Payment & Charging Policy
Effective date: 23 February 2026
1. Purpose of This Policy
This Payment & Charging Policy outlines the financial terms for services provided by Sky Social Work, including Mental Capacity Assessments (MCA), Court of Protection–related work, additional visit charges, travel expenses, and payment conditions.
Its purpose is to ensure transparency, fairness, and a clear understanding between Sky Social Work and all clients.
2. Payment Requirements (No Deposit Policy)
2.1 Full Payment in Advance
Sky Social Work requires full payment of the agreed fee in advance before any assessment, visit, or related work is undertaken.
Payment confirms the booking and secures practitioner time for:
Preparation and review of information
Travel and attendance
Assessment, analysis, and documentation
Work will not commence until payment has been received in full.
2.2 Confirmation of Fees
The agreed fee will be confirmed in writing prior to payment and will reflect:
The scope and nature of the work
Anticipated complexity
Number of visits and practitioners required
Travel time and mileage
3. Travel Time and Mileage Charges
3.1 Travel Time
Travel time is not charged at the professional assessment rate of £85 per hour.
Travel time is charged at a reduced rate of £35 per hour, calculated based on the time taken to travel to and from the assessment location.
Travel time charges apply where travel is required outside the local area (Suffolk) and will be included as part of the agreed fee.
3.2 Mileage
Mileage is charged at £0.55 per mile, calculated for the return journey between the practitioner’s base and the assessment location.
Mileage costs will be itemised as part of the overall charge.
3.3 Reduction of Travel Costs
Where Sky Social Work is travelling to the same or nearby destination for multiple assessments, reasonable steps will be taken to reduce or avoid duplication of travel costs where appropriate. Any such reduction will be applied fairly and proportionately.
4. Additional Charges for Complex Assessments
4.1 Second or Additional Visits
In some cases, a single visit may not be sufficient to complete a lawful and robust assessment. This may include (but is not limited to):
Complex communication needs
Fluctuating capacity or distress
Environmental or safeguarding concerns
Incomplete information at the first visit
Where a second or subsequent visit is required, additional charges will apply.
4.2 Charges for Additional Visits
Additional visits are charged at:
£85 per hour per social worker
This rate covers:
Further assessment time
Professional judgement and analysis
Documentation and reporting
All additional charges will be discussed with the client before further work is undertaken.
5. Attendance of Two Social Workers
5.1 When Two Practitioners May Be Required
Attendance of two social workers may be required where:
Significant risk factors are present
Safeguarding concerns are identified
The environment, behaviour, or communication needs increase complexity
A single practitioner cannot safely or lawfully complete the assessment
5.2 Charges for Two Social Workers
Where two practitioners attend, fees are charged per worker:
£85 per hour × 2 = £170 per hour
6. Validity of Mental Capacity Assessments and COP3 Forms
6.1 Time‑Limited Nature of MCA and COP3
Mental Capacity Assessments are decision‑specific and time‑specific.
Sky Social Work will only complete and release a COP3 form within 3 months of the date the MCA was conducted.
6.2 Expired COP3 Window
If the 3‑month period expires:
A new assessment is required
The full reassessment fee will apply
Fees already paid are non‑refundable in these circumstances.
7. Rescheduling of Visits
7.1 Client‑Related Rescheduling
If a visit must be rescheduled due to client illness or inability to engage:
One rearrangement will be offered without additional charge
7.2 Repeated Rescheduling
Where repeated rescheduling occurs:
Additional charges may apply to cover lost time and scheduling impact
Clients will be informed in advance
7.3 Sky Social Work Rescheduling
If Sky Social Work needs to rearrange a visit due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternative appointment will be offered at no additional cost.
8. Refunds
As work is commissioned, prepared for, and scheduled following payment:
Fees are non‑refundable once work has commenced
This includes preparation, travel, and attendance
9. Client Acknowledgement
By making payment, clients confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Payment & Charging Policy and Sky Social Work’s Terms and Conditions.