employee advocacy 

Some people like to book sessions in advance while others prefer to take days as they come.  We'll decide how to work best together. 

I don't charge if you cancel a session before we start, but I do charge for repeated 'no-shows'. Repeated short-notice cancellations usually means we need to get better at scheduling and communicating. Here's my full cancellation policy. 

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Depending on the urgency of your situation, we usually develop an agreed strategy at the end of every meeting. This could range from: 

• sending agreed information through to each other 

• taking time to consider, reflect or research some options

• waiting/preparing for something that hasn't happened yet 

• taking an agreed action to respond to an active situation

In our first or second meeting, we'll talk through how you'd prefer to communicate with me. I mainly use email, messaging services, and Zoom but I'm flexible.​

(For example, if reading or writing is hard, we can use short voice-notes. If English is hard, we can use translation software to help us.) 

We'll always be open and truthful with each other, and check we've understood each other. Tell me if things change, if you're seeking advice elsewhere, or if you change your mind. It's ok.   

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When you're waiting for a response, remember I'm very organised and I work most days. I'll get back to you as soon as I can, even if it's to say I need a bit more time to craft a full response.  

​I'm likely to request information while representing you, like

• your employment agreement

• other contract-related documentation

• your job description

• and any relevant communication about the issue.
   

You'll send files using your personal (not work!) logins and devices. We'll do what works best for you, as long as it's secure. We'll usually talk about this in our first session.

If you withhold relevant information, I may not be able to represent you effectively. I'll ask questions to help you know what you should share (or not share) with me. 

I store your information securely in paid online accounts. I never ask for or store information that I don't need. 

I don't share information without your permission. The only exception is if I believe there's serious risk to someone's health or safety (including your own). I'll tell you if that's my view and I'll try to reach agreement with you about how you (or I) should share this information and with whom (e.g., WorkSafe, emergency services). 

Here's my full privacy policy.

Try to choose the right rate when you book. If you're not sure, don't worry: we'll agree on your rate in our first session. Your first session is always free: use the code "FIRSTISFREE".  

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For this service, I send weekly invoices (usually on a Friday). Your invoice will include a timesheet so you can match the invoice to the work I've done with/for you that week. I generally bill in 15 minute blocks and you'll usually have 14 days to pay. 

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I believe in equity and justice. I base my fees on your income, and my advocacy is the same regardless of your rate. 

• If you disagree with the hours I've charged, let me know as soon as possible and before you pay.

• If the costs are getting too high, please let me know. We'll discuss options and find a solution. I'm sorry, but I'm not in a position to work on a no-win/no-fee basis.  

• Think my fees seem too low? As we approach resolution:

  • you can suggest a more appropriate final payment; and/or

  • if we're negotiating an exit/settlement arrangement, we have the option to see if the employer will pay your costs.  ​

My goal is always to ensure you get the advocacy that best fits your preferred outcome and needs. Sometimes this means it's best for you to engage a different representative and I'll support a handover of your case files. For example,

• If you join a union and your union agrees to represent you. 

• If I believe you're likely to need to use the Employment Relations Authority (or Employment Court), I'll always recommend you engage a lawyer. 

• If I strongly oppose your chosen course of action 

If you feel uncomfortable or unhappy with my representation, please tell me. ​​Like all reputable advocates, I'm a member of the Employment Law Institute of NZ and bound by our Code of Conduct. If you're not satisfied with how I've tried to resolve issues you've raised with me, you can make a complaint through ELINZ.