Awful experience - Deceitful
I have had an awful experience with this company during the application and employment process, and in particular the Executive Director, Craig Tiedman.
I initially applied and interviewed in May for a Lecturing role beginning in July. Everything seemed positive, I was impressed by their professional backgrounds and demeanour. Unfortunately, this didn't last.
There would be long delays in replies to my emails, but still specifically stated that they were interested in employing me, so I would delay plans. The most recent being an exchange around the time of a close family member's funeral, with a meeting being organised at 5:30pm that day (1st July) to accommodate the funeral timings and their lecturing commitments. Around 5:00pm, I sat awaiting an email with a meeting link, phone call etc. I sat and waited until about 6:30pm with no contact, when I finally decided to return to my family. The major frustration of this (excluding the obvious) was that in our initial meetings, they had stated that the most suitable weeks for me would be in the beginning-middle of July. I had a conference to attend in Germany, and because I delayed booking my flight in anticipation of this meeting, I paid triple the price I should have.
A reply came 10 days later, on the 11th July, offering me employment "next week" (with specific dates, times, compensation etc), after the conference and while I was in Malta. I explained I was in Malta, and would have to cut my trip short to take up work for them. He agreed and seemed positive, as I was able to fly on the Monday or Tuesday depending on their requirements, he replied with "Global Health and Medicine is usually seen as a "Major" course and is usually offered in the mornings from 0930-1230." and so I agreed to take the flight on Monday morning, at twice the cost. I thought nothing of it, replies were still coming fairly frequently, and I was told to prepare slide decks and the age group that I would be lecturing. I requested the location on two occasions, which wasn't provided. I contacted them again yesterday saying their actions were unacceptable, and to provide me with a time they're free to call them for a resolution. Still no answer.
I'm now back in Oxford, instead of Ireland (where my motorcycle and other possessions currently are), with absolutely no need to be here.
I'm disgusted with the actions of this company. They've used their backgrounds for credibility, and the promise of "better pay than any other summer school" to hook me in and I fell for it, although I'm really not sure what they've gained out of doing this.
I would not expect this sort of behaviour from "Oxbridge faculty", nor a registered company. I have contacted Acas, the University, and Citizens Advice for guidance on the next steps.
July 15, 2024
Unprompted review
