Second Spring Companions - Terms of Service

1. Who We Are

The Services are operated by SECOND SPRING COMPANIONS LTD, a company incorporated in England & Wales (company number 17166866) with its registered office at 66 Paul Street, London, England, United Kingdom, EC2A 4NA. We are an introductory registry that connects older adults ("Clients") and their families ("Representatives") with vetted companions ("Springers") for companionship and social engagement.

• Not a care provider: We do not provide regulated personal or medical care.
• Not an employer: Springers are engaged as independent self-employed contractors.
• Not CQC Regulated: Our services do not fall under the remit of the Care Quality Commission as we do not perform regulated activities.

2. Our Service Model

Second Spring provides a personal, considered companionship service:

• Free Consultation: Every client relationship begins with a complimentary conversation to understand interests, routines, and what a good Springer looks like for you.
• Bespoke Matching: We personally match each Client with a Springer whose personality and interests genuinely align with theirs.
• Introductory Meet & Greet: A relaxed first meeting takes place before any regular visits begin, to ensure the connection feels right.
• Springer Companionship: Regular companion visits for conversation, outings, hobbies, and genuine social connection.

3. Safety Boundaries (Strictly Prohibited Actions)

To protect our legal status, our insurance, and Client safety, Springers must not provide:

• Personal Care: No assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, or hygiene.
• Medication: No administering, sorting, or prompting of medication.
• Manual Handling: No lifting, hoisting, or physical transfers.
• Financial Handling: No access to bank cards, PINs, or cash withdrawals.
• Clinical or Medical Activities: Springers do not provide nursing, medical, or clinical assessments of any kind.

If a Client's needs progress to requiring regulated care, the Service must be terminated or supplemented by an authorised CQC-regulated provider.

4. Fees, Billing & Cancellations

• Initial Consultation: The introductory consultation is provided free of charge with no obligation.
• Hourly Rate: Companion visits are charged at GBP 26.80 per hour, subject to a minimum visit length agreed at the point of booking.
• Bespoke Plans: Tailored multi-visit weekly schedules are quoted on a bespoke basis.
• Payments: Payments must be made via bank transfer to our business account as per the invoice instructions.
• Cancellations: Visits cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full rate of the scheduled visit.

5. Your 14-Day Cooling-Off Rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a statutory right to cancel this agreement within 14 days of signing.

Waiver: If you request a Companion Visit to begin within this 14-day period, you acknowledge that you will be liable for the costs of any services delivered up to the point of cancellation.

6. Insurance & Driving

General: Springers are covered by Public Liability insurance for social companionship activities within the home.

Driving: If a Springer drives a Client, they do so as an independent arrangement. Second Spring verifies that Springers who offer driving have a valid UK licence and MOT, but does not provide motor insurance.

7. Medical Disclaimer

Important: Second Spring Companions provides social companionship only. It does not provide medical, nursing, or clinical services of any kind. Content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency intervention. Always consult a GP or 111/999 for medical concerns or emergencies.

8. Confidentiality & Data (GDPR)

Second Spring Companions is registered with the ICO. It processes limited personal information (including basic background and interests) to facilitate safe and thoughtful matching. By using these services, you consent to relevant information being shared with the assigned Springer for the purposes of providing the service.

9. Limitation of Liability

Second Spring Companions is responsible for loss caused by its failure to use reasonable care in vetting Springers and facilitating introductions.

It is not responsible for the independent acts of Springers that fall outside the scope of service or prohibited actions, nor for health outcomes that are part of the natural progression of ageing or pre-existing conditions.

Total liability is limited to the amount paid by you to Second Spring Companions in the 12 months prior to the claim.

10. Governing Law

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