Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DSA Mentoring & Consultancy • contact@dsamentoring.co.uk<

On this page: Getting started • Funding & cost • Sessions • Accessibility & adjustments • Cancellations & attendance • Privacy & data • DSA across the UK • DSA-specific • Complaints & contact

Getting started

What do you do?
We provide one-to-one mentoring and consultancy for students, including DSA-funded Specialist Mentoring focused on executive function, participation, planning, and wellbeing around study.

How do I book a first session?
Email contact@dsamentoring.co.uk with your name, course, preferred days/times, and any adjustments you need. We’ll reply with available slots and a private Google Meet link.

Do you support my university?
Yes—We work with students across the UK. With your consent, we can liaise with Disability/Wellbeing teams or tutors.

Funding & cost

Is there a cost to me?
No. For DSA-funded mentoring there is no cost to you. We invoice via SFE, SFW, SAAS or SFNI.

I don’t have DSA—can I still work with you?
Yes. We can advise on DSA applications or discuss private arrangements if you prefer.

Sessions (how they work)

Where do sessions take place?
Online via Google Meet using a private link unique to your session.

Do I have to keep my camera on?
No. Cameras are optional. If cameras are off, we’ll keep communication flowing via voice or chat.

Will sessions be recorded?
No—sessions are not recorded unless both parties give prior written consent with a clear purpose and retention period.

How long is a session?
Typically one hour, but we can be flexible. Breaks are fine.

Accessibility & reasonable adjustments

What adjustments can you offer?
Flexible timings, breaks, camera-off, captions/notes, alternative formats (e.g., written summaries), and scheduling around fluctuating conditions.

I have anxiety—can we go slower?
Absolutely. We can adjust pace, structure, and communication style to suit you.

Cancellations & attendance

How do I cancel or reschedule?
Email contact@dsamentoring.co.uk at least 24 hours before your session. We’ll rearrange—there’s no cost to you.

What if I miss a session?
We’ll try to contact you and rearrange. For DSA auditing, persistent non-attendance may be reported to the funding body.

Privacy & data protection

How is my data protected?
We follow UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We use Google Workspace (Meet/Drive) with restricted access and two-factor authentication.

How long do you keep my information?
Only as long as needed to provide services or meet legal/audit requirements (see our Privacy & Cookies Policy and Data Retention Schedule).

Will you share my information?
Only with your consent (e.g., with university staff) or where required by law/safeguarding or funding audits (minimum data necessary).

DSA across the UK (SFE, SFW, SAAS, SFNI)

Do you cover all UK funding bodies?
Yes. We work with Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Wales (SFW), Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and Student Finance NI (SFNI). Support is the same; forms/invoicing may differ slightly.

How does the DSA process work?
1) Apply for DSA and upload evidence. 2) Needs Assessment. 3) Award letter/approval (NMH category & hours). 4) Book with us—private Meet link. 5) We keep attendance evidence and invoice the correct body. 6) Ask for a review if needs change or hours run low.

DSA-specific

Specialist Mentoring vs Study Skills?
Mentoring (MH/ASC): participation, routines, executive function, managing overwhelm. Study Skills (SpLD/ASC): academic techniques (planning, structure, referencing). We’ll signpost if you need both.

How many hours will I get?
Your award letter sets a maximum in a specific NMH category. We’ll pace sessions across the term.

Can I change provider?
Yes. Your DSA award isn’t tied to one provider; we’ll help make it smooth.

Do you record sessions?
Not by default; only with explicit written consent and agreed retention.

Complaints, feedback & contact

Email: contact@dsamentoring.co.uk
Address: 15 Damson Way, Tenbury Wells WR15 8FP
We aim to respond within 2 working days and resolve complaints within 10 working days. If unresolved, you can escalate to your university or the relevant funding body.