These terms apply to the use of this website and to individual coaching services provided by me, Dr Penny Neild, operating as a sole trader. Separate terms and agreements apply to work commissioned by organisations, including team coaching, workplace mediation and facilitated conversations.

1. About my services

Coaching provides a confidential space in which to think, reflect and explore professional or personal goals, challenges and choices. It is a collaborative process intended to support greater clarity, awareness and agency.

Coaching is not medical treatment, psychotherapy, counselling, legal advice or financial advice and should not be regarded as a substitute for appropriate professional advice or treatment where required.

Although my professional background includes medicine, when I am working with you as a coach I am acting in that capacity and not as your doctor.

2. Initial conversation

You may book an initial conversation through this website. Its purpose is to explore what you are looking for, whether coaching may be helpful and whether we feel we would work well together. Booking an initial conversation does not commit you to further coaching.

If we decide to work together, we will agree the nature of the coaching, fees and relevant arrangements before substantive coaching begins.

3. Coaching relationship

I will provide an appropriately confidential and supportive space and may offer observations, questions, challenge and feedback where these may be helpful. You remain responsible for your own decisions, choices and actions arising from coaching. I cannot guarantee any particular outcome.

4. Appointments

Coaching sessions will normally take place online using Google Meet, unless we agree another arrangement. The anticipated length and frequency will be agreed with you. Please make reasonable efforts to join online sessions from a private environment where you can speak freely and without interruption.

5. Fees and payment

Fees will be agreed before paid coaching begins. Unless otherwise agreed, I will issue an invoice specifying when payment is due and how it should be made. Any future fee change will be discussed before it applies to future sessions.

6. Cancellation and rescheduling

You may cancel or reschedule a coaching appointment without charge by giving at least 48 hours' notice. Where less than 48 hours' notice is given, the full session fee may be payable. I recognise that genuine emergencies and unexpected circumstances occur and may exercise discretion in applying this policy.

If I need to cancel or reschedule a session, I will give as much notice as reasonably possible and arrange an alternative appointment. You will not be charged for a session that I cancel.

7. Confidentiality and supervision

What you discuss with me during coaching will normally remain confidential and will not be disclosed to another person or organisation without your permission.

There are limited exceptions. I may disclose information where required by law or where I reasonably believe disclosure is necessary because there is a serious and immediate risk of harm. Where reasonably possible and appropriate, I would seek to discuss this with you first.

I may discuss aspects of my professional work confidentially as part of appropriate coaching supervision or professional development. I will minimise identifying information and take reasonable steps to protect your identity and confidentiality.

8. Notes and personal information

I may make brief notes to support our coaching work. These are stored securely and normally destroyed after our coaching relationship ends when no longer required. Limited administrative and financial records may be retained for longer where necessary for legal, tax, insurance or legitimate business purposes. Further information is in my Privacy Notice.

9. Recording sessions

Coaching sessions will not normally be recorded. Neither of us should make an audio, video or other recording without the other's prior agreement.

10. Medical and other professional advice

Although I am medically qualified, coaching sessions are not medical consultations and do not establish a doctor-patient relationship. I will not provide medical diagnosis or treatment as part of coaching. If an issue would be more appropriately addressed by another qualified professional, I may suggest that you seek suitable independent advice or support.

11. Intellectual property

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this website and original materials I provide belong to me and are protected by applicable intellectual property law. You may use materials for your own personal and professional development but should not reproduce, publish, distribute or use them commercially without my permission.

12. Website information and external links

I take reasonable care to ensure website information is accurate and up to date, but it is general information and does not constitute medical, legal or other professional advice. I may update, change or remove content from time to time.

This website may contain links to external websites or services. I am not responsible for their content, availability or privacy practices, and inclusion of a link does not necessarily imply endorsement.

13. Liability

I will provide my services with reasonable care and skill. You remain responsible for decisions and actions you take following or arising from coaching.

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, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. Subject to those limitations, I will not be responsible for indirect or consequential losses arising from decisions or actions taken by you following coaching.

14. Ending the coaching relationship

Either of us may decide to end the coaching relationship. Where possible, it can be helpful to discuss the reasons and use a final session to reflect on the work undertaken and what you wish to take forward. Any fees already due for sessions provided or late cancellations remain payable.

15. Concerns or complaints

If you have a concern or complaint, please contact me at info@drpennyneild.com and I will aim to address it promptly and fairly.

16. Changes and governing law

I may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in my services, business arrangements or applicable law. The current version will be published on this website.

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute relating to these terms or my services will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, subject to any rights you may have under applicable consumer law.