Terms and Conditions for LYL-Life Coaching Platform
Introduction
Welcome to LYL-Life Coaching, a platform dedicated to connecting individuals seeking guidance and support with qualified Counsellors/Coaches and life coaches. Our mission is to foster a community where professional support is accessible and effective, enabling personal growth and well-being. These Terms and Conditions outline the relationship between LYL-Life Coaching (referred to as “we”, “our”, or “us”), the Counsellors/Coaches (“you”, “your”), and the clients seeking services through our platform.
Membership and Use of Platform
Eligibility for Counsellors/Coaches
Qualifications: To join LYL-Life Coaching as a counsellor, individuals must hold relevant professional qualifications and be accredited by a recognised body within the UK. Proof of qualifications and accreditation must be provided during the application process.
Student Counsellors/Coaches Clause:
LYL-Life Coaching may allow student counsellors/coaches, who are currently undertaking accredited counselling or coaching courses, to create profiles on the platform. Appointments booked with student counsellors/coaches will not be fulfilled until the course completion date specified by the student counsellor/coach.
During this period, clients may browse student counsellors/coaches profiles and engage in preliminary communications. Actual counselling or coaching sessions will not take place until the student counsellor/coach has successfully completed their course and obtained the necessary qualifications and accreditation.
LYL-Life Coaching does not guarantee the availability of student counsellors/coaches profiles or their participation in the platform. The decision to allow student counsellors/coaches on the platform is at the discretion of LYL-Life Coaching, and profiles may be removed or disabled at any time without prior notice.
Clients booking appointments with student counsellors/coaches acknowledge and accept that the commencement of counselling or coaching sessions is contingent upon the student counsellor/coach's successful completion of their course and acquisition of necessary qualifications and accreditation. LYL-Life Coaching shall not be liable for any inconvenience, loss, or damages resulting from the delay in commencement of sessions due to the student counsellor/coach's course completion timeline.
Upon successful completion of their course and attainment of qualifications and accreditation, newly quilified counsellors/coaches may initiate counselling or coaching sessions with clients, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement.
Agreement to Code of Ethics: Counsellors/Coaches must agree to adhere to the LYL-Life Coaching Code of Ethics, committing to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their practice.
Insurance: Counsellors/Coaches are required to hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance to cover their practice, in line with UK legal requirements and best practice standards.
Profile Setup and Management
Creating a Profile: Upon acceptance onto the platform, Students/Counsellors/Coaches will be guided through creating a professional profile. This profile will include details such as their qualifications, areas of expertise, a personal bio, and session availability.
Profile Updates: Students/Counsellors/Coaches are responsible for keeping their profiles up-to-date, including current availability, contact information, and any changes in qualifications or accreditation status.
Use of the Platform
Appointment Booking: The platform will facilitate the booking of appointments between clients and Counsellors/Coaches. Counsellors/Coaches agree to manage their availability accurately and respond to booking requests promptly.
Session Conduct: All sessions conducted through the LYL-Life Coaching platform must adhere to the agreed Code of Ethics and professional standards. Counsellors/Coaches commit to providing services in a manner that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of clients.
Feedback and Improvement: Counsellors/Coaches are encouraged to participate in the platform’s feedback system, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in service provision.
Client Interaction
Confidentiality: Maintaining client confidentiality is paramount. Counsellors/Coaches must ensure that all client communications and records are kept secure and confidential, in accordance with UK data protection laws and ethical guidelines.
Professional Boundaries: Counsellors/Coaches must maintain professional boundaries with clients at all times, avoiding dual relationships or any conduct that could be construed as inappropriate.
Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute or complaint from a client, Counsellors/Coaches agree to engage in the platform’s dispute resolution process in a constructive and cooperative manner.
Financial Terms Session Pricing
Standard Fee: The standard session fee for a 90-minute counselling session via the LYL-Life Coaching platform is set at £75. This fee is subject to review and may be adjusted with prior notice to both Counsellors/Coaches and clients.
Discretionary Discounts: Counsellors/Coaches may, at their discretion, offer discounts to clients for their services. Any discounts offered must be clearly communicated to clients through the platform prior to booking.
Commission Structure
Platform Commission: LYL-Life Coaching charges a commission for facilitating appointments between clients and Counsellors/Coaches through our platform. This commission is to cover the usage of LYL-Life Coaching's booking management, payment processing, and access to support and development resources. The commission structure is as follows:
Standard Commission Rate: A commission of 7% is applied to all appointments booked and paid for through the platform. This commission is deducted from the session fee before remittance to the Counsellor/Coach.
Mentor Scheme Contribution: Additionally, 3% of the session fee is allocated towards supporting the LYL-Life Coaching Mentor Scheme, a program designed to foster professional development and ensure adherence to the highest standards of counselling and coaching practice.
Purpose of Commission: The total commission of 10% ensures the sustainability of the platform, enabling us to provide a high-quality service for both Counsellors/Coaches and clients. It supports the administrative costs of running the platform, payment processing fees, and the development and maintenance of platform features. The Mentor Scheme Contribution specifically aids in the development of resources, training, and support for our mentoring program, benefiting the entire LYL-Life Coaching community.
Payment Process
Collection of Fees: LYL-Life Coaching is responsible for collecting payment from clients at the time of booking. All payments must be made through the platform to ensure secure and accurate record-keeping.
Payout to Counsellors/Coaches: Payments to Counsellors/Coaches for completed sessions will be made on the last day of every month. Counsellors/Coaches will receive their fees minus the platform commission and any applicable taxes or deductions.
Financial Records: Counsellors/Coaches are responsible for maintaining their own financial records and complying with all relevant tax obligations. LYL-Life Coaching will provide Counsellors/Coaches with monthly statements detailing booked sessions, payments received, and commissions deducted.
Refunds and Cancellations
Cancellation Policy: The platform's cancellation policy requires clients to cancel at least 24 hours before the session to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session may not be eligible for a refund, except under exceptional circumstances.
Handling Refunds: In the event of a cancellation where a refund is due, LYL-Life Coaching will process the refund to the client. The counsellor’s account will be adjusted to reflect the cancelled session and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes over payments, refunds, or financial transactions will be handled through the platform's dispute resolution process. Both Counsellors/Coaches and clients agree to participate in good faith in this process.
Obligations and Responsibilities of Counsellors/Coaches
Adherence to Professional Standards and Continuing Professional Development
Professional Conduct: Counsellors/Coaches commit to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct, adhering to the ethical guidelines and professional standards set by recognised UK counselling and psychotherapy bodies.
Qualifications and Accreditation: Counsellors/Coaches must ensure that their professional qualifications, accreditations, and any necessary insurance are kept current and are provided to LYL-Life Coaching for verification.
Client Care and Confidentiality
Confidentiality: Upholding client confidentiality is paramount. Counsellors/Coaches must safeguard and not disclose any information (digital and or hard-copies) about a client without their explicit consent, except where required by law.
Client Welfare: Counsellors/Coaches pledge to act in the best interests of their clients, prioritising their welfare in all counselling sessions and interactions.
Communication and Professionalism
Timely Communication: Counsellors/Coaches agree to communicate promptly and professionally with clients through the platform, responding to booking requests, enquiries, and any communication from LYL-Life Coaching in a timely manner.
Session Preparation: Counsellors/Coaches are responsible for preparing for each session, ensuring they provide the best possible support to clients.
Use of the Platform
Accurate Representation: Counsellors/Coaches must ensure that their profile on the platform, including qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise, is accurate and up-to-date.
Platform Policies: Counsellors/Coaches agree to comply with all platform policies and procedures, including those related to booking, cancellations, payments, and feedback.
Engagement with the Community
Mentoring and Development: Counsellors/Coaches are encouraged to engage with the platform's mentoring scheme, contributing to the development of a supportive and knowledgeable community of professionals.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Counsellors/Coaches agree to participate in the platform's feedback mechanisms, providing and receiving constructive feedback to and from clients and colleagues to foster continuous professional development.
Legal and Ethical Compliance
Compliance with Laws: Counsellors/Coaches must conduct their practice in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the UK, including data protection and privacy laws.
Ethical Dilemmas: In the event of an ethical dilemma or conflict, Counsellors/Coaches commit to seeking guidance from the Lead Mentor or appropriate professional bodies to resolve the issue in an ethical and professional manner.
Code of Ethics for Counsellors/Coaches
https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/AboutCodeEthics
Introduction
This Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and ethical standards that Counsellors/Coaches associated with LYL-Life Coaching are expected to adhere to. By agreeing to these terms, Counsellors/Coaches commit to conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the values of integrity, professionalism, respect, and confidentiality, ensuring the highest quality of care for their clients.
Fundamental Principles
Respect for the Dignity of Persons: Counsellors/Coaches must respect the inherent dignity and value of every individual, treating all clients with equality, fairness, and sensitivity to diversity and inclusion.
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Counsellors/Coaches are committed to promoting the well-being of clients while taking care to do no harm. They engage in practices that are based on sound clinical judgment, research, and theory, aimed at benefiting the client.
Fidelity and Responsibility: Establishing trust with clients, colleagues, and the public is paramount. Counsellors/Coaches act with honesty, integrity, and responsibility, honouring their commitments and professional responsibilities.
Integrity: Counsellors/Coaches engage in honest, clear, and accurate communications. They strive to resolve any ethical dilemmas with professional integrity, seeking guidance when necessary.
Justice: Counsellors/Coaches work to ensure that their services are accessible to all clients and strive to eliminate barriers to mental health services. They are mindful of social injustices and advocate for changes in policies and legislation that discriminate against any group or individual.
Professional Standards
Confidentiality: Upholding the confidentiality of client information is a fundamental ethical obligation. Information is shared only with the explicit consent of the client, or as mandated by law.
Professional Competence and Improvement: Counsellors/Coaches maintain high standards of competence in their work. They engage in ongoing professional development and self-reflection to enhance their skills and understanding.
Relationship Boundaries: Counsellors/Coaches are aware of the power dynamics in the counsellor-client relationship and avoid exploitative relationships. They maintain professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Counsellors/Coaches keep accurate and secure records of their work with clients, in accordance with legal and professional requirements.
Dealing with Ethical Issues and Misconduct: Counsellors/Coaches are proactive in identifying and resolving ethical issues, including instances of misconduct among colleagues. They seek consultation and report violations of professional standards to appropriate authorities.
Commitment to Clients
Prioritising Client Welfare: Counsellors/Coaches prioritise the welfare and best interests of their clients in all professional activities.
Informed Consent: Clients are fully informed about the counselling process, costs, including potential risks and benefits, confidentiality limits, and their right to withdraw consent at any time.
Cultural Competence and Diversity: Counsellors/Coaches demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and individual differences in their clients. They strive to understand and respect diverse cultural backgrounds and practices.
Mentoring Scheme and Oversight of the Code of Ethics
Overview
To support continuous professional development and adherence to the highest ethical standards, LYL-Life Coaching introduces a structured mentoring scheme. This initiative aims to foster a nurturing environment where experienced Counsellors/Coaches can guide newer members of the profession, ensuring excellence in practice and adherence to our Code of Ethics.
Structure of the Mentoring Scheme
Lead Mentor: A designated Lead Mentor will oversee the mentoring scheme, serving as a primary resource for ethical guidance and professional development. The Lead Mentor is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in counselling and a deep understanding and high level commitment to ethical practice.
Mentorship Pairings: New or less experienced Counsellors/Coaches will be paired with more experienced mentors. These pairings will be based on areas of expertise, professional interests, and personal compatibility to facilitate meaningful professional relationships.
Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet regularly to discuss professional challenges, ethical dilemmas, and career development opportunities. These meetings can take place virtually or in person, depending on preferences and logistics.
Responsibilities of the Lead Mentor
Ethical Oversight: The Lead Mentor plays a crucial role in promoting adherence to the Code of Ethics among all platform members. This includes providing guidance on ethical dilemmas, facilitating discussions on ethical practice, and helping to resolve any ethical issues that arise.
Support for Mentors and Mentees: The Lead Mentor offers support and advice to both mentors and mentees, ensuring that the mentoring relationships are productive and beneficial. This may include providing resources, mediating conflicts, and offering feedback.
Professional Development: The Lead Mentor contributes to the professional development of Counsellors/Coaches on the platform by organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions focused on ethical practice, counselling techniques, and other relevant topics.
Engagement in the Mentoring Scheme
Participation in the mentoring scheme is strongly encouraged for all Counsellors/Coaches on the LYL-Life Coaching platform. Engaging in this programme not only enhances professional skills and ethical understanding but also strengthens the community of Counsellors/Coaches committed to excellence in practice.
Platform Management
Overview
LYL-Life Coaching reserves the right to manage, modify, and maintain the platform to ensure the highest quality of service for all users. This section outlines the scope of platform management, including updates, access, and content moderation.
Platform Updates and Modifications
Updates: We may update or modify the platform, including its features, user interface, and services, to improve user experience or for other operational reasons. While we aim to minimize any inconvenience, users acknowledge that updates may change the platform's functionality.
Service Interruptions: Maintenance, updates, or unforeseen issues may occasionally result in temporary interruptions to service. We will endeavor to provide advance notice of any significant interruptions and restore service as quickly as possible.
Access and Use
User Access: We reserve the right to modify user access to the platform, including suspending or terminating accounts for breaches of our Terms and Conditions or the Code of Ethics.
https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/AboutCodeEthics
Fair Use: Users agree to access and use the platform in a manner that is consistent with fair use and in accordance with the guidelines and policies set forth by LYL-Life Coaching. This includes refraining from any actions that could compromise the security, integrity, or performance of the platform.
Content Management
User-Generated Content: Counsellors/Coaches are responsible for the content of their profiles and any other information they provide to the platform. We reserve the right to remove or edit content that violates our Terms and Conditions, the Code of Ethics, or applicable laws.
Feedback and Reviews: The platform may allow for feedback and reviews by users. We reserve the right to moderate this feedback to ensure it is constructive, respectful, and in compliance with our policies.
Data Protection and Privacy
Data Handling: In managing the platform, we adhere to the highest standards of data protection and privacy as required by UK law. User data is processed and stored securely, and we commit to transparency in our data practices, as detailed in our Privacy Policy.
Dispute Resolution
Handling Disputes: We provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between users or between users and the platform. This process is designed to be fair, impartial, and in accordance with the principles outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
Changes to the Terms and Conditions
Notification of Changes: Users will be notified of any changes to these Terms and Conditions in a timely manner. Continued use of the platform after changes have been made constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Termination
Grounds for Termination
Breach of Terms: Any user found to be in violation of the Terms and Conditions, including the Code of Ethics or any specific policies outlined by LYL-Life Coaching, may have their access to the platform terminated. This includes, but is not limited to, breaches of confidentiality, professional misconduct, or failure to comply with platform usage policies.
Professional Misconduct: Demonstrated professional misconduct, whether within or outside the platform, that undermines the integrity of the LYL-Life Coaching community or the safety of its clients, may result in termination.
Legal Compliance Issues: Users involved in activities that contravene UK law or the legal requirements of their professional bodies may face termination from the platform.
Process for Termination
Investigation: Upon identifying potential grounds for termination, LYL-Life Coaching will conduct a thorough investigation, allowing the implicated user the opportunity to present their case.
Notification: If a decision to terminate is reached, the user will be notified in writing via email, detailing the reasons for termination and the effective date.
Appeals Process: Users will have the opportunity to appeal the termination decision within a 14 day period. The appeals process will be outlined in the notification letter/email, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Effects of Termination
Profile and Content Removal: Upon termination, the user’s profile and any related content will be removed from the platform.
Outstanding Payments: Any outstanding payments owed to the user will be processed and paid out according to the normal payment schedule, barring any deductions for damages incurred by the platform as a result of the user’s actions leading to termination.
Re-application: Users terminated for breach of terms or professional misconduct may not be eligible for re-application to the platform for a specified period, if at all, depending on the severity of the violation.
Voluntary Termination
Notice Requirement: Counsellors/Coaches wishing to terminate their use of the platform voluntarily must provide notice to LYL-Life Coaching in writing, specifying their intended date of departure.
Final Payments: Following voluntary termination, any outstanding payments will be settled in the next payment cycle.
Profile and Content Removal: The user’s profile and content will be removed from the platform following confirmation of the termination.
Branding and Use of Branding
Brand Ownership: The LYL-Life Coaching name, logo, and any other brand elements (collectively, "Brand Assets") are the exclusive property of LYL-Life Coaching. All rights in and to the Brand Assets are reserved by us. The use of the Brand Assets is permitted only under the terms set forth herein or otherwise provided in writing by LYL-Life Coaching.
Permitted Use: Counsellors/Coaches are permitted to use the Brand Assets on a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable basis solely for the purpose of promoting their services provided through the LYL-Life Coaching platform in accordance with the guidelines and specifications provided by LYL-Life Coaching. Any use of the Brand Assets must be in a manner that maintains the integrity and value of the Brand Assets and LYL-Life Coaching's reputation.
Prohibitions: Without express written permission from LYL-Life Coaching, Counsellors/Coaches shall not:
Alter, modify, or create derivative works of the Brand Assets.
Use the Brand Assets in a manner that implies endorsement by LYL-Life Coaching of any product, service, or activity not provided by or approved by LYL-Life Coaching.
Use the Brand Assets in connection with any content or activity that is unlawful, offensive, obscene, or that negatively impacts the reputation of LYL-Life Coaching.
Register or attempt to register any trademarks, domain names, social media handles, or other identifiers that include or are confusingly similar to the Brand Assets.
Quality Control: LYL-Life Coaching reserves the right to monitor the use of the Brand Assets to ensure compliance with these terms. Counsellors/Coaches agree to cooperate with LYL-Life Coaching in facilitating such monitoring and to make changes to their use of the Brand Assets as requested by LYL-Life Coaching.
Termination of Use: LYL-Life Coaching reserves the right to revoke the permission to use the Brand Assets at any time and for any reason. Upon termination of permission, Counsellors/Coaches agree to immediately cease all use of the Brand Assets and remove all Brand Assets from their materials.
Indemnification: Counsellors/Coaches agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LYL-Life Coaching from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of their use of the Brand Assets not in strict accordance with these terms.
Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
General Disclaimers
Service Provision: LYL-Life Coaching provides a platform for Counsellors/Coaches and clients to connect and arrange counselling services. We do not directly offer counselling services, and the quality, timing, or outcome of such services are solely the responsibility of the Counsellors/Coaches providing them.
Counsellor Qualifications: While LYL-Life Coaching requires Counsellors/Coaches to confirm their qualifications and adherence to our Code of Ethics, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current validity of the information provided by Counsellors/Coaches or the quality of their services.
Third-Party Links: The platform may contain links to third-party websites or resources. LYL-Life Coaching has no control over the content or practices of these sites and accepts no responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them.
Limitations of Liability
No Liability for Indirect Damages: To the fullest extent permitted by law, LYL-Life Coaching shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) your access to or use of or inability to access or use the platform; (ii) any conduct or content of any third party on the platform; (iii) any content obtained from the platform; and (iv) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of such damage.
Cap on Liability: In no event will LYL-Life Coaching’s aggregate liability for all claims relating to the services exceed the greater of £100 or the amount you have paid LYL-Life Coaching in the past twelve months.
Indemnification
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless LYL-Life Coaching and its licensee and licensors, and their employees, contractors, agents, officers, and directors, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees), resulting from or arising out of a) your use and access of the platform, by you or any person using your account and password; b) a breach of these Terms, or c) Content posted on the platform.
Disclaimer of Warranties
Your use of the platform is at your sole risk. The platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. LYL-Life Coaching expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or course of performance.
Governing Law
Jurisdiction
This Agreement and any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) are governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.
Legal Proceedings
The courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute arising under or in connection with this agreement. By using the platform, users agree to submit to the jurisdiction of these courts for the purposes of litigating any such dispute.
Compliance with Local Laws
While LYL-Life Coaching is governed by the law of England and Wales, Counsellors/Coaches and clients accessing the platform from other jurisdictions are responsible for compliance with local laws to the extent that local laws are applicable.
Amendments to Governing Law
LYL-Life Coaching reserves the right to amend this "Governing Law" section at any time. Any amendments will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Terms and Conditions on the platform. Your continued use of the platform after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.
Contact Information
For any questions, concerns, or further clarification regarding the Terms of Engagement, or any other matters related to your engagement with the LYL-Life Coaching platform, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing support and ensuring that your experience with the platform is both positive and professionally enriching.
Contact Details:
Email: info@lyl-lifecoaching.co.uk
We encourage open communication and welcome your feedback, suggestions, or any concerns you may have. Our aim is to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for all our practitioners and clients. Please allow us up to 48 hours to respond to your inquiries.