Introduction
These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of the Serene Ventures website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.
If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our website or services.
About Serene Ventures
Serene Ventures is a benefits advisory practice registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 07234891. Registered office: 42 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BS.
We provide professional advice and representation for welfare benefits, social security claims, and tribunal proceedings across the United Kingdom.
Website Use
Permitted Use
You may use our website for:
- Learning about our services and expertise
- Contacting us with enquiries
- Accessing information about benefits and welfare rights
- Reading our published content and resources
Prohibited Activities
You must not:
- Use the website in any way that breaches applicable laws or regulations
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems or networks
- Introduce viruses, trojans, or other malicious material
- Conduct automated data collection without written permission
- Copy, reproduce, or redistribute website content without authorisation
- Use our contact details for unsolicited marketing
- Impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation with any entity
Service Terms
Scope of Services
Our services include benefits eligibility assessment, claim preparation, mandatory reconsideration requests, and tribunal representation. Specific services are detailed on our Services page.
We provide professional advice based on current legislation and our understanding of your circumstances. We cannot guarantee specific outcomes as final decisions rest with government authorities.
Client Responsibilities
When engaging our services, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information about your circumstances
- Inform us promptly of any changes that may affect your claim
- Respond to our requests for documentation or clarification in a timely manner
- Attend appointments and assessments as required
- Pay agreed fees according to the payment terms
- Follow our advice and instructions regarding your claim
Our Obligations
We commit to:
- Provide professional advice in accordance with current welfare rights standards
- Handle your personal data in compliance with GDPR and data protection law
- Maintain professional indemnity insurance
- Act in your best interests throughout our engagement
- Communicate clearly about progress, timelines, and any issues that arise
- Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is required by law
Fees and Payment
Service Fees
Fees for our services are detailed on our Services page and confirmed in writing before work commences. Prices are subject to change but any increases won't affect services already agreed.
Payment Terms
Unless alternative arrangements are agreed:
- Initial consultation fees are payable at the time of booking
- For ongoing services, payment is due before work begins
- Payment plans may be available for services over £200
- Late payments may incur interest charges at 4% above Bank of England base rate
Refunds
Refunds are available in limited circumstances:
- If we're unable to provide the service you've paid for
- For unused portions of advance payments if you terminate our engagement
- According to success-based adjustment terms for tribunal representation (where applicable)
Refunds are not available for services already delivered or where you simply change your mind.
Limitation of Liability
No Guarantees
While we strive for successful outcomes, we cannot guarantee that your benefit claim will be approved or that appeals will succeed. Final decisions rest with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities, or tribunals.
Liability Limitations
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- We're not liable for delays or failures in service delivery caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control
- Our liability for losses arising from our services is limited to the fees paid for those specific services
- We're not liable for indirect or consequential losses
- Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or matters that cannot be excluded by law
Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by or licensed to Serene Ventures and protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.
You may view and print pages for personal reference but may not reproduce, republish, or distribute content without written permission.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites for your convenience. We don't control these sites and are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or availability. Links don't constitute endorsement.
Website Availability
We aim to maintain continuous website availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. We may suspend or withdraw services for maintenance, security reasons, or force majeure events.
We're not liable for any loss resulting from website unavailability.
Termination
Client Termination
You may terminate our engagement at any time by written notice. You'll remain liable for fees for work completed up to the termination date.
Our Termination Rights
We may terminate our services if:
- You fail to pay agreed fees
- You provide false or misleading information
- You fail to cooperate or follow reasonable instructions
- Continuing would conflict with our professional obligations
- The relationship breaks down irretrievably
We'll provide written notice and explanation, returning any documents you've provided.
Confidentiality
Information you share with us is treated as confidential and used only for providing our services. We won't disclose your information except:
- With your consent
- To government bodies when submitting claims or appeals
- To professional advisors assisting with your case
- When required by law or court order
- To prevent fraud or protect legal rights
Professional Conduct
Our advisors adhere to professional standards set by relevant regulatory bodies and membership organisations. We maintain professional indemnity insurance and operate under supervision of qualified practitioners.
Complaints
If you're dissatisfied with our services, please contact us at [email protected]. We take complaints seriously and follow a formal complaints procedure:
- Acknowledgment within 3 business days
- Investigation by a senior team member
- Written response within 21 days
- Escalation to independent review if you remain unsatisfied
Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Changes to Terms
We may update these terms periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
For ongoing service engagements, we'll notify you of significant changes and give you the opportunity to discuss their impact.
Severability
If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force.
Entire Agreement
These terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Serene Ventures regarding website use and services.
Contact Information
For questions about these terms, contact us at:
Serene Ventures
42 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 2BS
Email: [email protected]