Terms of service

Terms of service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Vocate (“we”, “our”, or “us”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website (vocate.training) and the apprenticeship services we provide.

By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. Definitions

In these Terms:

  • “Apprentice” means an individual enrolled in one of our apprenticeship programmes
  • “Employer” means an organisation providing employment and work-based learning opportunities for apprentices
  • “Services” means the apprenticeship training, support, and related services provided by Vocate
  • “Website” means vocate.training and any associated subdomains

3. Our Services

Vocate provides apprenticeship training and related services including:

  • Apprenticeship programme delivery
  • Skills and knowledge assessment
  • Mentoring and support
  • End-point assessment preparation
  • Employer engagement and support

We reserve the right to change, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time, with reasonable notice provided to current apprentices and employers.

4. Your Responsibilities

4.1 As an Apprentice

If you are an apprentice, you agree to:

  • Actively participate in all required training and assessment activities
  • Maintain regular attendance and punctuality for scheduled sessions
  • Complete assignments and portfolio work within agreed timeframes
  • Behave professionally and respectfully toward all staff, employers, and fellow apprentices
  • Comply with workplace policies and procedures while on employer premises
  • Promptly inform us of any changes to your circumstances that may affect your apprenticeship

4.2 As an Employer

If you are an employer, you agree to:

  • Provide appropriate work-based learning opportunities for apprentices
  • Release apprentices for off-the-job training as required by the apprenticeship standard
  • Assign a workplace mentor to support the apprentice
  • Maintain a safe and supportive working environment
  • Promptly pay any agreed employer contributions
  • Comply with all relevant employment legislation
  • Provide feedback on apprentice progress when requested

4.3 Website Users

All users of our website agree to:

  • Not attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems or data
  • Not use our website in any way that disrupts its functioning
  • Not upload any content that is unlawful, harmful, or offensive
  • Respect the intellectual property rights displayed on our website

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Government-Funded Apprenticeships

For government-funded apprenticeships, the applicable funding rules will determine payment arrangements. Where employer contributions are required, these will be specified in a separate agreement.

5.2 Commercial Training

For commercial training services not funded by government, our fees will be as stated in your specific service agreement. Payment terms are 30 days from invoice date unless otherwise specified.

5.3 Late Payments

We reserve the right to charge interest on late payments at the rate of 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily from the due date until payment is received.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Materials

All materials, content, and resources provided as part of our services remain the intellectual property of Vocate or our licensors. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive licence to use these materials for your personal learning or to support apprenticeship delivery.

6.2 Your Content

Any content you provide to us (such as assignments or portfolio evidence) remains your intellectual property. However, you grant us a licence to use this content for the purposes of assessment, quality assurance, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

7. Data Protection and Privacy

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at [link to Privacy Policy]. By using our services, you consent to such processing and warrant that all data provided by you is accurate.

8. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information received from the other party and to use such information only for the purposes of fulfilling their obligations under these Terms.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Service Delivery

While we strive to provide high-quality services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from our apprenticeship programmes.

9.2 Website Availability

We do not guarantee that our website will be secure or free from bugs or viruses. You are responsible for configuring your technology to access our website safely.

9.3 Liability Cap

Our maximum aggregate liability for any claims arising out of or related to these Terms shall not exceed the total fees paid by you (or on your behalf) to us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9.4 Exclusions

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

10. Termination

10.1 By You

Apprentices may withdraw from programmes and employers may terminate service agreements as specified in their individual agreements.

10.2 By Us

We may terminate our services to you if:

  • You breach these Terms
  • You fail to make required payments
  • Funding for your apprenticeship is withdrawn
  • You engage in behaviour that is harmful, disruptive, or unprofessional
  • Continuation is prevented by circumstances beyond our reasonable control

10.3 Consequences

Upon termination, you shall immediately pay any outstanding fees, return any materials provided to you, and cease using our services.

11. Complaints Procedure

We are committed to providing high-quality services. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, we encourage you to follow our complaints procedure.

11.1 Informal Resolution

We recommend first discussing any concerns with your apprenticeship tutor, assessor, or account manager who will try to resolve the issue informally.

11.2 Formal Complaint Process

If informal resolution is not possible or satisfactory, you may submit a formal complaint by:

  1. Submitting Your Complaint:
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Post: Complaints Department, Vocate, [INSERT ADDRESS]
    • Include your name, contact details, and a clear description of your complaint
  2. Acknowledgement:
    • We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 working days
  3. Investigation:
    • A member of our management team will investigate your complaint
    • We may contact you for additional information or clarification
  4. Resolution:
    • We aim to resolve complaints within 15 working days
    • If more time is needed, we will keep you informed of progress
  5. Decision:
    • You will receive a written response detailing our findings and any actions taken

11.3 Appeals

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision within 10 working days. Your appeal will be reviewed by a senior manager not previously involved in handling your complaint.

11.4 External Resolution

If you remain dissatisfied after completing our internal complaints procedure, you may refer your complaint to:

  • For training quality issues: The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
  • For consumer rights issues: Citizens Advice or the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider [INSERT PROVIDER]

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new Terms on our website and, where appropriate, contacting you directly. Your continued use of our services following such changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Vocate Training. 56 West Street, Shoreham By Sea, West Sussex BN43 5WG.

Last Updated

These Terms of Service were last updated on 1st May 2025.