Welfare clinics are held each weekday morning, staffed by a senior member of the faculty. These operate on a system of 20-minute appointments, but urgent drop-in slots are available.The principal aim is again to pick up and resolve problems early, and to foster student trust in the welfare system. It is hoped to achieve an individualised approach to student educational and welfare problems, and to explore the interaction between pastoral problems and academic underperformance for each student seen. Students self-refer or are referred by members of staff who have concerns or have noticed attendance problems, or from the examination boards for underperformance in assessments. The clinics are very well attended, the key to their success being ease of access and friendliness of the reception and booking staff. A potential problem may emerge when there is a conflict between a situation requiring the exercise of authority or discipline (for example,fitness to practise or serious academic failure) and the support and welfare roles.