Support for Members

"From that very first call I knew I'd be ok. As soon as I spoke to the hotline they reassured me and provided practical steps on what to do next. I've been through a difficult time but without contacting ASCL, things would have been much worse." ASCL Member

To ensure members are put in touch with the most appropriate person as quickly as possible, the first point of contact for advice and support is ASCL’s hotline, 0116 299 1122.

ASCL’s hotline team is able to provide impartial and confidential support and guidance to members on any issue affecting their employment or on matters arising in the course of their employment.

The hotline is staffed by one or more duty officers from 8.30am to 5pm term time, and 9am to 5pm in school holidays, during the working week. At these times, calls are first answered by a member of the reception team who will request brief details such as membership number and name to enable calls to be transferred as efficiently as possible.

Hotline is closed at the weekend, during bank holidays and for three days between Christmas and New Year. At these times, a voicemail message can be left and we will call you back when our offices reopen.

Urgent support
If you require urgent support at a time when the Hotline is closed, the following organisations may be able to help. Please note ASCL cannot take responsibility for any advice given by a third party; therefore, wherever possible, we would advise you to speak with us directly during our standard opening hours so that we can assist you further. Please see our Member and Legal support policy information booklet for more information.

NHS - urgent and emergency care services – For urgent, life-threatening care call 999, otherwise call 111 or get help from 111 online.

The Samaritans - Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123.

Education Support - The only UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff in schools, colleges and universities. They offer immediate, confidential support including advice, counselling or coaching. You can contact them on 08000 562 561.

Police interviews - Very rarely, you may be asked to attend an interview with the police during an ASCL closure period. For police interviews, you are entitled to request free of charge legal advice through a duty solicitor. If preferred, you can request a change to the date/time of scheduled voluntary interviews to take place after speaking with ASCL, so that we can find a duty solicitor to accompany you. If you have been arrested, you can ask to speak with a duty solicitor at the station for advice before proceeding with an interview.

Queries can also be made by completing the form below:

First name:

Last name:

Membership number:

Job title:

Organisation:

Address:

Postcode:

Contact telephone number:

Please provide a daytime contact number

Email:

Details of your enquiry:

It is standard practice for us to respond to emails via a ‘phone call. If possible, please provide the dates and times between 9.00 and 4.30, Monday to Friday when you will be available for a call back this week:

*Please note that Hotline cannot guarantee call back times; however, we will endeavour to call during the times stated where possible.

Security code:

For further information, please see the Member and Legal support policy information booklet.

ASCL is unable to provide legal support for issues that arose before membership commenced.

Click here to read feedback from members that we have been supporting recently.