Students have the right to choose who they employ as a non-medical helper, providing the person they employ meets the criteria set down by the DSA Office. For example, somebody employed as a Specialist Dyslexia Tutor is required to have the minimum qualifications necessary to do this work.
In the past, it has sometimes been difficult to find suitably qualified staff to carry out non-medical work. For this reason the University has entered into an arrangement with an external employment agency - Randstad HR Solutions - who supply specialist non-medical helper staff.
They can supply non-medical helpers in the following areas:
• Notetakers
• Readers
• Specialist Support Tutors
• Aspergers
• Dyslexia
• Specific Learning Difficulties
• Mental Health Mentor
Please note that Randstad cannot supply assistive software trainers at this time. For help finding a trainer contact your Study Needs Assessor or the the OU Access Centre.
Randstad recruitment processes include referencing and CRB checking - all of their non-medical helpers hold relevant experience and qualifications, specific to their roles.
Ranstad consultants also handle the administration of the process, leaving you to concentrate on your studies. They will contact the Disabled Students Allowance Office and will pay the support worker and invoice the DSA Office on your behalf.
How to arrange non-medical help through Randstad HR Solutions
When you have completed your application for a DSA and had your funding agreed, you should then contact Randstad HR Solutions and be ready to provide a copy of your Needs Assessment Report (NAR) and your DSA Award Letter. As soon as these documents are received they will begin the process of contacting their pool of non-medical helpers in your area and match these non-medical helpers to you, dependant on your needs and requirements. Your request will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
For more information about how Randstad can help with your study support needs please contact them direct Randstad Student Support.
Randstad Student Support
5th Floor St James Buildings
79 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6FQ
Telephone 0845 130 4655
