Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of all services and the website operated by Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd (“the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing our website, signing a service agreement, or using our care or staffing services, you agree to comply with these Terms.

Scope of Services

Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd offers:

• Domiciliary (Home-Based) Care Services
  Including personal care, medication support, meal preparation, mobility assistance, companionship, dementia care, and palliative care.
• Healthcare Recruitment & Staffing
  Placement of qualified nurses, healthcare assistants, and support workers for temporary, contract, or emergency shifts in care homes, hospitals, and private settings.
• Staff Training and Development
  Including induction programs, mandatory and ongoing CPD training, competency assessments, and development pathways.
• Online Services
  Our website may offer job applications, training resources, CPD logs, care plan templates, downloadable forms, or digital feedback tools.

Each service may be governed by specific contracts or agreements, which must be read in conjunction with these Terms.

Service Eligibility and Registration

To use our care or staffing services, clients must:

• Be 18 years or older (or a legal representative if arranging for another person)
• Provide accurate personal and medical information
• Consent to service plans and data processing under UK GDPR law

Job seekers registering via our website must:

• Submit accurate employment and training information
• Agree to background checks, reference requests, and training assessments

Care Planning and Risk Assessments

Domiciliary care clients will receive a full care needs assessment before services begin. We will create a personalised care plan and complete relevant risk assessments. Clients or their representatives must:

• Inform us of any changes in health or environment
• Provide consent for personal care tasks

Recruitment and Staffing Services (Expanded)

Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd specialises in the recruitment and placement of qualified and experienced healthcare professionals. We supply temporary, contract, and emergency cover staff to care homes, hospitals, supported living environments, private clients, and other care settings.

Types of Staff Supplied

We recruit and supply the following roles:

• Registered General Nurses (RGNs)
• Mental Health Nurses (RMNs)
• Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
• Support Workers
• Domiciliary Care Workers
• Live-in Carers
• Specialist staff for palliative, dementia, or complex care

All staff are matched to roles based on their qualifications, experience, and availability.

Recruitment Process

All Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd staff undergo a rigorous recruitment process, which includes:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
• Verification of right to work in the UK
• Full employment history and reference checks
• Skills and competency assessments
• Mandatory training in accordance with CQC and Skills for Care standards
• Induction in safeguarding, infection control, and confidentiality

We retain full records of training, vetting, and supervision, and we monitor staff performance on an ongoing basis.

Client Responsibilities

Clients engaging staffing services must:

• Provide accurate job descriptions, shift details, and relevant risk information in writing.
• Ensure the working environment complies with all relevant health and safety laws.
• Provide site-specific inductions and access to emergency procedures upon staff arrival.
• Not instruct Meridian staff to carry out tasks beyond their role or competency level.
• Report any incidents, safeguarding concerns, or disciplinary issues involving our staff to us immediately.

Clients must not attempt to directly employ or contract staff supplied by Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd without prior written agreement or subject to a transfer fee, as specified in the Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Safeguarding and Supervision

Meridian staff are trained to:

• Report concerns about client or colleague welfare under safeguarding policies
• Follow the Code of Conduct for Health and Social Care Workers
• Use appropriate reporting procedures for incidents, accidents, or abuse

Clients are expected to support the safeguarding process and cooperate in any investigation.

Performance and Complaints

Should a client be dissatisfied with the performance of a staff member:

• Immediate concerns must be reported to the Meridian office
• Where appropriate, we may replace the staff member or investigate concerns in line with our internal HR procedures
• Staff may be removed from future assignments at a client’s request, pending investigation

Timesheets and Invoicing

• Clients must verify and authorise staff timesheets or digital clock-ins accurately
• Disputed hours must be raised within 3 working days
• Invoices are generated based on approved hours and must be paid within the agreed timeframe (usually 7 or 14 days)
• Failure to verify timesheets or pay on time may result in suspended services

Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination

Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Clients must treat all staff fairly, regardless of:

• Race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality
• Staff must not be subject to discrimination, harassment, or unsafe practices at any assignment site

We reserve the right to withdraw services if our staff are treated unfairly or unlawfully.

Staff Code of Conduct

All Meridian staff must adhere to:

• The Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
• Mandatory training and continuous supervision requirements
• Safeguarding policies, confidentiality agreements, and data protection regulations

Any misconduct must be reported immediately and will be investigated in line with disciplinary procedures.

Fees, Invoicing & Payment

For Care Clients:

• Services are charged per hour/day/week, as per the care contract
• Invoices are issued in advance or arrears, depending on agreement
• Payments must be made within 7 or 14 days (as outlined in the care agreement)

For Staffing Clients:

• Rates are agreed in a Service Level Agreement (SLA)
• Shift cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be chargeable
• VAT is applicable where relevant

Unpaid invoices may accrue interest (under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998) and lead to service suspension.

Cancellation and Termination

For Care Services:

• Clients may cancel services with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice
• Repeated short-notice cancellations may incur charges
• Either party may terminate the agreement with 14–30 days’ notice in writing

For Staffing Services:

• Contracts may outline specific notice periods for termination
• Breaches of contract or safety concerns may result in immediate termination

Confidentiality & Data Protection

Meridian HealthCare Services Ltd processes data in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. We ensure:

• Confidential handling of personal and medical data
• Secure data storage and restricted access to sensitive information
• Data sharing only with relevant professionals or authorities (with consent or legal requirement)

See our full [Privacy Policy] for more details.

Liability and Insurance

We carry:

• Professional indemnity insurance
• Public liability insurance
• Employers’ liability insurance

However, we are not liable for:

• Client-provided misinformation
• Accidents or injuries outside our control
• Losses due to third-party system failures or force majeure events

Website Terms of Use

By using our website, users agree:

• Not to submit false, harmful, or offensive content
• Not to misuse forms, training materials, or downloadable documents
• Not to attempt to breach website security or access unauthorised areas

We reserve the right to remove user accounts or block access if misuse is detected.

Complaints Procedure

We take all concerns seriously. Complaints may be submitted:

• By phone, email, or via our website
• In person to a supervisor or registered manager

We aim to resolve issues promptly and fairly in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

Amendments to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Updated versions will be posted on our website. Continued use of services implies acceptance of the current version.

Governing Law

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