Onespirit’s Birch Pathway
additional student resources
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of our training programme, meticulously designed to support both new and prospective students through every step of their educational journey. Our guide serves as your beacon, offering illuminating insights and outlining the fundamental policies and procedures that underpin your success within our academic framework.
Dive into detailed segments such as the Year 1 and Year 2 Student Progress Reviews, which provide a structured overview of your developmental milestones, ensuring you remain on a steady path of progress. Privacy is paramount, and our Confidentiality Policy stands as a testament to our dedication to safeguarding your personal information, allowing you to learn in a secure environment.
Encountering challenges is part of any worthwhile journey. Our Complaints Policy and the subsequent Student Appeals Policy & Procedure ensure that you have a clear, fair, and accessible process to seek resolutions, demonstrating our commitment to upholding a just and supportive educational atmosphere. Communication plays a pivotal role in the fabric of our training experience, and we have established protocols to guarantee that your voice is always heard, promoting an interactive and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, our Respect Policy underscores our dedication to fostering a harmonious academic community, underpinned by mutual respect and understanding.
Lastly, the Terms & Conditions of the Training lay down the foundational agreement that shapes our mutual commitment to your academic and professional development. Join us to navigate this rewarding journey, enveloped in the support, clarity, and respect you rightfully deserve. Let’s forge ahead together towards achieving your aspirations.
Year 1 Student Progress Review
Application Process
This is a deep, radical programme of transformation, a demanding and challenging training that requires a high degree of self-awareness, self-motivation, and self-examination from all participants. During the enrolment process, each potential student is assessed for suitability for the course.
As with any programme of this nature, there is the potential for unresolved issues, traumas, or other wounds to be brought into awareness for attention, healing, and resolution. The design of the training ensures that each student is deeply supported as they go through this journey of self-enquiry. However, we must be clear that this training is not therapy, and we ask you to carefully consider your own state of readiness before undertaking this course. We also strongly advise all students to consider the other supports they have available in their life. You may find independent counselling or other therapeutic supports invaluable in helping you deal with any difficult personal material that may emerge during the course and deepen the process of self-inquiry.
1st Year Assignments
There are a few assignments to complete during the first year, some of these will be written reflections, others may be more creative pieces such as video recording. Each of these is an important part of the overall review process as they give faculty insight into how the individual student is engaging with the curriculum. Each assignment is commented on and returned to the student, so they receive regular feedback about their progress and what needs further work.
Three Month Student Self-Assessment
Each student is required to do a three-month self-assessment using the format set out in the programme overview. They assess themselves against the stated qualities and skills required for their onward journey into the second year.
One-to-One Tutorial with a Core Tutor
A tutor will review the student’s self-assessment, their engagement with the online classroom material, any issues noted by tutors on assignments, and will then undertake a one-to-one tutorial. Any concerns the tutor has about the progress of the student will be discussed at this time. If there are any serious concerns these will be put in writing for the student with mutually agreed actions and a review date. A second tutorial will be offered to discuss and review progress. If all is now well the student will be informed and proceed to the next stage of training. If there is any doubt about a student progressing into the second year, this will be put in writing and discussed.
End of the First Year
Students who have successfully completed the first year, having developed all the required skills, and completed the required assessments, will be eligible to continue into the second year.
In the rare instance that a student has not been able to develop the necessary skills, they will be asked to take an alternative route to ordination (retake the first year and/or encouraged to seek additional support before continuing). If the student disagrees with their tutors’ assessment of their progress, there is a review process available to them.
Deferring Second Year
If a student wishes to defer their second year, they need to speak to their core tutor and discuss the reasons and circumstances of their decision. After that discussion, if the student still wants to defer and this is supported by their core tutor, the student will need to contact the Finance Officer to inform them of the decision to defer. Please note that deferment of the second year can only take place if all of the first-year course work is complete.
In exceptional circumstances, if a tutor asks the student to defer the second year, they will have discussed this possibility with the student before the end of the first year and given reasons in writing. The tutor will also discuss with the student the conditions they must meet before returning to the training, this will depend on individual circumstances. These will be recorded in writing and kept on file. If the student disagrees with their tutor’s decision, they can request a review as laid out in the Student Appeals Policy.
Group Tutors
Group tutors liaise regularly with each other and the core tutor. They give in the moment feedback and guidance to their students and support the ongoing review processes.
Before the three-month self-assessment process, group tutors will write a brief review on each of their students identifying any issues in relation to the qualities and skills outlined in the curriculum overview. This review is made available for the core tutor doing the one-to-one tutorials and may be material for future reviews.
Before the end of the year, group tutors will update their review on each student, highlighting any concerns or perceived learning edges. This report will help the core tutor to write students’ end of year review.
Year 2 Student Progress Review
2nd Year Assignments
There are more assignments to complete during the second year, including written reflections and more creative pieces such as video recording. Each of these is an important part of the overall assessment process, as they give faculty insight into how the individual student is engaging with the curriculum. Each assignment is commented on and returned to the student, so they receive regular feedback about their progress and what needs further work.
Three Month Student Self-Assessment
Each student is required to complete a second three-month self-assessment using the format set out in the programme overview. They assess themselves against the competencies required for graduation and ordination.
One-to-One Tutorial with a Core Tutor
The core tutor will review the student’s self-assessment, the end of first-year reviews, other tutors’ comments, any issues noted on assignments, and the student’s ongoing engagement with the online classroom material. The tutor will then arrange to undertake a one-to-one tutorial.
If a tutor has concerns about the progress of a student, this will be discussed at this time and shared in writing with the student, with mutually agreed actions and a review date. A second tutorial will be offered to discuss progress and, if necessary, the student will be informed in writing if there is any doubt about them progressing to ordination.
Study Group Peer Review
Feedback from the students’ study group peer review process will be noted on students’ files. If any concerns are raised, these will be discussed with you.
End of 2nd Year
Once you have completed your second year, with the necessary competencies to graduate, you will be invited to ordination. In the rare and unlikely circumstance that a student has not been able to develop the necessary competencies to graduate, they will be asked to take an alternative route to graduation (such as re-taking second year) and encouraged to seek additional support before continuing. If the student wishes to appeal this decision, there is a review process available.
Ordination
The Birch Path will lead to Ordination, and students on this path will have an online Ordination. After ordination, if a new minister is intending to take up a public ministry, they will be expected to become a member of the Register of OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers (ROSIM).
What Happens If I'm Not Ready for Ordination After Graduation?
The timing of ordination can be extended beyond the two years and may be re-considered and chosen in years after the successful completion of the two-year training.
In exceptional circumstances, OneSpirit reserves the right to delay graduation and/or ordination and may request that a student undergo additional training or growth before being ordained. This may involve additional expenses. Each student preparing for Ordination must be seen by their tutors as being deeply aligned in their whole being with OneSpirit’s Code of Ethics.
Group Tutors
Group tutors liaise regularly with each other and the core tutor. They give in the moment feedback and guidance to their students and support the ongoing review processes.
Before the three-month self-assessment process, group tutors will write a brief review on each of their students identifying any issues in relation to the competencies required for graduation and ordination. This review is made available to the core tutors doing one-to-one tutorials and may be used in future reviews.
About two-thirds of the way through the second year, group tutors will facilitate a study group peer-review process, following which they will update their review on each student, highlighting any concerns or perceived learning edges.
ONESPIRIT POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Confidentiality Policy
Confidentiality Statement
We understand that sometimes information is regarded as sensitive and private, and we want to respect that. Please be aware that sometimes we may need to share information internally, with colleagues, in order to ensure we provide you and others the necessary support. We will explain why and how such information is to be shared in such cases, and who with, so that you have the opportunity to withhold permission.
We may also need to breach confidentiality in extreme circumstances such as:
- A serious risk to your own health and welfare.
- If your behaviour presents a serious risk to the legal rights of others.
- When staff have been placed in a position that compromises their professional integrity
- When disclosure is required by law.
If any of the above circumstances were to arise, we would seek to discuss the situation with you before breaching confidentiality, although this may not be possible in certain circumstances where safeguarding has to take priority.
Trust helps to create and protect a sacred space, a sense of being held safely. OneSpirit recognises the need for an approach to confidentiality that encourages individual openness while establishing best practice in how and when personal information is held and shared.
Confidentiality within the Training Context
Our tutors and operations staff need to share relevant information about students and course participants in order to provide the best possible care and support. This can take the form of notes on our secure password protected databases, discussion in meetings or internal forums and secure messaging platforms, including email. Any conversation or written communication may be shared unless specifically requested by an individual student not to do so. A request for confidentiality will be respected unless there are legal or contractual reasons not to do so, or safeguarding concerns that must take precedence. If confidentiality cannot be maintained the individual will be informed as soon as possible.
Confidentiality between Minister and Client
OneSpirit ministers will not discuss privileged conversations outside OneSpirit’s legitimate forums of support, for example in supervision, and then by focusing on the issues and only identifying the individuals concerned when absolutely necessary.
In contracting with clients, OneSpirit ministers will explain the limits of confidentiality and what their clients can expect.
All students are taught OneSpirit’s Confidentiality statement and are encouraged to adapt this for their own use following ordination.
Confidentiality and the Law
Three aspects of UK law impact on this document; Data Protection Act, Terrorism Act, and the Children Act 2014. There are legal requirements with regard to disclosure, mainly related to terrorism, child abuse and data protection.
Complaints Policy
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation has a complaints policy in place to ensure there is a consistent approach to complaints across the Foundation and that all complaints are treated seriously and resolved at the earliest possible stage.
We view complaints as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future, as well as a chance to put things right for the person (or organisation) who has made the complaint.
Our policy is:
- To provide a fair complaints procedure that is clear and easy to use for anyone wishing to make a complaint.
- To publicise the existence of our complaints procedure so that people know how to contact us to make a complaint.
- To make sure everyone at OneSpirit knows what to do if a complaint is received.
- To make sure all complaints are investigated fairly and in a timely way.
- To make sure that complaints are, wherever possible, resolved and that relationships are repaired.
- To gather information which helps us to improve what we do.
Definition of a Complaint
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction, whether justified or not, about any aspect of OneSpirit’s work.
Where Complaints Come From
Complaints may come from OneSpirit students, ministers or anyone who feels they have been directly affected by something OneSpirit has done or that someone has done acting on our behalf.
A complaint can be submitted verbally, by email, or in writing. Complaints must be submitted within 12 months of the event or circumstance that is the subject of the complaint. This policy does not cover complaints from staff, who should use OneSpirit’s Discipline and Grievance policies.
Confidentiality
All complaint information will be handled sensitively, telling only those who need to know and following any relevant data protection requirements.
Publicised Contact Details for Complaints:
Written complaints may be sent to OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1SR or by email to: admin@osif.org.uk
Verbal complaints may be made by phone to 0330 120 1996 (option 2) or in-person to any of OneSpirit’s staff, volunteers or trustees at any of our events or activities.
Receiving Complaints
Complaints may arrive through channels publicised for that purpose or through any other contact details or opportunities the complainant may have.
Complaints received by telephone or in-person need to be recorded. The person who receives a phone or in-person complaint should:
- Write down the facts of the complaint.
- Take the complainant’s name, address and telephone number.
- Note down the relationship of the complainant to OneSpirit (for example student, minister).
- Inform the complainant about our complaints procedure and where to find this information.
- Tell the complainant what will happen next and how long it will take.
- Where appropriate, ask the complainant to send a written account by post or by email so that the complaint is recorded in the complainant’s own words.
Resolving Complaints
Stage One
In many cases, a complaint is best resolved by the person responsible for the issue being complained about. If the complaint has been received by that person, they may be able to resolve it swiftly and should do so if possible and appropriate.
Whether or not the complaint has been resolved, the complaint information should be passed to the Executive Director within one week, who will then record it in the complaints log.
If the complaint has not already been resolved, the Head of Finance & Operations will either investigate it and take appropriate action or designate an appropriate person to carry this out on their behalf.
If the complaint relates to a specific person, they will be informed at this stage and given a fair opportunity to respond.
Complaints should be acknowledged by the person handling the complaint within 10 working days. The acknowledgement should say who is dealing with the complaint and when the person complaining can expect a reply. A copy of this complaints procedure should be attached.
Ideally, complainants should receive a definitive reply within 20 working days. If this is not possible because, for example, enquiries have not been fully completed, a progress report will be sent with an indication of when a full reply will be given.
Whether the complaint is justified or not, the reply to the complainant will describe the action taken to investigate the complaint, the conclusions from the investigation, and any action taken as a result of the complaint.
Stage Two
If the complainant feels that the problem has not been satisfactorily resolved at Stage One, they can request that the complaint be reviewed at the Board level. At this stage, the complaint will be passed to the designated trustee for dealing with complaints.
The request for board-level review should be acknowledged within 10 working days of receiving it. The acknowledgement should say who will deal with the case and when the complainant can expect a reply.
The trustee who receives Stage Two complaints may investigate the facts of the case themselves or delegate a suitably senior person to do so. This may involve reviewing the paperwork of the case and speaking with the person who dealt with the complaint at Stage One. The person who dealt with the original complaint at Stage One should be kept informed of what is happening. In some circumstances, the trustees may decide it is appropriate to appoint an independent third party to carry out this stage of the investigation, and to report back to the trustees.
If the complaint relates to a specific person, they should be informed and given a further opportunity to respond.
Ideally, complainants should receive a definitive reply within 20 working days. If this is not possible because, for example, enquiries have not been fully completed, a progress report will be sent with an indication of when a full reply will be given.
Whether the complaint is upheld or not, the reply to the complainant should describe the action taken to investigate the complaint, the conclusions from the investigation, and any action taken as a result of the complaint.
The decision taken at this stage is final unless the Board decides it is appropriate to seek external assistance with resolution.
External Stage
The complainant can complain to the Charity Commission at any stage. Information about the kind of complaints the Commission can involve itself in can be found on its website at: www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc47.aspx
Variation of the Complaints Procedure
The Board may vary the procedure for good reason. This may be necessary to avoid a conflict of interest, for example, a complaint about the Chair should not also have the Chair as the person leading a Stage Two review.
Monitoring and Learning from Complaints
Complaints are reviewed annually to identify any trends which may indicate a need to take further action.
Making a complaint – what you should expect from OneSpirit staff.
- The staff member should remain calm and respectful throughout the conversation.
- They should listen and allow you to talk about the complaint in your own words, without arguing or debating with you, and show an interest in what is being said.
- They should obtain details about the complaint before any personal details and ask for clarification wherever necessary.
- They should show that they have understood the complaint by reflecting back what you have told them.
- They should acknowledge your feelings.
- Ask you what you would like done to resolve the issue.
- Be clear about what they can do, how long it will take and what it will involve.
- They won’t promise things they can’t deliver.
- Give clear and valid reasons if requests cannot be met.
- They will inform you of where to find our complaints policy and how to submit a formal complaint.
Respect Policy
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation expects students, staff, tutors, volunteers, speakers or other guests at OneSpirit events or training to treat one another with respect at all times. Our staff and faculty aim to be polite, helpful, and sensitive to all individual needs and circumstances.
We do recognise that any of us can, on occasion, feel emotionally overwhelmed and that at such times the ways in which we behave may fall below the standards we expect of ourselves. We appreciate that this is particularly relevant in the course of the training, as the process of going deeper within may bring to the surface old wounds and traumas, and sometimes we can be taken by surprise as hidden emotions and programming ‘ambush’ us. Our tutors expect this and are skilled in supporting students at such times.
However, we will not tolerate aggressive or violent behaviour, or repeated instances of abuse or blame towards others. All those taking part in or supporting OneSpirit’s programmes have a right to do so without fear of being undermined, attacked or abused.
Any form of aggressive or repeatedly abusive behaviour towards others at OneSpirit events or training may result in you being asked to leave the event or training immediately. In the event of such an occurrence there will be no refund for any portion of tuition fees or booking fees.
Any report from tutors or other students of aggressive or abusive behaviour on the part of a student may result in that student’s continuation on the training being subject to review.
The decision to conduct a review will rest with the Executive Director. The review will explore with the student the reasons for their behaviour and will decide whether the student is required to give additional undertakings and commitments to continue the training, whether graduation and/or ordination are to be deferred, or whether the student is to be barred from continuing the training. In such cases where the student is barred from continuing the training, there will be no refund of tuition fees and if the student is on an extended payment plan, they will continue to be liable for the full payment of fees as per their Training Agreement.
Review Panel
The review panel in such cases will be made up of the Executive Director, the student’s core tutor and where appropriate, another senior member of Faculty.
When a Panel is convened, it will in the first instance make contact with all parties and take statements from each, either in writing or through interview. The Panel will aim to make a decision as soon as possible and within 30 days of the incident.
Right of appeal
The student can appeal the Panel’s decision in writing, within 14 days of that decision being communicated to them. The appeal will be considered by a trustee and a senior member of the Faculty who was not part of the Panel. They will aim to make a final decision within 14 days of the appeal being received.
Student Appeals Policy & Procedure
Students have the right to appeal if they disagree with an assessment decision, or other decision they feel is unfair, including but not limited to decisions about study group allocation, or a decision to delay or defer ordination. The appeals procedure will allow students to challenge the outcomes of their assessment or decision if they consider that this has not been carried out fairly or fails to take into account factors that disadvantage the student.
Grounds for appeal include:
- The conduct of assessment
- The adequacy of the range, nature and comprehensiveness of the evidence set against the required qualities, skills and competencies
- The adequacy of the opportunities offered to engage with the evidence or put their own case
- That the assessor did not convey concerns clearly or give adequate time to listen to the concerns of the student
- That the assessment contravened equal opportunities e.g. discrimination
- That the decision disadvantaged the student
The outcomes of appeal may be:
- Confirmation or reversal of the original decision
- An instruction that the work be reassessed by the same or a different assessor
- A judgement that the work presented meets the qualification criteria and a recommendation that the assessment decision be reconsidered
Procedure
Students are encouraged to query assessments or decisions with their tutor in the first instance. Should this not resolve the issue an appeal can be made in writing to the Executive Director of OneSpirit within 20 working days of the original decision. Extensions to this timescale will be considered on an individual basis.
The decision of the Executive Director will be communicated to the student and tutor within 10 working days of the receipt of the appeal. If a longer time scale is required due to holidays both parties will be informed.
In the event that either the student or the assessor queries the Executive Director’s decision, then the appeal can be referred to the Appeals Panel.
The Appeals Panel will comprise of an ex-faculty member and an experienced minister who have not been involved in the original assessment.
This further appeal should be lodged with the Administration, again in writing, within 10 working days of the Executive Director’s decision.
The faculty agrees to abide by any decision delivered by the Appeals Panel.
COMMUNICATION DURING THE TRAINING
There are 3 online platforms that you will need to access regularly during the training:
- Online Hub (or virtual classroom)
- Dedicated messaging platform
- Zoom Video Conferencing
At the beginning of the training, you will be provided with a link and a password or information for all of the above, and help will be available if you experience any problems with logging on.
Please note that while we will still send you the occasional email, once the training has commenced our main vehicle for communicating with you will be via our dedicated messaging platform and our online hub. In order to stay up to date with course information and faculty announcements, it is essential that you take responsibility for regularly checking these platforms.
The messaging platform also allows students to communicate with each other and tutors, so it is essential you are able to access this from the beginning of the training. (There is no technical expertise required, it is a relatively simple process of downloading and installing the app – full instructions will be given at the start of the course, and our team will be on hand to offer help to those who need it).
It is important to note that we ask all students to keep us informed of any changes to their contact details, and especially their preferred email address.
To fully participate in the training, all students will require a computer that is connected to the internet, and a basic level of proficiency in routine tasks like accessing the web, use of email and word processing for the purposes of writing assignments.
For those choosing our Online training option, it is essential that you have access to fast broadband, an up to date computer with a web camera, and that you are comfortable using technology to join video calls.
You should make provision for these requirements prior to starting the course. If you are in any doubt about any of these requirements, please contact a member of the team and we will be glad to give you guidance.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF OUR MINISTRY TRAINING PROGRAMME
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be certified as a graduate of OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. If mutually agreed between you and OneSpirit, you will be eligible to be ordained as an interfaith minister and can then choose to use the title of Reverend, not as a mark of status but as a reminder of your reverence for all life, signifying a quiet acceptance of an inner spiritual authority that is both radical and profound.
If you choose to enter into public ministry at some point following ordination, you will be expected to join the Register of OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers (ROSIM), which will allow you to use the title of OneSpirit Interfaith Minister, subject to the conditions of membership and your commitment to remain accountable to the standards we require for public ministry. If you do not join the professional register, you can, of course, still identify yourself as an independent interfaith minister, trained by OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, but your ministry will not be recognised or endorsed by OneSpirit. Please also note that in those jurisdictions where ministers are eligible to apply for nomination to registers as legal wedding solemnisers or officiants, we will only support applications from ROSIM members. Furthermore, we will not support ministers seeking to transfer from being nominated by OneSpirit to another nominating body.
Please note that ordination requires an ongoing, deep commitment to OneSpirit’s Code of Ethics. OneSpirit reserves the right to revoke your status as an interfaith minister if you are found to be in breach of this code.
Course Fees Include:
- All classes.
- All curriculum materials and resources.
- Ongoing support from an assigned group tutor throughout the training.
- Vouchers towards the cost of supervision sessions through the two years.
Fees Do Not Include:
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Reference books
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Travel to retreats, study group meetings, or to Ordination at end of Y2
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Ordination stole (optional)
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Any supplements incurred for special diets if required on retreats
Please note: The cost of our Linden Path includes a £170 discount for the early booking of retreats. Therefore, we are unfortunately not able to offer students the option to transfer from the Rowan path to the Linden should they wish to attend all three retreats. However, it is still possible to book a space, at the additional cost of £440 per retreat. Please note that these places are limited and bookings should be made at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
Cancellation and Refunds:
Right to Cancel:
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days without giving any reason, and you will be entitled to a full refund of any fees paid to date.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day this contract was agreed. To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us of your decision to cancel this contract by sending us a clear statement in writing to Abi Aiyegbayo, Head of Finance and Operations, by email to admin@osif.org.uk.
Withdrawing from the course before training has commenced
Please understand that we incur cost commitments for tutors and venues in line with the number of students enrolled. Therefore, once the cancellation period has expired, the following refund policy will be applied:
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If you withdraw from the course for any reason before training has commenced, you will be liable for a £500 leaving fee. All tuition fees paid to date will be refunded minus this £500 fee.
Leaving the Course After it Has Started:
- The first 3 calendar months following the commencement of the training are an attunement period. If during this attunement period, you leave the course for any reason, you are liable to pay for your training to date, calculated on a pro-rata basis (see #6 below). You will not need to pay an additional leaving fee.
- If you leave the course from the start of the fourth calendar month following the commencement of the course onwards then the full year’s fees will be due for payment.
- If you choose to leave the course after the end of Year One, you must give us written notice by 1 September or you will be liable for the full fees for the second year.
- After commencing the second year the full fees will be due, regardless of the leaving date.
- We reserve the right to ask students to leave the course at any time. In this case, you will only be liable for fees that are due up to the date of departure.
- For the purposes of the attunement period payment and refunds, fees are calculated over 20 months (i.e. 10 months for each year of training), and you will continue to pay for your training until you have paid for 3-months’ worth of fees, and any refunds due will be also awarded on this basis.
Limitation of Liability:
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage caused to the student or the student’s property while attending training, provided that this clause shall not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation’s own negligence.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement under no circumstances (including cancellation) will OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation accept liability, whether in contract, tort (inclusive of negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise for:
- any increased costs or expenses;
- any loss of profit, business or contracts;
- any damage or loss, including special, indirect or consequential damage of any nature whatsoever, provided that nothing in these provisions shall limit OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation’s liability for death or personal injury resulting from its negligence or breach of statutory duty.
Dates and Locations:
We strive to deliver the training between the dates and at the locations publicised in our information pack, on our website and elsewhere. In exceptional circumstances, we may have to change the venue in order to ensure the quality of your experience is everything we hope it to be. Sometimes this may also impact dates although we recognise the importance of being able to plan ahead, so dates will only be changed if there is no alternative.
In the event of a residential teaching session or retreat being cancelled due to Covid-19 or other circumstances beyond our control, we will make alternative arrangements to ensure the training continues. This may include moving the training online until circumstances permit. We will not make any refunds or rebates on tuition fees in respect of such cancellations.
There will be no refunds or rebates for students who are unable to attend a retreat.
NB: If at a later date, you opt to change study centre and join a different class, these terms and conditions, including the financial T&Cs set out below, will continue to apply.
Financial Terms and Conditions:
As an educational charity, we do all we can to keep our fees as low as possible whilst offering an exceptional training curriculum held by an experienced and highly skilled Faculty. To make our training more accessible, we offer extended payment plans for up to 60 months. Please note that if you choose to take advantage of one of our extended payment plans, you will be required to set up a direct debit or authorise a credit or debit card for us to take regular payments in line with your agreed plan.
Students must remain fully up to date with fee payments, in line with the agreed payment plan at all times. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure there are sufficient funds available on your chosen payment method to meet your agreed monthly payments. Missed payments may incur an admin fee of £25 for each missed payment after the first occurrence.
Failure to adhere to the terms of the payment plan may result in the full amount of fees becoming due immediately. Payment must be made on time, in full, and without any deduction, set-off or counterclaim. In the event that an account is outstanding, and we are unable to reach an agreement with you to resolve this, we may refer the matter to a debt collection agency which will incur additional costs. Any costs incurred to collect the debt will be added to the debt, plus VAT at the prevailing rate. You agree that you will be legally liable to pay us that surcharge and that payment of the same can be enforced against you in court.
NB: Our extended payment plans are offered in good faith and failure to maintain payments in accordance with your training agreement may be regarded as a breach of OneSpirit’s Code of Ethics. Your status as a graduate of OneSpirit and if ordained, as an interfaith minister are dependent on your fulfilment of the terms of your training agreement and may be revoked if you do not honour this contract.
Do you have more questions? Over time, we’ve poured our energy into making our information as approachable and easy to understand as possible. To help you out, we’ve compiled a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) where you might find the answers to any queries you have – odds are, someone else has asked them too!
You’ll find questions and answers spanning an array of topics, from the application process to classroom-related queries, to homework & assignments, progress reviews & support, the process of ordination & graduation, and even queries related to fees & payment plans. However, if you still need help or can’t quite find what you’re looking for, don’t be shy – reach out to us!
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you didn’t find the answer to your question here, or if you’d simply like to chat, you are always welcome to get in touch with our friendly enrolment team who’ll be happy to answer your enquiries.
