As an ASCL member, if you have any questions, concerns or simply need some advice about a situation relating to either your own employment or your role as a school, college or trust leader, you can call the ASCL Hotline during weekdays on 0116 2991122 or email us for a call back by completing the form below.
Whether you want to check facts before a meeting, are concerned about an allegation that has been made against you, need advice about the outcome of an inspection, or have had your job put at risk of redundancy, the Hotline team are ready to help.
Staffed by experienced school and college leaders, in many cases the Hotline can provide all the help you need. However, you may also be referred to a member of the
specialist team for technical advice on everything from accountability data to pensions and to our regional and legal teams in cases where your employment is under threat.
How it works
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 your 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:
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.