Terms & Conditions for the Ecare group of companies (trading as Curam).

CURAM TERMS & CONDITIONS

Effective Date: 1st April 2026

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern use of the Curam platform and related services.

By creating an account, using our website or apps, booking care, or providing care via Curam, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Curam operates both: (a) as an introductory platform connecting independent carers and clients; and (b) as a provider of managed and/or regulated care services through certain group companies.

The applicable model determines Curam’s legal role and responsibilities.

In all cases, Curam provides the infrastructure and systems through which care services are arranged, supported and monitored.

REGULATORY AND EMPLOYMENT POSITION

Curam has structured its services to comply with applicable UK law, including but not limited to Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, employment law, and tax legislation.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to avoid or circumvent regulatory obligations where they apply or create employment, worker or agency relationships where none are intended.

The nature of the service model selected determines the applicable legal, regulatory and operational framework.

1. ABOUT CURAM

Curam is the trading name of Ecare Group Ltd and its group companies, including: Curamcare Ltd, Curam Managed Care Services Ltd, Eircare Ltd and Curam CQC Ltd

Registered Office:

18 Ashwin Street, London E8
Company Number: 10741773

References to “Curam”, “we”, “us” or “our” mean the relevant group company providing services to you, as applicable.

2. OUR SERVICES

Curam operates:

  • A digital platform connecting carers and clients.
  • A managed care service
  • A CQC-regulated care service where selected or legally required

The applicable service model depends on the services selected and, in some cases, legal or regulatory requirements.

In all cases, the purpose of the platform is to enable the arrangement and delivery of care services to clients.

3. CARE SERVICE MODELS

3.1 Introductory (Unregulated) Model

Under this model:

  • Curam introduces carers and clients.
  • A Service Agreement forms a contract directly between the client and the carer.
  • Curam is not a party to that agreement except to facilitate it in various ways.
  • Carers operate as independent contractors.
  • Curam provides digital tools, payment systems, insurance (where conditions are met), monitoring systems, AI-assisted systems and safeguarding support.
  • Curam does not supervise or manage day-to-day care delivery in the manner of an employer or regulated provider in the introductory model.

For the avoidance of doubt: Curam acts as an introductory platform provider in this model and does not provide or manage the direct delivery of care services. Curam provides the platform, infrastructure and support through which care services are arranged and delivered.

Nothing in these Terms, nor Curam’s provision of tools, monitoring systems, insurance access, safeguarding processes or AI-assisted systems, shall be interpreted as Curam exercising supervision, direction or control over carers in the delivery of care in this model.

3.2 Managed and/or CQC-Regulated Model

Curam offers all clients the option of receiving a managed and/or CQC-regulated care package.

Under this model:

  • A Curam group company acts as care provider and/or manager.
  • Care planning, governance, supervision and regulatory compliance apply.
  • Services operate in accordance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations where required.

In some circumstances the law requires regulated delivery; or a client or funder requires or chooses regulated care.

For clarity, all clients are offered regulated care, and many choose to accept it. Depending on the shape, type or location of the care package will determine the costs associated with the care package.

Curam reserves the right to require regulated delivery where necessary for legal compliance, safeguarding or risk management.

Where services are delivered under this model, Curam will act in accordance with applicable safeguarding duties, governance standards and regulatory obligations.

The contracting Curam entity for managed or regulated services will be identified in the applicable care agreement.

4. USER ACCOUNTS AND CONDUCT

4.1 General Requirements

Users must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Provide accurate, current and complete information.
  • Use the platform lawfully and respectfully.

4.2 Carer Eligibility

If registering as a carer, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old (unless otherwise approved in accordance with Curam policies).
  • Have a minimum of 2 years’ UK care experience (unless otherwise approved).
  • Provide required identity, right-to-work and background documentation.

Curam reserves absolute discretion to approve, refuse, suspend or remove any carer.

4.3 Standards of Conduct

Curam operates a zero-tolerance policy toward:

  • Abusive or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Unlawful conduct. Substance misuse.
  • Providing care while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Clients or care workers disregarding these Terms Curam may suspend or permanently remove users, and report concerns to relevant authorities in cases of serious breaches or suspected criminal behaviour.

4.4 Suspension and Termination

Curam may suspend or terminate accounts immediately and without notice where reasonably necessary, including where a user:

  • Breaches these Terms.
  • Attempts to circumvent platform fees or insurance.
  • Poses safeguarding risks.
  • Engages in unlawful activity, or where required to protect users, ensure safety or maintain regulatory compliance

Access to the Curam platform is a privilege, not a right.

5. CARER STATUS

5.1 Self-Employed Carers

Unless engaged via Curam Managed Care Services Ltd, carers operate as independent contractors. Carers choose assignments and availability. Carers retain control over how services are delivered (subject to agreed care requirements). Carers are responsible for their own tax affairs. There is never any obligation to accept work.

For the avoidance of doubt: Carers are not employees or workers of Curam for the purposes of the Employment Rights Act 1996, Working Time Regulations 1998 or any other employment legislation. Nothing in these Terms creates mutuality of obligation between Curam and carers. Curam does not guarantee the provision of work or minimum levels of engagement. Carers are free to provide services to third parties, subject to compliance with these T&Cs.

Platform standards, monitoring systems, AI tools, insurance access and payment systems do not create employment, worker status or agency relationships. Any quality standards or safeguarding requirements are imposed solely to meet legal, regulatory and safety obligations and do not constitute supervision, direction or control for employment law purposes.

5.2 PAYE Route

Where carers work via Curam Managed Care Services Ltd, separate employment terms apply.

6. PAYMENTS, FEES AND FUNDING

All payments must be processed via Curam’s authorised systems.

Off-platform payments (except legitimate expenses) are prohibited and may invalidate insurance and other protections.

Curam provides payment infrastructure to enable care services arranged through the platform to be transacted securely.

Platform fees may vary and may be updated with notice. Continued use of the platform following such updates constitutes acceptance of revised fees.

6.1 Local Authority / NHS Funding

Where care is funded via Local Authority, NHS or approved personal budgets, Curam may vary or waive standard platform fees subject to verification.

Proof of funding will normally be required.

Fees cannot be refunded retrospectively where incorrect funding details were selected.

7. VAT

VAT treatment depends on the nature and structure of the services supplied and applicable UK legislation.

Where care services are supplied by or through a CQC regulated entity, those services may qualify for VAT exemption under UK law.

Recruitment and introduction fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate, as are the sales of software products or services.

Curam reserves the right to adjust VAT treatment in accordance with changes in law or HMRC guidance.

8. INSURANCE

Carer insurance applies only where:

  • A valid Service Agreement exists.
  • A Shift Invoice is created.
  • Payment is processed via Curam

Off-platform arrangements invalidate insurance and may have tax, legal and insurance implications.

9. CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS AND SHADOW SHIFTS

9.1 Cancellations

  • Clients should provide at least 48 hours’ notice of cancellation.
  • Carers may charge for late cancellations unless agreed otherwise.

9.2 Refunds

Curam provides payment infrastructure to enable care services arranged through the platform to be transacted securely.

In introductory arrangements:

  • Curam is not a party to the Service Agreement, Responsibility for care delivery rests with the carer.
  • Disputes should be resolved directly between client and carer

Once payment has been released to the carer:

  • Curam does not provide refunds on behalf of carers.
  • Any agreed refund must be arranged directly between client and carer

Curam platform fees are non-refundable once processed, except where required by law.

Curam may, at its discretion, investigate complaints and act in accordance with its safeguarding and platform standards, but this does not make Curam responsible for underlying care services.

9.3 Shadow Shifts

Carers must create a Service Agreement and Shift Invoice for shadow or trial shifts.

Failure to do so may invalidate insurance and result in suspension.

10. OFF-PLATFORM ENGAGEMENT AND RECRUITMENT FEES

If a client engages a carer introduced via Curam outside the platform without written consent:

An introduction fee of £1,000 + VAT per carer becomes payable.

Payment is due within 5 working days.

Interest at 8% above Bank of England base rate may apply

10.1 Approved Recruitment Option

After 90 consecutive days of billing via the platform, and with prior written approval, a client may recruit a carer upon payment of a one-off fee of £750 + VAT.

Requests prior to 90 days require discussion and approval.

11. MONITORING, AI AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

Curam uses AI-assisted monitoring systems with human oversight for:  Safeguarding, fraud prevention, compliance, quality assurance, operational efficiency.

This may include analysis of: Platform messages, emails, telephone calls, in-platform audio/video calls, care documentation and activity logs.

AI supports but does not replace human judgment and does not constitute supervision of care delivery in introductory arrangements.

Where services are provided under a managed or regulated model, monitoring and oversight may form part of Curam’s regulatory and safeguarding obligations.

AI Development and Training Curam may use data generated through use of the platform, including communications, care records and activity data, to develop, test, train and improve its systems, including artificial intelligence models.

Where reasonably possible, Curam applies safeguards such as data minimisation, pseudonymisation, access controls and technical protections designed to reduce identifiability and protect personal data.

Processing is carried out based on legitimate interests, contractual necessity and, where applicable, legal obligations, including safeguarding and fraud prevention.

Where required by law, appropriate notices and/or consents will be obtained.

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as creating an employment, supervisory or managerial relationship in the introductory model.

12. LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • Curam is not responsible for acts or omissions of carers or clients in introductory arrangements.
  • Curam’s total liability shall be capped at the greater of: (a) total fees paid to Curam in the 12 months preceding the claim; or (b) £5,000
  • Curam is not liable for indirect or consequential loss

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded.

13. COMPLAINTS

Complaints should be directed to:

complaintsandsuggestions@curamcare.com

Curam will investigate complaints and take appropriate action where necessary.

14. DATA PROTECTION

Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and Curam’s Privacy Policy.

Users acknowledge that their data may be processed for platform operation, safeguarding, compliance and system improvement, including AI development and training.

Where appropriate, anonymised or aggregated data may be used for research, analytics and service improvement.

Certain data processing activities may be necessary for the operation, safety, compliance and improvement of the platform and may be restricted only where required by applicable law.

15. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property in the Curam platform, including software, systems and AI models, belongs to Ecare Group Ltd or its subsidiaries.

16. GENERAL

These Terms constitute the entire agreement.

Curam may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains effective.

No third-party rights arise under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Curam may assign its rights. Users may not assign theirs without prior written consent.

Curam shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events outside its reasonable control.

Nothing in these Terms affects a user’s statutory rights under applicable consumer protection laws.

17. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

Patrick Wallace
Director
Ecare Group Ltd
 

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