Terms & Conditions
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy & Victoria Hammond Collective
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy provides professional onsite and online training courses, tuition, course materials, course packs and associated training services.
Victoria Hammond Collective provides interior design, curtain and blind design, soft furnishings design and make-up, supply of fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, hardware, furniture and other products, fitting and installation, sourcing and associated design services.
References within these Terms & Conditions to “Victoria Hammond”, “Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy”, “Victoria Hammond Collective”, “Trainer”, “Tutor”, “Assessor”, “our”, “we” or “us” should be interpreted according to the service being provided.
You may be referred to as the “Customer”, “Client”, “Learner”, “Course Attendee”, “Student”, “you” or “your”. Training services may be referred to as a “training course” or “course”.
LAW AND JURISDICTION
These Terms & Conditions, and any dispute in contract or in connection with the use of this website, shall be governed by English law.
Each of the parties agrees that the courts of England shall have jurisdiction to settle any dispute which may arise out of or in connection with the contract or its subject matter.
USE OF THIS WEBSITE
Material contained on this website and third-party platforms may be downloaded, viewed and printed for personal use, provided that no trademark, copyright or other proprietary notices contained in or appearing on such material are removed in whole or in part.
This permission does not extend to material identified as belonging to third parties, where permission must be obtained from the relevant owners.
Material contained on this website and third-party platforms may not otherwise be copied, reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior written consent of Victoria Hammond. In particular, it must not be reproduced or exploited for commercial gain. All other rights are reserved.
We cannot guarantee that this website will operate in accordance with your expectations or will be error-free. We may update this website from time to time and reserve the right to modify, restrict access to or close this website at any time.
This website may contain links to other websites. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply that we monitor or maintain those linked websites. We are not responsible for the operation or content of third-party websites.
MASTER SOFT FURNISHERS™ ACADEMY – ONSITE AND ONLINE TRAINING COURSES
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy agrees to provide training services to the Client and the Client agrees to engage the services of Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy.
By making a deposit or full payment of the appropriate training course fee, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Where booking is made through our website, these Terms are accepted by the Client at checkout by confirming that they have read, understood and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
- Course Attendance
Obligatory training course attendance times are 9.30am to 5.00pm unless otherwise stated. A course attendee/student must fully participate in all elements of the training course to be awarded a certificate. Course timings may overrun slightly or the programme may finish ahead of time. If a course attendee needs to leave early, they must inform the Trainer prior to the training course commencement date.
- Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials
All course equipment, machinery, tools and materials are supplied. Students are unable to bring their own equipment, machinery, tools or materials to a scheduled course unless agreed with us in advance. For private tuition, we may be able to accommodate individual requirements. All intellectual property rights in course materials remain owned by us.
- Course Progression
Students need to have completed Course ONE in order to progress to Course TWO, and Course TWO in order to progress to Course THREE. If Diploma courses are booked, Cushion Making may be attended before, between or after Course ONE, TWO and THREE.
- Course Availability
All reservations/bookings are subject to availability and any minimum numbers required to run the course.
- Deposits and Course Payments
The appropriate course deposit is required to secure your place on the agreed course date. Full payment must be settled at least 14 days prior to the course start date unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. Course deposits are non-refundable, subject always to your statutory rights.
- Force Majeure
We will not be liable for failure or delay in supplying goods or services to the extent that we are prevented, hindered or delayed by a cause beyond our reasonable control. We will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and use reasonable endeavours to remedy the cause.
- Changes or Cancellation by Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy
If unforeseen circumstances arise, or minimum booking numbers have not been reached, Victoria Hammond reserves the right to alter course dates or cancel a course. Where appropriate, we will offer alternative course dates.
- Cancellation or Transfer by the Client
Written cancellations submitted no later than 23:59, 14 days prior to the course start date/event booked, may qualify for a refund of the course fee less the course deposit and a £25 administration charge. Written cancellations submitted at least 7 days prior may receive a 50% refund of the course fee less the deposit and administration charge. Less than 7 days prior, no refund will normally be given except in special circumstances. This also applies to VISA applications. Transfers to alternative scheduled dates may be possible subject to availability.
- Refunds
Where a refund is due, it will normally be processed within 14 days of cancellation, less any applicable deductions. Where permitted by law, we reserve the right to deduct a reasonable amount reflecting costs actually incurred.
- Non-Attendance
If you fail to attend the training course booked without prior notice, no refund or course transfer will normally be made, subject to statutory rights.
- Course Completion Timeframe
Courses should normally be attended within an 18-month timeframe from confirmation of booking. We may approve an extension at our discretion.
- Promotional Discounts
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy may offer course fee or promotional discounts at its discretion for particular courses.
- Intellectual Property and Course Materials
Victoria Hammond is the author and owner of the course training materials, including training manuals, website training content and content published on third-party platforms unless otherwise identified. Written content, photographs, illustrations, video and recorded material are protected by copyright and must not be copied or reproduced without express permission.
- Recording and Photography During Training
Video or recorded material taken of Victoria Hammond, Course Tutors, training material or other employees/subcontractors during training must not be reproduced, copied or distributed without express written permission.
- Academy Photography and Recording
Victoria Hammond reserves the right to photograph and record students and their work for course marketing and social media purposes. If an individual does not wish to be photographed or recorded, they should inform us.
- Health and Safety
All course attendees agree to familiarise themselves with and follow all health and safety procedures and requirements.
- Conduct
Victoria Hammond, Tutors and subcontractors reserve the right to ask an individual to leave the training venue in cases of unreasonable behaviour and/or disruption.
- English Language Requirements
Learners/course attendees must have a basic command of English, both verbal and written. Learners with limited command of English are advised to contact us before booking to discuss reasonable provisions.
- Personal Information
Personal information will be held and processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy.
- Communications
Subject to applicable data protection and electronic marketing requirements, Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy may send emails and newsletters. You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
- Liability
To the extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR ONLINE COURSE MATERIAL
- Ownership and Use of Online Course Material
Victoria Hammond is the author and owner of the online course material, including video tutorials. Online course material must not be reproduced, downloaded, copied or shared except where expressly permitted. Course material is solely for the use of the person who ordered and purchased it.
- Online Course Payments
Payment for online course material is non-refundable except where otherwise required by law.
- Course Launch Dates
Where online material is in draft or pre-launch mode, we will keep you updated regarding the provisional launch date but cannot guarantee an exact launch date unless expressly agreed.
- Course Packs
If an item is damaged in delivery, please inform us as soon as possible and provide evidence. We are not responsible for delays caused by third-party suppliers where outside our reasonable control.
- Online and Onsite Course Types
Whilst an online course may have the same course title and written programme as an onsite course, online and onsite courses are different course types.
- Online Promotional Discounts
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy may offer promotional discounts at its discretion during stated promotional periods.
VICTORIA HAMMOND COLLECTIVE
The following sections apply to services and products supplied through Victoria Hammond Collective, including interior design, soft furnishings design and make-up, curtains and blinds, fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, hardware, furniture, sourcing, supply, fitting and associated services.
SUPPLY OF FABRICS, WALLPAPERS, TRIMMINGS AND SOFT FURNISHING MATERIALS/PRODUCTS
- Order Administration and Supplier Liaison
Victoria Hammond Collective acts on behalf of customers to manage order administration and communicate with third-party suppliers with whom we hold trade accounts. Customers must not misrepresent themselves as the account holder or provide misleading information to a supplier.
- Customer-Initiated Order Cancellations
If a customer requests cancellation of an order placed through us, we will contact the supplier where appropriate to determine whether cancellation is possible. Where goods are bespoke, specially ordered, cut to length, made to measure or already in manufacture, cancellation or refund may not be possible. Nothing in this section affects statutory rights.
- Third-Party Suppliers
We use third-party suppliers in connection with many products supplied through Victoria Hammond Collective. We will use reasonable care in administering orders and dealing with suppliers. We are not responsible for delays outside our reasonable control.
- Termination of Business Relationship
We reserve the right to terminate an ongoing business relationship where there is a serious breakdown in trust, dishonest or improper behaviour, abuse towards staff or suppliers, or other conduct which makes continuation unreasonable, subject to existing contractual obligations and applicable law.
VICTORIA HAMMOND COLLECTIVE – INTERIOR DESIGN & SOFT FURNISHINGS DESIGN, MAKE-UP & SUPPLY
- Introduction
Victoria Hammond Collective (“we”, “us” or “our”) provides interior design, curtain and blind design, soft furnishings design and make-up, sourcing, product supply, fitting and associated services. The purpose of this Agreement is to ensure that the Client (“you”, “your” or “yours”) is aware of and agrees to the services we will provide and the terms on which those services will be provided.
Where applicable, services may be provided in two stages. Stage 1 may include initial instructions, site visits, formulation of designs and preparation of an Initial Design. Stage 2 may include ordering, manufacture, make-up, supply, project coordination and installation. For smaller soft furnishings projects, the agreed Estimate, Costing/Specification, quotation, invoice or other written project confirmation may define the scope of the Works.
- Design Fee
Where a Design Fee applies, the amount and payment structure will be agreed and detailed in the relevant proposal, Estimate, Costing/Specification or invoice. The Design Fee may include creative input, sourcing, mood boards, imagery, samples and interior plans.
- Stage 1 – Initial Design
Where applicable, the Initial Design represents our creative input and may include sourcing, mood boards, photographs, imagery, samples, interior plans and estimated costs. If agreement cannot be reached, either party may terminate subject to payment for work already carried out and costs already incurred or committed. Designs and layouts remain the copyright of Victoria Hammond.
- Stage 2 – Implementation, Manufacture and Supply
A deposit of the estimated costs will be due as stated in the relevant Estimate, Costing/Specification, proposal or invoice. Further progress payments and/or a final payment may become due in accordance with the agreed payment schedule. Deposits represent part-payment for the goods and services to be supplied. Payment of a deposit against an Estimate/Costing/Specification confirms acceptance of that Estimate/Costing/Specification and agreement to proceed with the Works described within it. All goods supplied by us remain our property until paid for in full, to the extent permitted by law.
- Payment Terms
We will issue invoices according to the payment terms agreed for the particular project. Unless a different payment schedule is shown, payment must be made within 14 days of the invoice date. If you dispute an item, notify us promptly in writing; any undisputed amount remains payable.
- Delivery, Carriage and Other Project Costs
Carriage, supplier delivery charges, insurance, printing, specialist samples, travel expenses, parking and other project-related costs may be charged where applicable. Where not included within the original Estimate or Costing/Specification, we will identify them separately where reasonably practicable.
- Client-Supplied Fabrics and Materials
Where fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings, hardware or other materials are supplied directly by the Client, a handling and administration charge may apply as detailed in the Estimate, Costing/Specification or invoice. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, our standard client-supplied fabric handling charge is 15%. The Client is responsible for ensuring materials supplied directly by them are suitable, sufficient in quantity and free from defects. We cannot accept responsibility for inherent defects, flaws, shortages, incorrect quantities, dye variations or other characteristics present before the materials came into our possession.
- Your Obligations
You should ensure adequate arrangements are in place to receive and protect goods delivered to site and give us and agreed fitters or contractors safe and reasonable access to the property. You are responsible for obtaining any planning consents, permissions or approvals unless we expressly agree otherwise.
- Additional Goods and Services
Goods and services requested outside the previously agreed Estimate, Costing/Specification or scope of Works will be charged additionally. Where reasonably practicable, we will advise you of additional costs before committing to significant expenditure.
- Third-Party Contractors and Suppliers
Where third-party contractors or suppliers are appointed directly by you, we may provide specification, design or coordination assistance where agreed. We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of a third-party contractor appointed directly by you.
- Changes to Agreed Designs or Specifications
Where you request material changes to an agreed design, Estimate or Costing/Specification, we may provide a revised cost estimate. Where approved goods or services have already been ordered, cut, manufactured, made up or supplied, we cannot guarantee that the supplier will accept their return or provide a refund.
- Goods, Workmanship and Liability
Goods and services supplied by Victoria Hammond Collective will be provided in accordance with applicable consumer law. Natural fabrics and materials may contain variations in colour, weave, texture, pattern, slubs or other inherent characteristics; such characteristics are not necessarily defects. Our services will be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts statutory rights or liability which cannot legally be excluded.
- Confidentiality and Copyright
The work we undertake for you will be treated as confidential. We may retain photographs and design ideas for portfolio and promotional use provided we do not disclose private information without permission. Our designs, layouts and other professional creative work remain the copyright of Victoria Hammond.
- Termination
Either party may terminate the Agreement in writing. Where you terminate after work has commenced, you remain responsible for payment for work already carried out and for goods, materials, services and third-party costs already ordered, supplied or committed, subject to applicable consumer law. Where goods are bespoke, made to measure, cut to length or specially ordered, cancellation may not be possible once manufacture, cutting or ordering has commenced.
- Force Majeure
We will not be liable for failure or delay where prevented, hindered or delayed by circumstances beyond our reasonable control. We will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable and use reasonable endeavours to minimise the effect.
- General
If any term is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining Terms continue in effect. Notices should be provided in writing. Nothing in these Terms is intended to remove or restrict consumer rights provided by law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
COMPANY POLICIES – MASTER SOFT FURNISHERS™ ACADEMY
COMPLAINTS POLICY
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy aims to provide a high-quality teaching and learning service. If you are unhappy with any Academy service, please speak to Victoria Hammond directly. Where possible, we will provide a response straight away; where a matter is more complicated, we aim to provide at least an initial response within five working days.
Written complaints should be addressed to Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy / Victoria Hammond. We aim to acknowledge receipt within three working days and provide a substantive response within ten working days where possible.
APPEALS POLICY
The Appeals Policy is designed to protect clients/students and members of the Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy team. A client/student who disagrees with an assessment decision should discuss the matter with their Tutor/Assessor first. If still unhappy, a formal appeal may be submitted to Victoria Hammond no later than 30 days after the assessment decision and initial discussion. Where an external accreditation or awarding organisation provides a further right of appeal, the matter may be referred in accordance with that organisation’s procedures.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS POLICY
Master Soft Furnishers™ Academy is committed to providing equal opportunities for team members and clients/students and to considering reasonable adjustments according to individual circumstances and course requirements. Special consideration may be considered where a student is disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury or other adverse circumstances, without giving an unfair advantage.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
We owe a duty of care to students, staff and visitors and take reasonable steps to ensure working and learning environments are safe. Measures include risk assessments, appropriate documentation, staff awareness and training, maintenance and testing of equipment, accident reporting, fire and evacuation procedures, and suitable first-aid arrangements. Victoria Hammond has overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Employees and contractors share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.
