Your Questions Answered

Locations

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What areas do you cover?

We are currently operating in and around the Staines area, including Ashford, Shepperton, Feltham, Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Englefield Green, Runnymede, Windsor, Walton-on-Thames, Chertsey and Weybridge.

We are only just starting out and plan to expand to other areas in the near future. Please don't hesitate to enquire about neighbouring areas, we try our best to accommodate where possible. You can read more about our service area here

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Quality Assurance

 

Are your Companions DBS checked? 

All of our Companions hold an up to date enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service). 

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Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission? 

We are not registered with the CQC as we do not provide care provisions or administer medications. Our services are to support general wellbeing and do not fall under the provisions of the Care Quality Commission.

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Are your Companions first aid trained?

It is not requirement for our companions to complete a first aid training, however, with our clients and companions interest at heart we have so far received training for 3 of our Companions who hold a valid FAA Level 3 Award in EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK (RQF) certificate.

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Rates and Payments

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What are your rates?

The hourly rate for our services is £28 per hour excluding VAT.

We are currently not required to add VAT to our charge but please be aware that this can change in future.

You can read more about our prices and subscriptions here.

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What else do I pay for? 

All expenses incurred for the client and the Companion whilst out and about e.g. bus tickets, coffee, lunch, entrance tickets, mileage (charged at 45 pence per mile as per HMRC rate). Please note – You will only be charged miles used during the time you are with your Companion. 

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What isn't included in my hourly charge? 

The hourly charge does not include Companion mileage costs in their own car and expenses for activities, food and drink during the visit. 

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How do I pay for my bookings? 

Invoices are issued weekly in arrears and collected via Direct Debit system. This allows for smooth operation and ease to our clients.​​

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Service Limitations

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Do you provide personal care? 

Please note we do not provide personal care or administer medication. 

 

Timing

 

How long can my visit be? 

Our minimum visit time is 2hrs for each visit. There is currently no maximum on how long a visit can last as some clients might enjoy a daytrip with our companion. All subject to availability.

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What if my visit time extends?

E.g. Dr. appointments take longer than expected, traffic, park or museum visits are too enjoyable...It will be all dependent on companion availability, we are happy to accommodate any extended visits. These will be charged at the standard rate.

 

Overcoming Issues

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What if I'm not happy with the service or the Companion assigned to me?

If for whatever reason you are unhappy with the service or Companion please contact us as we will endeavour to correct the situation. We care about the quality of our service and wish only to leave you feeling happy, relaxed and satisfied during and following our visit.

 

Notice Periods

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​How much notice do I need to cancel a booking? 

We require a minimum of 48hours notice to cancel a booking. If it’s being cancelled after this time and depending on reason we will reserve the right to charge at full rate.

Companionship services reserve the right to cancel in unforeseen circumstances. 

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How do I terminate the agreement? 

Either party may terminate the agreement with 14 days’ notice subject to there being no outstanding charges payable to us.

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​What happens if a Companion can't make a visit? 

If a Companion is on holiday or off sick we will inform you as soon as possible and ask if you would like us to supply a temporary replacement Companion which we would source from our existing team, subject to availability.

 

Personal Data

 

What personal information do we collect and why do we collect it? 

To provide this service as agreed, we need to store a limited amount of personal information which will be held by Companionship Services Ltd. All information will be stored securely and treated with confidentiality and respect at all times. 
We may record: 

-Contact details of customers or customer connected parties (e.g. families) 
-Date of birth 
-Allergies / relevant health data 
-Financial data (for payment) 

-Next of kin contact (in case of emergencies)
-Any other information that you choose to send to us. 

This information is recorded only for us to contact you and to support in the provision of the service as agreed and is not used for any marketing purposes.

You can read more about our privacy policy ​here

 

Another Question

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How can I find and answer to a question that isn't answered here?

Please contact us directly and we will be happy to help you:

Tel: 0800 0025 035

Email: info@companionship-services.com