SEPtember 2024 

Terms & Conditions Version 6

Sep 2024 

1.0 Payment Terms & Conditions

1. Once payment has been received, an email confirmation will be sent.

2. In the unlikely event of the course/event being cancelled by Claire Drinks, a full refund will be made. Liability will be limited to the amount of the fee paid to Claire Drinks for the course/event.

3. If it is found necessary, for whatever reason, for the course/event to be postponed or for the dates to be changed, Claire Drinks shall not be liable for any expenditure, damage or loss incurred by the applicant.

4. If the course/event can take place by re-arrangement or postponement, the booking between the applicant and the organisers shall remain in force and be subject to the cancellation schedule.

5. If an applicant needs to cancel a course/event, please get in touch with Claire Drinks. A refund will be organised. If costs have been incurred by Claire Drinks, e.g. delivery of study packs, this will be subtracted from the refund total.

6. If requested after the enrolment deadline (typically one week before the course/event start date), refunds cannot be given, but every attempt will be made to work with applicants to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the applicant and Claire Drinks.

7. Claire Drinks would be happy to transfer an applicant to another course/event.

8. Claire Drinks would be happy to transfer the course/event to another applicant.

9. Claire Drinks will consider extensions to the length of the applicant’s enrolment on a course/event.
   

2.0 Course/Event Management Policy

1. Places on courses/events are allocated in the order that complete applications and payments are received.

2. Once a course/event is full, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. As places become available, they will be assigned to the applicants in the order of the list.

3. Once the application is accepted, the applicant will receive a confirmation by email.

4. Joining instructions will be sent to applicants by email at least five days before the course/event. Any applicant not receiving the joining instructions should contact Claire Drinks.

5. Applicants should advise of any special requirements concerning access at the time of enrolment.

6. Views expressed by speakers are their own. Claire Drinks cannot accept liability for advice given or views expressed by any speaker on any course/event or in any material provided to applicants.

7. Courses/events may be photographed, filmed or recorded and the images used for Claire Drinks marketing purposes, notably on social media and www.clairedrinks.com. Applicants who do not wish to be photographed, filmed or recorded should advise Claire Drinks by email before the course/event.

8. The Claire Drinks website and other digital resources may link to other websites and networking tools provided for the convenience of applicants. The contents of these websites are maintained by their owners, for which Claire Drinks takes no responsibility. Neither can responsibility be taken for the contents of any website linking to Claire Drinks’ websites.

9. It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange appropriate insurance cover in connection with their attendance on the course/event. Claire Drinks cannot be held liable for any loss, liability or damage to personal property.

10. The applicant will be given access to the online classroom relevant to the course/event they are registered for. The applicant will have access to the online classroom until they pass their exam for a maximum of 1 year from enrolment.

11. The applicant will receive an electronic or hard copy study pack relevant to the course/event they are registered for. Additional delivery charges for hard copy study packs may apply for delivery outwith the UK. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

12. Additional delivery charges for certificates and pins may apply for delivery outwith the UK. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

13. All courses/events will be conducted in English. All materials will be provided in English. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) book packs may be provided in alternative languages. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

14. All courses/events will be scheduled in UK time.

15. The applicant will have full access to a WSET-qualified and certified educator for the duration of the WSET course.

16. The applicant will be registered for the WSET examination relevant to the course they are enrolled on.

17. Claire Drinks reserves the right to change delivery platforms, examination dates and times and course/event dates and times. As much as possible, this will be done by agreement with applicants. Sufficient notice of any changes will be provided.

18. Wine and spirits samples are re-packaged from standard bottles into 50 ml food grade foil pouches. Claire Drinks assumes no liability for any defects or faults in re-packaged products, nor for any damages or harm caused to individuals as a result of their use.

19. Wine and spirit samples have an eight week shelf-life. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure tutorials are scheduled so that samples are tasted whilst in optimal condition.

3.0 Remote Invigilation Examination Policy

1. The date and time of the remote invigilation examination will be scheduled by agreement with the applicant. Twenty-one working days’ notice must be given.

2. The applicant must read, understand and comply with the WSET’s Remote Invigilation Regulations. Violations of the regulations may result in the applicant’s automatic examination failure, and the applicant will need to re-sit at their own cost.

3. Whilst Claire Drinks will support as much as possible, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they can comply with technological requirements. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

4. To avoid examination cancellation charges, the applicant must inform Claire Drinks within fifteen working days of the examination date. For details of examination cancellation charges, please get in touch with Claire Drinks.

4.0 Paper Examination Policy

1. Dates, times and examination centres will be scheduled by Claire Drinks and advertised to the applicant at least two months in advance. If the applicant would like to register for the examination, twenty-one working days’ notice must be given.

2. To avoid examination cancellation charges, the applicant must inform Claire Drinks within fifteen working days of the examination date. For details of examination cancellation charges, please get in touch with Claire Drinks.

5.0 General Examination Policy

1. Claire Drinks reserves the right to not register applicants for the examination who have not satisfactorily fulfilled their part of the learning agreement.

2. The applicant will not be registered for the examination unless full payment of any outstanding fees owed to Claire Drinks has been received. All payments must have been received twenty-one days before the examination date.

3. For WSET L1 Awards, applicants must have taken the examination within three months of enrolment; otherwise, an additional examination fee and re-joining fee apply. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

4. For WSET L2 Awards, applicants must have taken the examination within six months of enrolment; otherwise, an additional examination fee and re-joining fee apply. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

5. For WSET L3 Awards, applicants must have taken the examination within twelve months of enrolment; otherwise, an additional examination fee and re-joining fee apply. Please ask Claire Drinks for details.

6. The applicant may apply for a reasonable adjustment. A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the applicant at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Reasonable adjustments are approved by WSET Awards and put in place before the examination. Claire Drinks must be notified of a potential request for a reasonable adjustment at the time of enrolment. WSET Awards require written evidence from a medical professional and at least twenty-one days’ notice of any request.

7. The applicant may apply for special consideration. A special consideration is an action taken after the examination to allow applicants who have been disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury, indisposition or adverse circumstances at the time of the examination. Special considerations are approved by WSET Awards and must be applied for within seven days of the examination, accompanied by supporting independent documentation. Please get in touch with Claire Drinks for details immediately following the examination.

8. If an applicant considers that an error may have been made in the grading of papers, they may apply to have an examination paper reviewed and re-marked. An Enquiry is a request to have an exam re-marked. When lodging an Enquiry, an applicant may also request additional Feedback on their exam paper to assist in their preparation for future exams. It is not possible to request Feedback without an Enquiry. Feedback can only be requested on failed elements. If an applicant wishes to use the Enquiry and Feedback service, they must submit the Enquiry and Feedback Form. There is a fee for using this service, which is detailed on the form. This fee is paid by the applicant directly to WSET Awards. Please ask Claire Drinks for the necessary forms. Enquiries for L1 and L2 qualifications must be applied for within six weeks of the exam date. Enquiries for L3 qualifications must be applied for within twelve weeks of the exam date.

9. If it is necessary to cancel an examination, applicants must inform Claire Drinks within fifteen working days of the examination date to avoid cancellation charges. For details of examination cancellation charges, please ask Claire Drinks for more information.

10. If an applicant needs to re-sit an examination, re-sit fees will apply and be paid for by the applicant. Please get in touch with Claire Drinks for details.

11. Results will be emailed privately to applicants. If the course cost has been covered by a third party sponsor the candidate is responsible for communicating their result to the sponsor.

6.0 Shipping Policy

1. Within the UK, packs and certificates will be shipped using Royal Mail’s 2nd Class service or equivalent.

2. Other services are possible by request. Extra charges may apply.

3. If applicable, within the UK, shipping is included in the cost of all Claire Drinks courses/events.

4. Shipping outwith the UK will incur additional charges. Please get in touch with Claire Drinks for details.

5. Once a pack has been dispatched, the applicant will receive an email confirmation. If applicable, this will include tracking details. Please track the delivery directly with the courier.

6. The applicant will be liable for all customs tax and duty payable.

7. If the courier cannot deliver your parcel and it is returned to Claire Drinks, additional charges will apply for re-delivery.

8. If a pack arrives damaged in transit, please email hello@clairedrinks.com, including a picture of the damaged pack and the order number. Claire Drinks will respond within three working days. Claire Drinks will resend the damaged pack if necessary.

7.0 Gift Voucher policy

1. Gift vouchers can be exchanged for all Claire Drinks courses/events.

2. Gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

3. Refunds cannot be given on gift vouchers, but Claire Drinks will consider extensions to the length of validity.

4. Gift Vouchers can only be used in a single transaction and cannot be exchanged for cash. No change will be given.

5. If the value of the course/event exceeds the value of the gift voucher, the balance must be paid by debit or credit card.

6. Gift vouchers are non-transferable and can be used as part or full payment.

7. Claire Drinks reserves the right to cancel a gift voucher if such action is deemed necessary. If so, a replacement gift voucher of equivalent value will be provided unless fraud is suspected.

8. Claire Drinks can vary or replace these conditions from time to time (including introducing new fees).
   

8.0 Privacy Policy

1. Results are considered personal data and, in line with WSET policy and the data protection act, can only be distributed to the applicant unless permission is given for the results to be distributed to a third party.

2. By completing a Claire Drinks feedback form or review on Google Business, an applicant consents to have their comments and review used for Claire Drinks marketing purposes.

3. By enrolling on a course/event with Claire Drinks, an applicant consents to safely store their contact details for correspondence for the duration of the course/event. Contact details will not be forwarded to any third parties without the express permission of the applicant. The applicant’s contact details will be stored within the Mailchimp email marketing platform and Google Mail email service and used for communications relevant to the course/event.

4. By contacting Claire Drinks or submitting enrolment details, applicants agree to allow Claire Drinks to contact them regarding services. The contact details of registered applicants may be visible to other course/event participants for the purpose of networking and collaboration. Applicants who do not wish to have their details visible should advise at the time of enrolment.

5. By enrolling on a WSET course/event an applicants data will be shared with the WSET. This will include the applicants name(s), date of birth, email address for the purposes of examination registration and reasonable adjustment or special consideration applications. The WSET are committed to handling the applicants data in accordance with WSET's Privacy Policy, please visit www.wsetglobal.com for further information. 

9.0 Complaints and Appeals

1. In the unlikely event that it is necessary to make a complaint please contact Claire Drinks in writing, providing as much detail of the complaint as possible. Claire Drinks will do everything possible to find a satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.

2. Claire Drinks aims to find a resolution within 30 days of the complaint.

3. If the complaint is specific to a WSET course, after all attempts for resolution between Claire Drinks and all involved parties have been exhausted the complainant can raise their complaint directly with the WSET at QA@wsetglobal.com.

10.0 Diversity and Equality 

1. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of Claire Drinks. They are central to the Claire Drinks mission to inspire and empower the world's wine and spirits professionals and enthusiasts.

2. All applicants will be treated fairly and without bias or prejudice.

3. All applicants with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries will have access to Claire Drinks courses/events. Please see general examination policy for details of how to apply for a reasonable adjustment or special consideration.

4. Applicants who do not consume alcohol for age-related or personal reasons (e.g. religious belief or health requirements) will not be disadvantaged and will be able to take a WSET L1 and L2 course and exam.

11.0 Conflict of Interest

1. As an APP Claire Drinks is required to identify to the WSET and assist in managing or monitoring actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest involving both APP staff and applicants. This policy complements the WSET’s conflicts of interest policy and works to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and promote confidence in the WSET’s and Claire Drinks’ processes and procedures. 

2. This policy applies to all Claire Drinks staff and applicants and to any individual acting on behalf of Claire Drinks. 

3. A Conflict of Interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgement, objectivity or loyalty to the WSET or Claire Drinks when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications.

4. The WSET will be notified of any potential conflicts in advance to put in place measures to maintain the integrity of the exam. 

5. Any applicant who becomes aware of a Conflict of Interest must inform Claire Drinks as soon as possible. Claire Drinks will inform the WSET of the possible conflict of interest and will work with the WSET to put any protective or mitigating measures in place to manage the conflict on a case-by-case basis.

6. If the WSET and Claire Drinks determine the conflict is not manageable, Claire Drinks will inform any impacted applicants.

7. Please note that the failure to declare a conflict of interest may have consequences for the applicant or Claire Drinks because all conflicts must be reported to the WSET. 

12. Malpractice and Maladministration Policy 

1. This policy is intended to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and ensure that both Claire Drinks and applicants treat others and are treated professionally and respectfully at all times. Non-compliance, inappropriate behaviour, or any other concerns should be reported to Claire Drinks and the WSET via QA@wsetglobal.com immediately.

2. Non-compliance with Claire Drinks or WSET Policies and Procedures fall into two categories:

1. Maladministration, where the non-compliance is generally unintentional, or the result of mistakes, carelessness, inexperience or poor processes; and

2. Malpractice where the non-compliance is intentional or the result of a negligent or reckless action without consideration of the consequences of the action. 

3. To ensure compliance with WSET and Claire Drinks policies, Claire Drinks will keep records of potential or actual malpractice or maladministration.

4. The WSET will be informed immediately of any non-compliance issues that could be malpractice or maladministration, so that the WSET can investigate the non-compliance under their own Malpractice and Maladministration Policy.

5. During the WSET’s investigation, they may reach out to applicants directly to request further information or conduct an interview. Please respond to any requests promptly and honestly.
   

Questions, comments or requests regarding these Terms & Conditions should be addressed to Claire Blackler MW, hello@clairedrinks.com.