Terms
Terms of Service
Last updated: 11 July 2026
These Terms of Service explain the basis on which Zhan Associates provides its services, and the terms that apply to your use of this website. Zhan Associates is the trading name of Zhan Enterprises Ltd, company number 11849088, registered in England and Wales (“Zhan Associates”, “we”, “us”).
These website terms are a summary. When you engage us for a specific matter, the governing terms are those set out in your Engagement Letter and your Authority to Act. Where anything in these website terms is inconsistent with those signed documents, the signed documents take precedence, and as between them, the Authority to Act governs the scope of representation.
1. Who we are and what we do
Zhan Associates is a specialist workplace defence consultancy. We provide independent workplace disciplinary defence support, which may include:
Strategic analysis of the allegations against you; assessment of procedural fairness against the ACAS Code of Practice and relevant employment law principles, including the Equality Act 2010 where applicable; review of employer policies, procedures, reports, and evidence; preparation of written representations, objections, and submissions; and advocacy and representation at disciplinary, grievance, or appeal hearings.
2. We are not a law firm
We are not solicitors or barristers, we do not hold ourselves out as either, and we do not provide reserved legal activities or legal advice. Our services are provided as workplace advocacy, procedural support, and strategic consultancy. Where a matter requires independent legal advice, we will identify this and, where appropriate, refer you accordingly.
3. Representation at hearings
Under Section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 and the ACAS Code of Practice, we may act as your chosen companion or representative at a disciplinary or grievance hearing. The full scope of that representation, and its limits, are set out in and governed by your signed Authority to Act. In the event of any inconsistency between that document and any other, the Authority to Act takes precedence on the scope of representation.
Where authorised, our role at a hearing may include addressing the hearing, presenting your case, responding to views expressed on your behalf, conferring with you during the hearing, reviewing the evidence, and communicating with your employer or its HR function on your behalf. This authority does not extend to answering questions on your behalf during the hearing, conducting negotiations without your express and contemporaneous instruction, or taking any action outside the scope of the engaged service.
4. Starting work, and your responsibilities
No client relationship or chargeable work begins until you have had a free initial consultation and a written engagement has been agreed and signed. You confirm that the information and documents you provide are complete and accurate, and you retain full decision-making authority in your matter at all times.
5. Fees
All fees are fixed and confirmed in writing, based on your applicable salary band, before any work begins. There are no hidden or surprise charges. Fees are payable in accordance with the payment terms set out in your Engagement Letter. Fees will change only if the scope of work changes materially — for example, a hearing extending beyond the time originally agreed — and any such change is explained and agreed with you in writing before further work proceeds.
Zhan Associates (Zhan Enterprises Ltd) is not currently registered for VAT, and no VAT is charged on our fees. Should our VAT status change, clients will be notified in advance and any applicable VAT clearly stated.
6. No guarantee of outcome
No service can guarantee a particular outcome. Our role is to ensure your case is properly prepared, your procedural rights are protected, and your position is presented with clarity and authority.
7. Confidentiality and your data
All personal data, case documentation, and hearing materials you share with us are held in strict confidence and stored securely using encrypted document management. We will not disclose them to any third party without your express consent, except where required by law. Your file is retained for a minimum of six years from the date of case closure, in accordance with standard business record-keeping obligations. Our handling of personal data is described more fully in our Privacy Policy.
8. Use of this website
The content of this website is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or advice on which you should rely in relation to any specific situation. Using this website does not create a client or advisory relationship. Please see our Disclaimer for the full terms governing the information on this website, and our Cookie Policy for how we use cookies.
9. Complaints
We aim to provide a clear, professional, and responsive service. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the service you receive, please contact us so that we can seek to resolve the matter. Details of how a concern will be handled are provided as part of your engagement.
10. Governing law
These terms, and any matter arising from our services, are governed by the law of England and Wales, and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals of England and Wales.
Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at support@zhanassociates.co.uk or on 07550 030156.