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The ISM provides its Full members with free professional insurance packages, at no extra cost on their subscription. These include Public Liability Insurance to £10 million for all professional and ISM-related activities, including teaching in schools and performing at concerts; Employer’s Liability Insurance to £10 million to meet legal requirements; Legal Expenses Insurance to £75,000 for matters related to professional activities, including contract, road traffic, criminal and employment issues; accountancy fee insurance to £75,000 against Full Inland Revenue investigations; and 24-hour Legal, Tax and Counselling Helplines, offering free access to expert advice around the clock, whatever the time of day or night.
Furthermore, the ISM’s Head Office staff can give practical and effective assistance to members. We help chase unpaid fees, advise on employment contracts and statutory entitlements (such as holiday pay), represent members at disciplinary and grievance hearings with their employers, comment on publishing and recording agreements, offer guidance on copyright issues, negotiate reassignments of copyright and performing rights, assist in obtaining royalty payments, and much more.
Members often write to thank us for our work: a selection from our postbag in 2006 follows.
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Employment Disputes? > ‘I am sure I was only offered a payment in order to dissuade any further legal action. I am also sure they would not have felt that this possibility was a threat, if it had not been for the weight of the ISM … So, once again, a very satisfied customer. I am extremely grateful to the ISM for providing support for this case. It would have been very hard to try and fight in isolation, and I am very grateful to you for your rational approach and sound judgement.’
> ‘This is exactly the advice I need. I am really grateful … Also, thank you for stopping me charging down the wrong line … the last thing I want to do is the wrong thing. I am really thankful I wrote to you, and your solid advice has made me feel much better and not so on my own.’
> ‘I am writing to thank you for your help … It was due in part to your letter that the school recognized the urgency of the situation … the matter has now been successfully concluded.’
> ‘Thank you for all your help with my employment dispute …The case acted as a catalyst for reassessing my future, and has led me to start a new business venture that I am finding enjoyable and satisfying. I really do appreciate the value of the legal service the ISM offer as part of its membership package; your professional advice and caring help, and for the work undertaken on my behalf.’
> ‘The outcome is very satisfactory … this would not have been possible had I been on my own, and I am very grateful for all the help, advice and support I have received. The backing and support of the ISM really did help to make them take my case seriously … when one is completely “knocked down” and vulnerable, good, confident, friendly and professional advice is invaluable, and I feel that’s what I have received. So thanks again; I hope I won’t need too much more similar help in the future … but it is good to know it’s there if required!’
> ‘You were sympathetic, professional and helpful.’
> ‘Thank you so much for all your invaluable help … You showed such patience in dealing with all the details.’
> ‘Thank you for such a thorough reply to my succession of hypothetical questions. You have confirmed my understanding of issues arising from the contract, and I feel confidently forearmed for tomorrow’s meeting. Thank you again for the excellent support that you provide in the increasingly complex and litigious aspects of education.’
> ‘I cannot tell you how much I have needed that professional and personal support to go ahead and make my positive points – thank you very much indeed. I feel that I have been heard to some extent, and this would not have happened without you, nor would it ever have entered the management-mind that this might be necessary in their handling of their staff.’
> ‘Thank you very much indeed for all your efforts on behalf of us all about the contract. Great news and result!’
> ‘Thank you so much for your help and support. It is so important to us all.’
> ‘It is impossible to imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t had the sense to join the ISM.’
Agreements & Contracts Advice? > ‘Many thanks – this is most helpful, and in a world which is becoming ever more problematical for artists it is good to know where one stands!’ > ‘May I take this opportunity to thank you for your excellent advice and efforts.’
> ‘Thanks for the excellent and prompt advice – you really put my mind at rest.’
> ‘Thank you so much for your email detailing the legal issues regarding cancellation of work. I am very grateful for your time in speaking to me and also confirming it in writing… I’ve been a member of the ISM for around 10 years and this is the first time I’ve contacted you for advice. I’m delighted with the service and wish I’d phoned years ago! It certainly makes me feel very safe in case I do ever have legal issues in the future.’
> ‘I am very grateful for the work you have done on this, the result of which seems so far to be very satisfactory.’
Help in a Hurry? > ‘I write to express my heartfelt thanks for your help. For some little time I was being pestered by firms asking me to advertise with them. The tactics used were both disturbing and distressing, but with your advice their telephone calls stopped and have not resumed. You cannot imagine the relief I now feel; nor, indeed, the gratitude to you for resolving this problem.’
> ‘I really appreciate the time and effort you have spent drafting the letter … being part of the ISM has been hugely worthwhile for me in the time I’ve been a member – many thanks again.’ |
Unpaid Fees? Royalties Owing? > ‘Thank you once again for all your assistance in this matter. What would we do without the professionalism of the ISM and for all it holds dear? … It is so wonderful to know that the ISM is available to assist in moments of crisis where monies are concerned.’
> ‘I doubt whether I would have got the money without your help. Just as importantly, your involvement allowed me to enjoy my summer break feeling that someone was on my side!’
> ‘Totally unexpected! Fantastic! ... A very satisfactory outcome. Thank you for all your help and for your patience.’
> ‘I am extremely grateful for your professional advice and action in obtaining the outstanding £225. It has taken almost a year, but I am certain that without the ISM legal team in action I would never have received the fees at all.’
> ‘I am delighted with the ISM’s professional service, as it has recently recovered £200 for me from a defaulting pupil. A carefully crafted letter … produced a cheque within a week. Please pass on my warmest thanks … I am very grateful for your helpfulness and expertise.’’
> ‘The inconvenience caused by this family’s casual approach to their contractual obligation … has been offset by your success. I was disappointed that for the first time since I joined the ISM … I felt I should refer a matter to you, but I am delighted at the outcome. Thank you very much indeed for your help.’
> ‘I am delighted to tell you that I have just received the final balance …Thank you very much indeed for all your help and for intervening in the matter – I feel sure that without the backing of the ISM I would not have been paid … Once again, many thanks.’
> ‘Just a note to let you know that full payment has now been received…Many thanks to the ISM for lending their weight to my cause!’
> ‘There is no doubt that the involvement of the ISM … was the necessary factor to bring matters to a successful close, and I would like to thank you very much for your advice and support!’
> ‘Very many thanks again for all your efforts, we would never have got the fees due without you.’
> ‘I am once again very grateful to…the ISM for all you do.’
> ‘I cannot thank you enough for your efforts and excellent help – yet another occasion when the ISM has assisted me. I am totally indebted to your organisation.’’
> ‘Thank you very much for helping me in this situation. I really appreciate your expertise and your efficiency in dealing with this matter.’’
> ‘Thank you again for your help. It is a real comfort to know that I can call for help and advice if situations like this occur.’’
> ‘Thank you for sending the letter – it appears to have worked! May I say thank you for your intervention and a happy resolution to the problem.’
> ‘Thank you for all your help in this matter. It is much appreciated and obviously did the trick in the end!’
> ‘Once again I would like to thank the ISM very much for all the help that you’ve given me. Each time I’ve had to get you involved in chasing up my fees I’ve always been very happy with the help you’ve given to me.’
> ‘Thank you for all your help: I cannot speak too highly about your help and support.’
> ‘I must thank you sincerely for all your help and advice ... I have now received a cheque for the full amount as decided by the judge ... It has certainly been invaluable having your opinions and comments in order to pursue the case.’’
> ‘I am very grateful for the help you have given me in chasing up this debt. Your patient, firm, persistent approach has been invaluable. I feel privileged to have had such a superb level of professional support in this matter: thank you again.’
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