Richard Thacker has developed a unique scheme for LEAs based on the things you have told us are important. Our aim is to build a long-term relationship with LEAs and Councils so that we can offer continuity of service and your schools can depend on us to offer reliable protection at competitive rates of premium.

Specific benefits of our scheme include:

Cover available to all schools
We support LEAs by offering insurance cover to all the schools within an Authority, including special schools, and this may be on a group or approved scheme basis. Within the scheme we can still allow flexibility to individual schools to meet their specific needs.

Continuity of cover available for current/ongoing absences
Most insured schemes will only provide cover for new absences occurring after commencement of the policy. We are able to extend cover to include payment of benefit for current or ongoing absences, overcoming an obstacle many LEAs face when trying to change insurer or set up a new scheme.

No automatic ‘Pre-existing Conditions’ exclusion
We are also able to negotiate full cover for pre-existing medical conditions, which again means that schools can benefit from seamless protection when transferring from an existing LEA or insured scheme.

Policy cover tailored to individual Authority requirements
Variations in the policy wording can be specially agreed to suit the needs of an Authority, e.g. to accommodate a non- standard waiting period, or to include cover for absence due to jury service or paternity leave. We can also offer streamlined claims notification procedures with a ‘fast track’ payment service.

Data supplied to meet Consistent Financial Reporting regulations
Our specialist administration systems enable us to supply the data which you require to monitor absences and to comply with Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) regulations.

Administration systems fully compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998
Richard Thacker’s quotation, administration and claims processing systems all comply fully with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Our procedures respect the privacy and anonymity of staff members and sensitive personal information relating to staff absences and medical records.

An LEA scheme that offers best value

Flexibility for every school
We ensure insurance is available for every school in an Authority, including special schools. However, schools are not tied to a ‘one size fits all’ scheme. Cover may be tailored to meet a school’s individual needs.

For example schools have the option to:

	select the level of cash benefit.
	choose the waiting period – typically 3,5,10 or 20 days.
	select the benefit payment period for stress related absences.
	extend the policy to include support staff, caretakers and nursery nurses.
	include maternity/paternity leave.

A fast and reliable claims service
We understand the importance of providing a fast and reliable claims handling service. In addition, as independent insurance brokers we are able to offer impartial advice, and we represent our clients’ best interest at all times. In our experience, schools value the support, knowledge and expertise we can offer, especially in the resolution of difficult claims.

Insurance tailored to an LEA’s needs
Individual policy wordings can be drafted to suit the specific needs of an LEA if required. We can also negotiate protection for pre-existing medial conditions and on-going absences – overcoming an obstacle that many LEAs and schools encounter when trying to move to a more cost-effective policy or set up a new scheme.

Security of working within a fixed budget
We can guarantee that through an insured scheme annual costs will be fixed at the outset, with nothing further to pay. So schools can manage the expense of staff absences within a known, pre-determined budget. Our scheme also guarantees to pay even when a supply teacher is not actually engaged.

Managing absence – minimising cost
Working in partnership with LEAs, we believe we can play a key role in helping schools to reduce staff absences and meet government targets. Our specialist administration systems enable us to supply the data which you require to monitor absences and to comply with Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) regulations.
All insured staff and their families will have access to a 24-hour confidential helpline offering medical information, advice and counselling on stress and bereavement.
To enable schools help staff return to work after a long absence, our LEA scheme automatically includes a ‘phased return’ facility. Staff can begin by working on a part-time basis and a proportionate benefit will be paid.

Richard Thacker – at your service
Richard Thacker offers a friendly and efficient administration service. Once a scheme is established, Richard Thacker will work directly with the insured schools, although schemes can be administered via the LEA if preferred. All our procedures comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.


For further information, contact
Howard Mayhew
Email: howardmayhew@richardthacker.co.uk