The Expressions used herein are as defined in the Definitions on your Training Subscription agreement.

Q1. I see I can now order an iPad, how does this work?

Because the iPad constitutes a seperate learning method, we can offer the iPad with Photoshop Training to work alongside your existing training package.

Q2. Can I order a Training package iPad if I am already subscribing to a past scheme?

No, employees can only participate in one scheme at any one time. 

Q3. Do I have to order a Training package with a PC to take a Training Package with IPad?

You can but you don't have to. They work in isolation, or as a team, it's up to you!

Q4. Do I have to complete the training?

No, there is no requirement for you to complete the training, however, the training offered could be of benefit to you in your career and help improve, expand and even diversify your work related skills.

The training will be provided directly to your home address on a CD or DVD. All training can be completed on the PC so there is no need to worry about travelling to learning centres.

Q5. Is the Training monitored?

You will be able to monitor your own ongoing professional development through completing the training packages. No one else will monitor your progress. You are able to progress at your own rate and in your own time.

Q6. Can I choose a different personal computer to that which is offered with the package I want?

No, it is not possible to choose a different personal computer to the one that is offered with each corresponding training package. This is because each personal computer has been carefully selected in order to optimise the learning experience from the accompanying training materials.

Q7. Is there a limit on the number of training packages and free personal computers that I can have?

Whilst you can purchase more than one training package, should you so wish, you will only be able to qualify for the free use of one personal computer. The personal computer that will be made available to you in such circumstances will be the specification that is offered under the more expensive training package you have chosen. Once this period has expired, you will then be able to order a new training package through Accentuate Training Ltd including a new computer.

Q8. When will I receive my training package and the personal computer?

Provided that we have received your Training Subscription Agreement by the agreed closing date of your scheme, we endeavour to deliver the personal computer to enable you to access the training within 10 days of the closing date of the scheme subject to orders being received, approved and processed by your employer. You will be able to track your order in the ‘my account’ section of the website. We will endeavour to notify you by email in advance of our proposed date for delivery. Normal delivery times are Monday – Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm. Please note deliveries are not always possible outside these hours.

Q9. Will all my software come Pre-Installed?

Your machine will come pre-installed with the factory operating system and any free software the manufacturers have included. It is advisable to always install the latest Anti-Virus protection before using the internet. www.microsoft.com/securityessentials is our recommended free Anti-virus for Windows computers.

Microsoft Office 2010 may come pre-installed on some Windows computers, but will require re-installation when provided direct from your employer.  This is because your employer will make arrangements for this software to be supplied through their licensing programme.

Q10. What happens if the computer is damaged during transit or doesn't work on receipt?

You must inspect your computer within 3 days of receipt. If there is any damage or operational problems please contact the EPCIS team by calling 0844 8732100 within this time frame.

Q11. What happens if the computer develops a fault or requires replacement?

The computers are covered by a manufacturers extended warranty for the full period. Full details of the warranty is available from the manufacturer upon request. Please take care to make a note of the relevant warranty telephone number should you need to make a warranty call. Please note - any peripheral equipment you may have ordered will only have a limited manufacturer's warranty for twelve months (unless stated in the box). Laptop batteries are often covered for 6 months.

Q12. Will I be credit checked prior to my entering the Scheme?

No. However, failure to pay any sums outstanding under the terms and conditions of the Training Subscription Agreement could result in your credit record being impaired.

Q13. Can I upgrade the computer by adding extra memory, sound cards etc?

Yes, but you must be careful to follow the computer manufacturer's instructions for the fitting of upgrades, so as not to void any warranty. If you upgrade the computer, you must replace any parts originally removed if and when you return it. All computers must be returned in the same condition as they were at the time they were delivered (fair wear and tear excepted). At all times you should comply with the manufacturers' terms and conditions of use for both hardware and software. If you invalidate the warranty you will be responsible for the cost of repairing the Personal Computer.

Q14. How long is the warranty?

All Desktop & Laptop Computers benefit from a full warranty direct for the duration of your Training Subscription Agreement with the computer manufacturer.

Q15. Do I own the training materials and the Personal Computer under the Scheme?

You are purchasing the right to access the training under a Training Subscription Agreement. Provided that you continue to honour the terms and conditions of the Training Subscription Agreement, you will be able to continue to access the Training Materials. Throughout the term, the personal computer remains the property of your employer or its assignees. Provided that you continue to honour the Training Subscription Agreement you will be given the option to purchase the personal computer at the end of the term for its market value at that time, plus VAT. It is anticipated that the market value at that time will be no more than 4%.

Q16. What happens if the computer is damaged, lost or stolen?

As you will be paying by means of Salary Sacrifice, you are under a duty to insure the equipment against fire, theft and accidental loss or damage and you must ask your insurance company to note that the computer belongs to your employer and its assignees on your policy.

Q17. How are the payments made?

The price quoted for the corresponding training package you have chosen is the price that will be reduced from your gross monthly pay. For example, the gross monthly price is the amount that will be reduced from your gross monthly pay, the net monthly price is the ‘true’ cost to you in your take-home pay.

Q18. Can I change my mind after I have placed my order?

No. The only exception is if you are no longer employed by the council and you notify the EPCIS team prior to the closing date of the scheme on 0844 87 321 00.

Q19. What happens if I retire, or leave my job before I’ve finished paying for my Training?

Under the terms of the Hire Agreement and the Credit Consumer Act, the agreement to pay your employees’ loan is non-cancellable. This means that you would need to settle all outstanding monies should you leave employment before the end of the Hire Agreement. The outstanding balances will be deducted from your final net salary payment. Settlement will be from net pay because once you leave employment; you also leave the EPCIS Scheme, and are no longer eligible for tax/NI concessions. For those leaving before the end of the Hire Agreement period a termination fee will be charged. The termination fee will not exceed a value equal to the outstanding monthly salary reductions but may also include a sum equating to the fair market value at the time of termination (to transfer ownership of the computer and training to the employee).

Q20. What happens if I go on unpaid leave?

During approved unpaid leave such as extended maternity leave or career break, the Hire Agreement period may be extended by the number of months in which your salary was not paid and your employer was not able to collect payments during maternity/paternity/parental/adoption leave: you will continue to have the training and equipment on loan during your absence with your gross salary still at the reduced level according to the salary sacrifice arrangements. You will continue to have deductions made from any payments you are receiving and/or will accrue a debt that will be recovered when you return to work and start receiving a payment from your employer.

Q21. What is the fair market value payment?

A fair market value payment is the amount that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller to purchase certain property at a particular point in time. After the period of your scheme, you will be written to explaining your options and outlining the payment required to transfer ownership of the equipment to you. 

Q22. When do I pay the fair market value to make the computer and training materials mine?

At the end of the contract term the equipment may be bought for a fair market value. This payment is subject to 20% VAT. This is a separate agreement and does not form part of the Hire Agreement. 

Q23. What happens if the computer gets lost / stolen before I’ve paid for the training?

You are being loaned the computer equipment by your employer, if the computer is stolen then you have effectively left the scheme and need to pay all outstanding monies from your net salary.  It is strongly advisable to ensure the computer is covered on your home insurance policy. This will ensure your insurance company will replace the machine insured for one of an equivalent specification with which to complete the training.

Q24. What happens if I don’t want the computer at the end of the loan period?

It is your employer’s choice whether it opts to sell you the computer at the end of the hire period. If you choose to become the owner of the computer, you may be offered the opportunity to pay the Fair Market Value from your net salary. If you choose not to buy it you may be charged the equivalent of the Fair Market Value to dispose of the goods, to a charity.

Q25. Will the repayments affect student loan payments?

Yes. Your student loan repayment is 9% of your earnings over £15k. This will alter as the trigger point is based on the salary on which you are liable to pay National Insurance Contributions (NICS). Under salary sacrifice your total gross salary on which NI is paid will reduce, so your loan repayments will reduce.

Q26. Does anyone need to tell HMRC about this benefit?

The EPCIS Scheme is a government approved initiative that has been set up so that you do not have to pay tax and NI on items bought under the agreement. There is no need for you to contact HMRC about participation in the scheme.

Q27. How it links in with government plans?

The drive towards electronic (e-) government is being promoted by central government who are developing national standards for communication and sharing of information around the public sector. This will enable citizens to access public services more easily. The first step along this route is to educate the employees of the government.

Q28. When will the payments commence?

Your payments will usually commence the month after you have taken delivery of the personal computer and will continue for a period of 24 months unless you leave your employment

Q29. Will my entering into the Agreement affect any pension contributions that I make?

No, this will not affect the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Q30. Can I terminate my Agreement early?

No, even if you do not take advantage of the training materials you will still be required to make the gross monthly payments.

Q31. What happens at the end of the Agreement?

At the end of the Agreement and in the absence of your accepting any offer to purchase the Personal Computer, you must make arrangements for its collection. The Personal Computer should be returned in its original packaging (or packaging of a similar protective nature) as you will be liable for any damage that occurs during transportation.

Q32. Other Queries not covered?

For any other queries that have not been answered in this section please contact the EPCIS team on 0844 87 321 00 or email support@EPCIS.co.uk