Terms of Service

1. About Us

Welcome to Halton Care Agency. We are Halton Care Introductory Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 15670812, with our registered office at Kingsway House, Caldwell Road, Widnes, WA8 7EA, Unit 12.

We are an introductory agency specialising in matching independent self-employed Care Workers with health and social care providers, including domiciliary care companies, care homes, nursing homes, and hospitals.

We do not employ Care Workers. Instead, we facilitate introductions and provide administrative services to help Care Workers and Providers connect, while acting solely as a payment collection agent on behalf of the Care Workers. This means we charge VAT only on our agency fee (our margin), fully compliant with HMRC guidance for introductory models.

2. Our Services

We operate a secure platform to post and match care assignments.
Care Providers inform us of their staffing requirements.
Self-employed Care Workers registered with us can view and request available shifts.
Once a shift is accepted, we confirm the arrangement and facilitate the introduction between the Care Worker and the Provider.
Care Providers manage and supervise the Care Workers directly during assignments.
We collect payments on behalf of Care Workers and remit these to them, after deducting our agreed agency fee.

3. The Relationship

Care Workers operate as self-employed independent contractors, responsible for their own taxes, National Insurance contributions, insurance and professional registrations.
We do not employ Care Workers and do not exercise control over their day-to-day work.
Any contractual relationship for the provision of care services exists directly between the Care Worker and the Care Provider.
Halton Care Agency acts strictly as an introductory and administrative agent, providing vetting, matching and payment collection services.

4. Rates and Payment

Care Workers generally provide services at rates agreed up to £15.00 per hour, unless otherwise individually negotiated.
Mileage is typically reimbursed at £0.30 per mile, subject to agreement between the Care Worker and the Provider.
Providers pay our agency fee (our margin) separately. This is generally charged at £2.50 per hour + VAT, applied only on this margin in compliance with VAT requirements for introductory agencies.
Care Workers submit timesheets/invoices to us. We then invoice the Provider on their behalf, collect payment, and remit net payments to the Care Worker.

5. Capacity and Satisfaction

We use innovative capacity utilisation tools to ensure we maintain only the worker availability required to meet demand. This maximises Care Worker satisfaction by securing them the shifts they want and ensures high levels of retention and reliability.
This approach supports consistent staffing for Providers, meaning you get familiar faces who understand your environment.

6. Compliance and Safeguarding

We leave no stone unturned in compliance: we verify right to work in the UK, complete enhanced DBS checks, obtain references, and confirm care training and qualifications.
However, as we operate solely as an introductory agency, we strongly recommend that Providers conduct their own checks to satisfy themselves on credentials, suitability, and risk, before and during assignments.
We maintain safeguarding policies and require all parties to immediately report any safeguarding concerns. Where appropriate, we will suspend or withdraw Care Workers from assignments and cooperate with authorities including the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

7. Client Responsibilities

Providers are fully responsible for supervising, directing, and ensuring the safe working conditions of Care Workers during assignments.
Providers must also ensure compliance with all relevant CQC standards and legislation.
Providers are encouraged to perform independent verification of Care Worker credentials and maintain appropriate insurance coverage.

8. Care Worker Responsibilities

Care Workers are responsible for their own tax, NI contributions and for maintaining valid insurance (including professional indemnity and public liability cover).
Care Workers must comply with UK laws on self-employment and maintain up-to-date documentation, including any mandatory training.

9. Confidentiality & Data Protection

We handle all personal data in compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Providers may receive confidential information (e.g. training records, references, DBS summaries) solely for assessing suitability.
All parties must protect confidentiality and use such information only for its intended purpose.

10. Liability

Because we act solely as an introductory agent, we do not accept liability for the acts, omissions or performance of Care Workers.
Any risks arising from the Care Worker’s conduct, suitability or work rests with the Provider who supervises them directly.
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death, personal injury caused by negligence, or fraud.

11. Quality & Commitment

We pride ourselves on exceeding CQC expectations, setting benchmarks in transparency and compliance.
We maintain comprehensive records of training, DBS, right to work, references and more, which Providers can access to support CQC inspections.

12. Try Us Risk-Free

We’re so confident in our model that we invite new clients to try us with a free first shift (up to 8 hours) on us, so you can experience our quality and commitment first-hand.

13. Website Use & General Terms

Your use of this website and our services is governed by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
By continuing to browse our website or by instructing us to provide services, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.