within the last 5 years
date you passed test and how long you have been driving
any refusal of insurance or imposition of special terms
any medical condition that might affect driving.
Mobile phone
When driving on Company business, employees must NOT use a mobile phone unless it is fitted with a suitable hands-free kit, and then only if it is safe to do so.
Mobile phones must not be used during any lessons, hacks or similar activities except in an emergency or for necessary business need.
Paid Holidays
It is important for your welfare that you take holidays.
You are entitled to the equivalent of 5.6 weeks paid holiday.
Full time staff (working 5 days/week) are entitled to 28 days paid holiday. Part time:
Working 4 days/week = 22.4 days paid leave;
3 days/wk = 16.8 days paid leave;
2 days/wk = 11.2 days paid leave and
1 day/wk = 5.6 paid leave.
This includes Bank Holidays and is pro rata from January in the first year.
You will be expected to work some Bank Holidays and to take holiday from your entitlement.
Please give 2 weeks notice of holidays. Dates must be chosen to avoid clashing with other staff holidays or with particularly busy times or activities.
Holidays must be taken in each calendar year and cannot be carried over without permission. The holiday year starts 1st January.
Grievance procedure
Take up any grievance initially with the Senior Instructor Becky or Claire. If it cannot wait and they cannot be contacted, take it up with Roy Pendleton.
Notice
You must give at least one month’s notice if you intend to leave. If the Company has to terminate your employment we will give you the normal statutory notice, with a minimum of one month’s note (except in the case of gross misconduct). Notice can be amended by mutual agreement.
Personal behaviour
All employees must deal with other employees or third parties with respect and must not use any verbal or physical behaviour (including telephone, text messages, social media or email) which brings the Company into disrepute.
If you are likely to be late, OR unable to come to work, you must let us know by phone/email as soon as possible.
Always wear any issued company clothing when on duty.
Please report any abuse that you may receive or see.
DBS
All staff (depending on age and contact with children) are obliged to have a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check. This will be updated at regular intervals, and the cost is paid by Court Equestrian. The DBS report is kept confidential and will not be disclosed to other parties.
Safety
Take meal and other breaks during the working day for your own benefit + welfare.
You must wear suitable clothing etc both for your own safety and to set the right example to clients.
This includes riding hat & body protector and, in dull/dark conditions, reflective clothing when riding/walking out.
Before you do anything, you must do a Risk Assessment, preferably together with Claire or Becky. This means thinking of what you intend to do, what might go wrong, and how to avoid the problem or reduce the consequences.
If a small/trivial job, it may just be a moment’s personal thought. If more significant and/or new, it can mean a discussion, writing notes, or referring to a written procedure.
It covers any stable work, any lifting/moving of feed, waste etc around the yard, any hack, visit outside of the school, use of a horse for the first time, lessons with a new rider, dealing with a rider or animal after a long lay-off, new jumps etc.
Never do anything that you think is beyond your reasonable capabilities.
Make sure you are aware of the procedures to be followed in case of a fire, or an accident. This includes making sure an Accident Form (available in stable office) is completed by an Instructor and report to a Senior Instructor.
It is essential that any accident which involves anyone being taken to hospital (by ambulance or car) is reported to Claire and Roy, so we can advise the insurance company if appropriate; failure to advise our insurers can invalidate insurance cover.
And do let us know immediately if you see anything that is a possible safety risk.
Smoking
No smoking is allowed anywhere on the Company’s premises or sites. This includes any open spaces within the school (except the car park) and whilst riding or leading animal outside of the school.
Smoking in work places (including company vehicles used by others) is now illegal.
Maintaining records
You must tell the office in writing of any change of: address; telephone number; any legal cases which might have a bearing on your ability to do your; any health issue which may affect how you can do your job; any allergies, possible reactions etc.
Absences
Please tell us as soon as you are aware that you are unable to attend work for any reason.
Sickness: Statutory Sick Pay rules and rates of payments generally apply. This involves a basic payment, which may be less than normal pay rates.
Additional terms & Conditions
The Company may from-time-to-time vary its terms and conditions, providing it gives you notice of any such proposed changes. The notice may vary but will not normally be less than one month.
Contact details
You can contact us on any of the following:
Claire: 077 3456 9118 Becky 07933 960 748
Stable office: 01905 831 522 Admin office: 01905 831 778
Roy: 07831 201 975
Email: info@courtequestrian.co.uk