Response to Lockdown beginning 5th November 2020:
We are remaining open through the Lockdown.
Having carefully examined the Statutory Instrument which brings into effect lockdown: PUBLIC HEALTH, ENGLAND The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, we have decided to remain open for business. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/pdfs/uksi_20201200_en.pdf
Our team at Edward Young Limited remains committed to the safety and well being our clients and team. With this in mind, we have adapted some work practices and have put in place policies on meetings and welcoming clients into our offices. Our premises are covid secure.
Before visiting we will notify clients by email, protocols which must be followed before and during visits. This is to keep everyone safe, our clients, our staff and all other visitors.
The firm has undertaken the following preparations and procedures to ensure we can all start to move forward:
Remote services
Where possible, we ask our existing clients to use the remote work facilities. Avoid unnecessary trips to our office to drop off or collect documents.
Corporate clients should email the team with their query.
Remote Services Using Video Conferencing Technology
Our Regulator has authorised Notarisation by Video Conferencing Technology (see: https://www.facultyoffice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Covid19-Guidance-Remote-Notarisation-May-2020.pdf)
Here are the steps to be taken for remote notarisation:
Please check with the receiving party that video conferencing is acceptable at their end
An appointment will be scheduled for a Video Conference call
Please note that the video conference will be recorded and a record kept and by proceeding with the video conferencing you/the individual signing is consenting to this.
On the notarial certificate we are duty bound to recite the manner in which the notarisation was performed, i.e. by video conference.
Call outs to your home or office
Our notary can visit you in your home or office if required.
Notarisations of signatures in the presence of the notary
There may be times when remote notary work is not possible. This is generally when you are you are required to sign a document in the presence of the notary. Usual examples are Affidavits, Oaths, Statutory Declarations and Public Form Powers of Attorney (common in Spain and Brazil). Or if the receiving party insist that it must be done in the presence of a Notary.
Appointments are available 08.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. This is a reduced number of appointments with the aim of avoiding waiting times in the premises to allow us time to carry out enhanced hygiene procedures.
When you need to attend our office, we ask that you observe the following precautions:
- We are avoiding handshakes (please do not take offence)
- Hand sanitizers must be used by all visitors
- A bathroom is available right beside our entrance with washroom facilities for hand washing. Please use this before your scheduled appointment. (Where there is soap, there is hope.)
- Please do not bring with you other persons who are not required to sign. If you are a parent or carer and have to bring children along, please let us know before attending. You are responsible for enforcing social distancing in these cases.
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- put used tissues in the bin straight away
- We maintain a rigorous schedule of disinfection in the office- which is why we will reduce the number of appointments available during the day.
- We have installed Perspex screens in our office. These are not only a protective barrier but also a clear reminder to maintain social distancing.
Finally, if you feel unwell, or if you have been asked to self isolate, we ask that you do not attend the office whether or not you have an appointment. We will prioritise an appointment for you when you can safely attend.