Terms and Conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR AUTONOMOUS CARE LIMITED Introduction of Self-Employed Live-In Care Workers Effective Date: 20/08/2026 Agency: Autonomous Care Limited Trading Name: Autonomous Live-in Care Registered Office: 182-184 High Street North, London, England, E6 2JA Company Registration Number: 17325420 Email: info@autonomouscare.co.uk Telephone: 08455443986 Website: www.autonomouscare.co.uk 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the services provided by Autonomous Care Limited ("the Agency", "we", "us" or "our") to individuals requiring live-in care and support ("the Client", "you" or "your"). 1.2 The Agency operates as an introductory live-in care agency, introducing Clients to self-employed care workers ("Care Workers") who may be suitable for the Client's requirements. 1.3 The Agency does not itself provide personal care to Clients and, unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, does not employ the Care Workers introduced to Clients. 1.4 Following an introduction, the Client and Care Worker are responsible for deciding whether to enter into a direct contractual arrangement for the provision of live-in care services. 1.5 These Terms should be read together with the Agency's: • Client Registration Form; • Care Needs and Requirements Assessment; • Fee Schedule; • Privacy Notice; • Safeguarding Policy; • Complaints Procedure; and • any separate Client–Care Worker Agreement. 2. NATURE OF THE AGENCY'S SERVICES 2.1 The Agency's primary service is to identify and introduce potentially suitable self-employed Care Workers to Clients seeking live-in care. 2.2 Our services may include: • discussing the Client's care requirements; • identifying potentially suitable Care Workers; • obtaining information from Care Workers regarding their experience and availability; • checking identity documents; • checking references; • undertaking appropriate DBS checks; • checking relevant qualifications and training; • checking right-to-work documentation where applicable; • facilitating an initial introduction; • facilitating interviews or introductory discussions; • assisting the Client and Care Worker to communicate during the introduction process; and • providing administrative support connected with the introduction. 2.3 The Agency does not guarantee that an introduction will result in an engagement. 2.4 The Agency does not guarantee that a particular Care Worker will remain available for any particular period. 2.5 The Agency does not guarantee that a Care Worker will be suitable for every aspect of the Client's individual circumstances. 2.6 The Client remains responsible for making the final decision about whether to engage a Care Worker. 3. SELF-EMPLOYED CARE WORKERS 3.1 The Agency introduces Care Workers who are intended to provide services to Clients on a self-employed basis. 3.2 Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, a Care Worker introduced by the Agency is not an employee of the Agency. 3.3 The Care Worker is responsible for determining and managing their own tax affairs and meeting any applicable tax and National Insurance obligations arising from their self-employed activities. 3.4 The Care Worker is responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance for their self-employed activities where such insurance is required or appropriate. 3.5 The Care Worker is responsible for maintaining any professional registrations, qualifications, training and certifications relevant to the services they offer. 3.6 The Agency does not operate PAYE for the Care Worker unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing. 3.7 The Agency does not provide employment benefits to Care Workers, including holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions or other employee benefits. 3.8 Nothing in these Terms is intended to determine employment or tax status where that status is otherwise determined by law. 3.9 The actual working relationship between the Client and Care Worker must be consistent with the Care Worker's stated self-employed status. 4. DIRECT CONTRACT BETWEEN CLIENT AND CARE WORKER 4.1 Following an introduction, the Client and Care Worker may enter into a direct agreement governing the provision of live-in care services. 4.2 The Agency is not normally a party to that agreement. 4.3 The Client and Care Worker are responsible for agreeing: • the services to be provided; • the Care Worker's availability; • the fee or rate payable; • payment arrangements; • rest arrangements; • accommodation; • household arrangements; • responsibilities; • notice arrangements; • confidentiality; • holidays and periods away; • expenses; • transport arrangements; • overnight arrangements; • emergency procedures; and • any other terms relevant to their relationship. 4.4 The Agency may provide a template Client–Care Worker Agreement for convenience, but the Client and Care Worker remain responsible for reviewing and entering into that agreement. 4.5 The Agency does not guarantee the enforceability of a Client–Care Worker Agreement and does not provide legal advice. 5. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 The Client must provide complete and accurate information about their care and support requirements. 5.2 This information should include, where applicable: • personal care requirements; • mobility; • continence; • medication; • dementia or cognitive impairment; • communication needs; • dietary requirements; • allergies; • disabilities; • behavioural needs; • night-time requirements; • waking-night requirements; • sleep-in arrangements; • moving and handling requirements; • equipment used; • pets; • smoking; • household composition; • risks within the home; • medical or health-related requirements; • cultural requirements; • religious requirements; and • any other information relevant to the safety and suitability of a Care Worker. 5.3 The Client must not deliberately withhold information that could reasonably affect the safety or suitability of the proposed care arrangement. 5.4 The Client must notify the Agency promptly if their circumstances or care requirements materially change before an introduction or placement. 5.5 The Client must provide a safe and suitable environment for the Care Worker. 6. LIVE-IN ACCOMMODATION 6.1 The Client must provide suitable accommodation for the Care Worker. 6.2 Unless otherwise agreed, the accommodation should include: • a private bedroom; • suitable access to bathroom facilities; • reasonable access to kitchen and household facilities; • appropriate privacy; • suitable heating, lighting and ventilation; • access to basic household amenities; and • a safe living environment. 6.3 The Care Worker must be treated with dignity and respect and must be provided with reasonable privacy when they are not carrying out agreed care duties. 6.4 The Client must not require the Care Worker to share their bedroom unless this has been expressly and voluntarily agreed and is lawful and appropriate. 6.5 The Client must disclose any material hazards associated with the accommodation. 6.6 The Agency may decline to introduce a Care Worker where it reasonably believes that the proposed accommodation is unsuitable or presents an unacceptable risk. 7. LIVE-IN CARE ARRANGEMENTS 7.1 Live-in care does not necessarily mean that the Care Worker is available to provide care continuously, 24 hours a day. 7.2 The Client and Care Worker must agree appropriate working arrangements, including periods for rest and sleep. 7.3 The Client must not expect the Care Worker to work continuously without reasonable breaks or rest. 7.4 Where the Client requires continuous waking-night care or care substantially exceeding ordinary live-in arrangements, this should be disclosed to the Agency before an introduction. 7.5 The Client and Care Worker are responsible for agreeing whether additional Care Workers or alternative arrangements are required to meet the Client's needs safely. 8. CARE WORKER INTRODUCTION PROCESS 8.1 The Agency will seek to identify Care Workers whose stated experience, availability and preferences appear reasonably compatible with the Client's requirements. 8.2 Before making an introduction, the Agency may consider: • experience; • qualifications; • training; • references; • availability; • geographical location; • language; • driving status; • care experience; • preferences; • stated skills; and • other relevant information. 8.3 The Agency may provide the Client with a Care Worker's profile or other relevant information. 8.4 The Client may interview the Care Worker before making a decision. 8.5 The Care Worker may also decide whether the Client and proposed arrangement are suitable for them. 8.6 Neither the Agency nor the Client may require a Care Worker to accept an assignment. 9. CARE WORKER CHECKS 9.1 The Agency will undertake checks in accordance with its recruitment and introduction procedures. 9.2 These may include: • identity verification; • right-to-work checks; • DBS checks; • employment or self-employment history; • references; • qualifications; • training records; • professional registration; • driving licence checks where relevant; and • other appropriate checks. 9.3 A DBS certificate is not a guarantee of an individual's suitability or future conduct. 9.4 References are dependent upon information supplied by referees and third parties. 9.5 The Agency cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information supplied by third parties. 9.6 The Client should satisfy themselves as to the Care Worker's suitability before entering into a direct arrangement. 10. CLIENT INTERVIEW AND SELECTION 10.1 The Client has the final decision regarding whether to engage a Care Worker. 10.2 The Client should undertake any interview or assessment they consider necessary. 10.3 The Client should satisfy themselves regarding the Care Worker's: • identity; • experience; • qualifications; • references; • availability; • communication skills; • suitability; • ability to meet the Client's requirements; and • willingness to undertake the proposed arrangement. 10.4 The Agency will not knowingly misrepresent a Care Worker's qualifications, experience or background. 11. CARE WORKER PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 11.1 A Care Worker introduced to a Client is responsible for providing services professionally and within the limits of their competence. 11.2 The Care Worker must not undertake tasks for which they are not appropriately trained or competent. 11.3 The Care Worker must respect: • the Client's dignity; • privacy; • confidentiality; • property; • independence; • personal choices; • cultural preferences; and • reasonable household rules. 11.4 The Care Worker must report serious safeguarding or safety concerns through the appropriate channels. 12. MEDICATION 12.1 Medication arrangements must be agreed between the Client and Care Worker. 12.2 A Care Worker must only undertake medication-related tasks that they are competent and appropriately trained to perform. 12.3 The Agency does not prescribe, administer or manage medication. 12.4 The Agency is not responsible for medication errors occurring after the Care Worker has entered into a direct arrangement with the Client, except to the extent that liability cannot lawfully be excluded. 13. SAFEGUARDING 13.1 The Agency takes safeguarding seriously and expects Clients and Care Workers to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. 13.2 Concerns may include: • physical abuse; • emotional abuse; • sexual abuse; • financial abuse; • neglect; • discriminatory abuse; • domestic abuse; • coercion; • exploitation; • inappropriate use of restraint; or • other forms of harm. 13.3 Any immediate danger should be reported to the appropriate emergency service. 13.4 Where the Agency becomes aware of a serious safeguarding concern, it may take reasonable action within the scope of its role. 13.5 This may include: • suspending an introduction; • withdrawing a Care Worker from consideration; • advising the Client to contact the appropriate authority; • making a safeguarding referral where appropriate; or • sharing information where legally permitted or required. 14. AGENCY FEES 14.1 The Client agrees to pay the Agency the applicable introduction fee set out in the Agency's Fee Schedule. 14.2 The applicable fee will be disclosed to the Client before the Client becomes liable for it. 14.3 Fees may be structured as: • a fixed introduction fee; • a percentage of the agreed care fee; • a recurring agency introduction/administration fee; • a replacement fee; or • another agreed arrangement. 14.4 Unless otherwise stated, Agency fees are separate from payments made by the Client to the Care Worker. 14.5 The Agency does not normally receive or hold the Care Worker's care fees on behalf of the Care Worker unless expressly agreed. 14.6 The Client is responsible for paying the Care Worker directly in accordance with their agreement. 15. CARE WORKER FEES AND PAYMENTS 15.1 The Client and Care Worker are responsible for agreeing the Care Worker's rate of payment. 15.2 Unless otherwise agreed, the Client pays the Care Worker directly. 15.3 The Agency does not guarantee payment by the Client to the Care Worker. 15.4 The Agency does not guarantee the Care Worker's income. 15.5 Any dispute concerning payment for services provided by the Care Worker should initially be addressed between the Client and Care Worker. 16. INTRODUCTION FEE AND NON-CIRCUMVENTION 16.1 An "Introduction" occurs where the Agency provides information that identifies a Care Worker to the Client or facilitates communication between the Client and Care Worker. 16.2 The Agency's introduction fee becomes payable where the Client engages the introduced Care Worker within the applicable Introduction Period. 16.3 The fee remains payable if the Care Worker is engaged: • directly by the Client; • through a family member; • through a representative; • through another business connected to the Client; or • through another intermediary for the purpose of avoiding the Agency's fee. 16.4 The applicable Introduction Period shall be stated in the Agency's Fee Schedule. 16.5 The Client must not deliberately circumvent the Agency's introduction fee. 17. REPLACEMENT CARE WORKERS 17.1 The Agency may provide replacement introductions where a Care Worker becomes unavailable. 17.2 Replacement introductions are subject to availability. 17.3 The Agency does not guarantee that a replacement Care Worker will be available immediately. 17.4 Any replacement arrangements will be subject to the Agency's applicable replacement policy. 18. TERMINATION OF A CARE ARRANGEMENT 18.1 The Client and Care Worker are responsible for agreeing notice arrangements for terminating their direct care relationship. 18.2 The Agency may assist with communication where appropriate but is not responsible for enforcing the Client–Care Worker agreement. 18.3 Where a serious safeguarding or safety concern exists, the Agency may suspend further introductions or take other reasonable action within its role. 19. CLIENT AND CARE WORKER RELATIONSHIP 19.1 The Client acknowledges that the Care Worker is intended to operate independently as a self-employed person. 19.2 The Agency does not normally: • set the Care Worker's working methods; • supervise the Care Worker's day-to-day work; • direct how care is delivered; • conduct performance management; • approve annual leave; • operate a rota as an employer; • discipline the Care Worker; • determine how the Care Worker performs their professional duties; or • control the manner in which the Care Worker provides their services. 19.3 The Client may communicate their care requirements and household needs to the Care Worker. 19.4 The Care Worker remains responsible for determining how they perform their services within the agreed care requirements and applicable law. 19.5 The parties must ensure that their actual working relationship is consistent with the Care Worker's stated self-employed status. 20. TAX AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS 20.1 The Care Worker is responsible for their own tax affairs and for determining and meeting their tax obligations. 20.2 The Client and Care Worker are responsible for obtaining appropriate professional advice regarding their respective tax and employment obligations. 20.3 The Agency does not provide tax or employment-status advice. 20.4 The Agency does not guarantee that HMRC or another authority will regard a particular Care Worker as self-employed. 20.5 If the circumstances of an arrangement change such that the Care Worker's employment or tax status may be affected, the Client and Care Worker should obtain independent professional advice. 20.6 Nothing in these Terms is intended to override the legal tests applicable to employment status, worker status or taxation. 21. INSURANCE 21.1 Care Workers are expected to maintain appropriate insurance for their self-employed activities where appropriate. 21.2 The Client should consider whether they require their own insurance in connection with engaging a self-employed Care Worker. 21.3 The Agency will maintain such insurance as is appropriate to its own business activities. 21.4 The Agency does not provide personal accident, income protection, professional indemnity or other insurance cover for the Care Worker unless expressly confirmed in writing. 22. HEALTH AND SAFETY 22.1 The Client must provide accurate information concerning known risks in the home. 22.2 The Client must take reasonable steps to ensure that the home is safe for the Care Worker. 22.3 The Care Worker should inform the Client of any significant health and safety concerns. 22.4 Where a serious and immediate risk is identified, the Care Worker may decline to undertake an activity that they reasonably believe is unsafe. 22.5 The Agency may withdraw an introduction where it reasonably believes that the proposed arrangement presents an unacceptable risk. 23. PETS AND SMOKING 23.1 The Client must disclose whether pets are present within the property. 23.2 The Client must disclose any smoking or vaping within or around the property. 23.3 The Agency will endeavour to take disclosed preferences and restrictions into account when making introductions. 23.4 A Care Worker may decline an introduction where the household environment is incompatible with their circumstances or requirements. 24. CONFIDENTIALITY 24.1 The Client and Care Worker must respect each other's confidential information. 24.2 Personal information must not be disclosed to third parties without appropriate authority unless disclosure is required or permitted by law. 24.3 Confidentiality obligations continue after the care arrangement ends. 25. DATA PROTECTION 25.1 The Agency will process personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection law. 25.2 This may include the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. 25.3 Information may be processed for: • registering Clients; • identifying Care Workers; • facilitating introductions; • conducting appropriate checks; • safeguarding; • complying with legal obligations; • managing Agency services; • responding to complaints; and • maintaining appropriate records. 25.4 Where special category data, including health information, is processed, the Agency will rely on an appropriate lawful basis under applicable data protection legislation. 25.5 Further information is contained in the Agency's Privacy Notice. 26. EMERGENCIES 26.1 The Agency is not an emergency response or medical service. 26.2 In an emergency, the Client or Care Worker must contact the appropriate emergency service or healthcare professional. 26.3 The Agency must not be relied upon as a substitute for emergency healthcare, social care or safeguarding services. 27. COMPLAINTS 27.1 Complaints concerning the Agency's introductory service should be made directly to: complaints@autonomouscare.co.uk 182-184 High Street North, London, England, E6 2JA 27.2 The Agency will acknowledge complaints within 3-5 working days where reasonably practicable. 27.3 Complaints will be investigated fairly and proportionately. 27.4 Where a complaint concerns the conduct or quality of a Care Worker who has been directly engaged by the Client, the Agency may assist where appropriate but does not assume responsibility for the Care Worker's independent service. 27.5 Safeguarding concerns will be dealt with separately and may require immediate action. 28. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 28.1 The Agency will provide its introductory services with reasonable care and skill. 28.2 The Agency does not guarantee the future conduct, availability, health, suitability or performance of any Care Worker. 28.3 Subject to applicable law, the Agency shall not be responsible for losses arising from: • the independent acts or omissions of a Care Worker; • the Client's acts or omissions; • the direct contractual relationship between Client and Care Worker; • inaccurate information supplied by a Client or Care Worker; • the Care Worker's failure to attend an agreed arrangement; • the Client's failure to pay a Care Worker; • the Care Worker's failure to pay taxes; • circumstances outside the Agency's reasonable control; or • consequential or indirect loss where such exclusion is legally permitted. 28.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. 29. CANCELLATION 29.1 The Client may cancel an introduction before the Care Worker commences the agreed arrangement. 29.2 Cancellation must be communicated to the Agency as soon as possible. 29.3 Any cancellation or administration fees will be stated in the Agency's Fee Schedule. 29.4 Where the Client is a consumer, nothing in these Terms is intended to remove or restrict statutory consumer rights. 29.5 The agency requires written two week notice to cancel an ongoing introduction. 30. AGENCY'S RIGHT TO REFUSE AN INTRODUCTION 30.1 The Agency reserves the right to decline to make an introduction where it reasonably considers that: • the Client's requirements cannot safely be met; • the Care Worker's skills are unsuitable; • the proposed accommodation is unsuitable; • there is a safeguarding concern; • there is a serious health and safety concern; • the Client has provided materially inaccurate information; • the arrangement may be unlawful; • the Care Worker is not available; or • continuing with the introduction could expose the Agency or another person to unreasonable risk. 31. TERMINATION OF AGENCY SERVICES 31.1 Either party may terminate the Agency's introductory service in accordance with any applicable notice provisions. 31.2 The Agency may terminate or suspend services immediately where: • there is a serious safeguarding concern; • there is threatening, abusive or discriminatory behaviour; • the Client deliberately provides materially false information; • fees are not paid; • the Agency reasonably believes that continuing the service creates an unacceptable risk; or • continuing the service would place the Agency in breach of applicable law. 31.3 Termination does not affect any fees or obligations that became due before termination. 32. REGULATORY STATUS 32.1 The Agency operates as an introductory service and does not intend to undertake the ongoing direction or control of personal care. 32.2 The Agency will keep its regulatory position under review. 32.3 Where applicable, the Agency will comply with relevant UK legislation and regulatory requirements. 32.4 In England, an introductory agency may be outside CQC registration where it introduces care workers to individuals and does not have an ongoing role in directing or controlling the personal care provided. 32.5 The Agency's actual activities, rather than the description used in these Terms, determine whether registration or other regulatory obligations apply. 32.6 If the Agency changes its operating model and begins undertaking regulated activities, it will review the relevant registration requirements before doing so. 33. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS 33.1 The Agency may amend these Terms where reasonably necessary to reflect changes in legislation, regulation or its services. 33.2 Where a change materially affects the Client's contractual rights or obligations, the Agency will provide reasonable notice. 33.3 The current Terms will be available from the Agency and/or on its website. 34. CONSUMER RIGHTS 34.1 Where the Client is a consumer, nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or restrict rights granted to the Client by applicable consumer protection legislation. 34.2 The Agency will comply with applicable consumer protection requirements. 34.3 Where a Client contracts with the Agency entirely online or at a distance, the Agency will provide any legally required pre-contract information and cancellation rights applicable to that contract. 35. GOVERNING LAW 35.1 These Terms shall be governed by the law applicable to the relevant contract. 35.2 Where the Client is a consumer, they will retain any mandatory rights concerning jurisdiction and applicable law. 36. SEVERABILITY 36.1 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect. 37. ENTIRE AGREEMENT 37.1 These Terms, together with the Client's registration documentation, applicable Fee Schedule, Privacy Notice and any separate written agreement, constitute the agreement concerning the Agency's introductory services. 37.2 Any variation should be agreed in writing where required by law or by these Terms. 38. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT By signing below, or registering on our platform or by accepting an introduction after receiving these Terms, the Client confirms that they: • understand that the Agency provides an introductory live-in care service; • understand that the Agency does not normally provide personal care; • understand that the Care Worker is intended to be self-employed; • understand that the Client and Care Worker will enter into their own direct arrangement; • understand that the Client is responsible for agreeing payment directly with the Care Worker; • agree to provide accurate information regarding their care requirements; • agree to disclose relevant risks and hazards; • agree to pay the Agency's applicable fees; • understand that the Agency does not guarantee the future performance of a Care Worker; • understand that statutory consumer rights are not affected by these Terms; and • agree to comply with these Terms. SCHEDULE 1 – AGENCY FEE SCHEDULE • Client registration: £0 • Live-in Care Worker introduction: £120/week for fixed-term care, and £480/four-weekly for ongoing care, paid in advance. • Replacement introduction: Inclusive with the above plans. • Additional introduction: Same as above. • Other services: Private engagement of the introduced care worker by the client will attract 12 weeks of the agreed rate between the client and the care worker, payable to the Agency. VAT: Included Payment terms: upfront SCHEDULE 2 – INTRODUCTION PERIOD The Agency's introduction fee shall apply where an introduced Care Worker is engaged privately by the Client within: 18 months from the date of the original introduction. SCHEDULE 3 – CLIENT–CARE WORKER AGREEMENT The Agency recommends that every Client and Care Worker enter into a separate written agreement covering their direct relationship. That agreement should address, at minimum: • names and contact details; • description of services; • care requirements; • agreed fees; • payment arrangements; • accommodation; • meals and household arrangements; • rest periods; • overnight arrangements; • holidays and time away; • expenses; • transport; • confidentiality; • safeguarding; • health and safety; • insurance; • termination; • notice arrangements; • substitution arrangements where appropriate; and • responsibilities of each party. The Agency's introduction of a Care Worker does not replace the need for the Client and Care Worker to establish clear contractual arrangements between themselves. Document Version: 1.0 Effective Date: 20/08/2026 Review Date: 20/08:2028