Changes to franchise conditions

We are very fortunate to be blessed with understanding and conscientious customers.  The Covid safe practices that we have adopted since "Super Saturday", have been entirely accepted by all and for that we are grateful. 

BIG TOM Admin fulfils all the risk assessment and notice of protocols work.  This is an essential activity because all the activities for breaking the 6 links of the 'chain of infection', hang on the open and honest communication with customers.  It does inevitably involve added work and work that has to be done diligently, but, early signs show that this is bearing fruit.  So franchisees do not get involved in any of that 'front end' work.  What impact do these new practices have on franchisees?  Well, it is all detailed in the BIG TOM Covid-19 Driving Training Strategy.  The summary of which includes the following:

Cleaning of car controls on arrival at pupils address

Applying face masks before getting in the car

Storing any pupil's items in a 'single use' plastic bag in the boot

Taking of forehead temperatures using a contactless device

Rear windows remaining open

Hourly pauses for ventilation and disinfection

Briefing/de-briefing and important verbal explanations outside the car

Clothing covering skin

No writing, exchanging of items in-car

Availability of tissues, anti-bac wipes, sanitiser

Cleaning of car controls at the end of a session

There are clear reasons for each and every one of these protocols and they are non-negotiable.

There is one major change of note to the Terms & Conditions between franchisee and customer, and it involves the possibility of cancellations.  We have taken the decision from the very start, NOT to penalise any customer should in-car training need to be cancelled due to a change in circumstances that potentially increases risk.  And this is reciprocated should a franchisee's circumstances change.  All these actions relating to minimising risks only hold up if everyone engages entirely; the fact that Jofra Archer (England cricketer) now appreciates I rather suspect.  Although there are no refunds, it is the responsibility of the franchisee to effectively manage the situation with their customer and arrange alternative timings and feedback to BIG TOM Admin the changes. 

Here at BIG TOM, we appreciate that in certain circumstances, this could be inconvenient, tedious and possibly inefficient for normal working. Still, frankly, the alternative is not something we wish to consider that could have wide-ranging health implications for many people involved in our work.  We are not prepared to compromise on safety.