Your Finance

Due to the current economic climate we feel the need to reassure you...

How We Protect Your Money - Financial Protection?
You are 100% protected for any money you have paid The Leap, through a non Statutory Trust Account we have arranged with our bank to protect your money. Providing you with complete peace of mind.

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for your Placement and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency.  For these purposes, The Leap protects monies that Volunteers have paid us in relation to their Non Air Package Placement, via a non Statutory Trust Account we have arranged with our bank, in respect of the balance of all Placement Costs paid in respect of Placements (i.e. in relation to any unexpired portion of a Placement) and any costs in relation to the repatriation of a Volunteer. Details of The Leap’s policies in respect of this matter are available on request.

Pre Departure:
In the highly unlikely event that we became insolvent before you travel you will be refunded your money in full.

Post Departure:
If you are already away on your Placement and we cannot continue with our obligations, arrangements will be made to ensure you can either continue with your Placement or you will be refunded for any unexpired portion of a Placement.  Your flights booked through STA Travel have a flexible return date ensuring your repatriation and are fully protected by an ATOL Insurance Bond (3206).

The Leap adheres to British Tour Operator regulations for Non Air Package tours and the Year Out Group’s Members Charter and Code of Conduct and has therefore been approved by the Year Out Group's Executive Committee in the manner in which it provides Financial Security and Protection for its clients’ money.

In addition copies of our accounts are held by the The Year Out Group and Companies House. We have strong cash reserves and strictly abide by the Year Out Groups Code of Conduct regarding protecting our client's financial security. If you wish to talk to Richard Oliver the CEO of the Year Out Group for reassurance the number is: 01380 816696.

ATOL Protection
As we offer a 'Non Air Package' and do not include airline flights in our package we cannot have an ATOL bond. An ATOL bond only covers holidays that include flights. We don't not need a bond as we operate a Trust Account (see above).

What About My Flight?
We book flights, on your behalf through STA Travel (one of the world’s largest student travel companies). They are ATOL bonded (3206) through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so your flights are fully protected and would be reimbursed in full. You will pay STA for your flights. You are welcome to book your flights elsewhere but ensure they have an ATOL bond.

Force Majeure Risk Protection:
Aside from the standard travel insurance policy we recommend through Global Travel Insurance (GTI), which has some Force Majeure cover, we can also recommend an additional extensive Force Majeure risk cover - in other words risks outside either of our control, both pre and post departure, such as but not limited to: travel restrictions in an overseas location following the outbreak of riots, civil unrest, extreme weather conditions, non performance of agents, disease etc.

This is only available through MPI Broker Ltd's insurance policy, designed for those travelling with The Leap, for whom The Leap are an Introducer, and will be available shortly.

Who Are The Year Out Group And What Do They Do For You?
The Year Out Group (YOG) ensures its members (i.e. us) comply with their rules and all are carefully vetted on joining and each year thereafter:

• Agreed to adhere to the Group's Code Of Practice and Members Charter
• Provide their Terms and Conditions and Annual Accounts
• Provide proof that they have public liability insurance in excess of £2million
• Have a crisis and risk policy in place, together with trained staff
• Provide client satisfaction feedback

The YOG is not for profit and is an association of independent organisations that exist to promote the concepts and benefits of well-structured year out programmes. Out of numerous companies offering Gap Years there are currently only 36 members (you cannot apply for membership until you have successfully been operating for 3 years - The Leap was founded in 2002), giving you the reassurance and confidence that if you choose to travel with The Leap you will be travelling with a professional, caring and reputable company - just ask our past 'leapers' or look at what they have to say about us and their experiences on our 'leapers' letters and facebook.

We will happily put you in touch with past 'leapers' and parents if you want extra reassurance.

When Do I Need Insurance?
We can't emphasise how important this is and why we insist you buy insurance when you pay your second payment. With your insurance in place you'll be covered for all payments, including flights, if you have to cancel. Our recommended policy through www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk/quote/TheLeap has excellent cancellation cover of up to £5,500 for insurable reasons as described in their policy.

When Do I Pay - Time Line?
The payments for your trip are broken down into easy to manage instalments, so please don't worry about finding the full amount straight away. Once you have sent in a Booking (Application) Form we will send you detailed Placement Guidelines on your placement and talk to you personally about the experience. At this point we ask for a £100 deposit to secure your place on the trip and pay for the Briefing and Training day, which is included in the full cost of the placement.

A second payment of £500 is due six months prior to departure (if possible), covering on-going UK planning and research for your placement. 

The final instalment is due two months before you go (if possible).

The above is a guide and don't worry we are flexible and can delay payments as late as possible if you need extra time.

Raising the Cash
We appreciate that raising the money can be a daunting prospect but a very valuable challenge as well with something life changing to look forward to at the end of it. We provide comprehensive fundraising advice in My Leap that will help you raise the money for your placement.

Paying The Leap
Instructions will be on our invoice and include: paying us by making a payment directly into our bank (please write your name as a reference), sending a cheque, BACS, online payment, using Pay Pal* and shortly we will have a debit/credit* card machine (* please note that we have to add the operators charges/commission).