Timebanking terms & conditions

These definitions will assist you to understand the timebank vocabulary within the terms and conditions and other documents.

• “Approved Task” means a task which is included as part of the list of approved tasks set out in clause 7.2, the performance of which is to be undertaken following the acceptance of an Offer or Request via the Timebank Platform.
• “Activities” mean the Approved Tasks that Members can offer or request from the Approved Task list.
• "Cookie Policy” is found at time4leicestershire.org.uk/cookie-policy. The policy explains how cookies are used on the Timebank Platform. When registering to become a Member you are accepting and agreeing to abide by this policy.
• “Exchange” means two Members agree in accordance with the terms set out in the Members’ Handbook, to swap time with each other following the acceptance of a Member’s offer or request via the Timebank Platform. When the Exchange is complete the agreed amount of time credit(s) is exchanged between the affected Members via the Timebank Platform. The Member receiving the benefit of the activity shall give the Member providing the activity the appropriate amount of time credit(s).
• “Event” means an activity or event that is organised by LCC’s T4L Team for the purposes of engaging the public. Members and non-members are welcome at these events.  
• “Individual” means a Member of the Time4Leicestershire timebank.
• “LCC” means Leicestershire County Council.
• “Member/Members”: member means any individual member of the T4L scheme and members’ shall mean all members’ of the T4L scheme.
• “Member’s Handbook” means the Time4Leicestershire membership handbook, as amended from time to time, which is available at time4leicestershire.org.uk/guides within the guides section.
• “Offer” means a Member is offering a specific skill that can be utilised by any other Member. The Member offering the skill publishes this offer on their Timebank Platform.
• "Privacy Policy” is found at time4leicestershire.org.uk/privacy-policy. The policy explains how a Member’s data is collected and used on the Timebank Platform.  When registering to become a Member you are accepting and agreeing to abide by this policy.
• “Request” means when a Member needs a specific skill from another Member and publishes it as a request on their Timebank Platform.
• “T4L” means Time4Leicestershire which is a timebank scheme for the residents of Leicestershire and which is operated by Leicestershire County Council.
• “Terms and Conditions” means these terms and conditions together with the Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Terms of Use.
• “Terms of Use” are found at time4leicestershire.org.uk/terms-of-use. The Terms of Use are set out by LCC’s current service provider that hosts the Timebank Platform and which state how a Member is to use the online Timebank Platform.  When registering to become a Member you are accepting and agreeing to abide by these terms.
• “Timebank Platform” or “Timebank Website” means the timebanking district specific website platform which Members are accepted onto. This platform is a Member only space to allow Members to Request and Offer Approved Tasks.
• “Time credit” is the currency of the timebank. Members receiving the benefit of an Activity will transfer the agreed amount of time credits via the Timebank Platform to the Member providing the Activity. 
• “The Team” means the Leicestershire County Council Time4Leicestershire team. The team are responsible for the Timebank Platform and documents.  The Team will use their reasonable endeavours, to facilitate Members to use and engage with the T4L scheme. 

Registration of Membership

1.1 You agree that you:

• shall comply and remain in compliance with these Terms and Conditions and the Member’s Handbook and the obligations, requirements or otherwise, set out in the terms and conditions and any policies, guidelines or documentation issued by The Team.
• shall provide The Team with all documentation and information requested without delay.  On registration this will include but not be limited to the provision of two character references.
• recognise, understand, and accept that LCC operates the T4L scheme on a good faith and trust basis which values all individuals and you therefore agree to observe, promote, comply, and always act in good faith and trust generally in relation to the T4L scheme.

• are at least eighteen (18) years of age, and otherwise competent to enter into binding legal agreements.

Cessation of membership

1.2   You may cease to be a Member of the T4L scheme at any time by giving written notice via email to www.time4leicestershire@leics.gov.uk.  We aim to delete your profile from the system within 5 working days.  

1.3   You will automatically and with immediate effect cease to be a Member of the timebank in the event T4L expires or ceases to operate or continue for any reason whatsoever.

1.4   The Team may terminate your membership of the T4L scheme with immediate effect if you fail to comply with these Terms and Conditions, the Member’s Handbook, and/or any policies, guidelines or documentation issued by LCC in connection with the T4L scheme.

1.5   Periodically we will contact Members who have not been active on the T4L Timebank Website.  If we do not receive communication from you within a month, stating that you still wish to be a member, your membership will be terminated.

1.6   Notwithstanding any of the above, the Team may terminate your membership of the T4L scheme upon the provision of twenty (20) days written notice.

2.1 You agree to the following rules of conduct:

• Treat other Members’ respectfully and respect other Members’ privacy, confidentiality, and viewpoints.
• Not pressure another Member to accept your religious beliefs or political views.
• Not involve friends or relatives in timebank exchanges, except as part of a T4L organised Event.  Any persons over the age of 18 and who are not Members are able to join organised Events in order that they find out more about potentially becoming a member themselves.
• Members must be over 18 and all Exchanges and the undertaking of any Approved Tasks must not involve any non-Members and/or any other persons including but not limited to family or friends of Members under the age of 18. 
• Not to ask for or accept money, gifts, or tips from other Members (unless covering previously agreed expenses for materials or fuel).
• Only eat or drink a member's food and drink if invited to do so.
• To respect fellow Members by not smoking, drinking or taking drugs in a Member's home or at any other place or venue where an Approved Task is being undertaken and/or performed.
• Only use any possessions of the Member, including telephone and bathroom facilities, if given clear permission to.
• Not make any personal remarks to another Member which may cause offence.
• Carry out all tasks in accordance with all guidance set out in the T4L Member’s Handbook.
• If you must cancel an Exchange, inform the other Member as soon as possible.

3.1    These Terms and Conditions and the T4L Member's Handbook may be amended by The Team, and any such amendments shall be notified to the Members.

4.1    You shall not be required to pay any membership fees.

5.1   You shall be responsible for ensuring that you have no health and safety concerns with each Approved Task you are requesting and/or which you are asked to carry out. You may choose not to accept or stop any task at any time if you feel it is unsafe for you or the other Member(s).

5.2   Whilst the Team are available to discuss any thoughts or concerns you have regarding any health and safety risks involved in the carrying out of the proposed Approved Task, the Members involved in the proposed Approved Task are responsible for ensuring that any health and safety risks are addressed and that an Approved Task can be carried out safely.  Ultimately if you feel unsafe about any aspect of an Approved Task STOP.  Do not put yourself or others in danger. 

5.3    You shall consider the health and safety implications and the potential risks in requesting and/or carrying out the Approved Task prior to requesting and/or accepting it.  You should continue to identify and resolve potential hazards as the Approved Task takes place to ensure your own safety and that of others involved.

5.4    You shall not put yourself or any other person at risk of harm.  If you do not feel the task is safe to complete, you shall not complete it. Similarly, if you do not feel that the task is safe to request, you shall not request the carrying out of the task. You acknowledge that The T4L Team will not oversee the task being completed, and as such it is the responsibility of each of the Members involved in the proposed Approved Task to ensure that health and safety is addressed so as to ensure that Approved Tasks can be carried out safely and without risk to anyone’s health and safety.  A template risk assessment is available from the T4L team.  Whilst the Team can discuss a risk assessment for the Request or Offer you wish to publish and/or accept, ultimately the responsibility for undertaking a risk assessment and appraising any health and safety risks will remain with each of the Member’s that could be involved with the carrying out of the proposed Approved Task.  The affected Members are responsible for ensuring that all health and safety risks are addressed prior to starting and during the delivery of the Approved Task.

5.4    When considering whether to request and/or to carry out an Approved Task request, you should consider things such as (but not limited to):

• Whether you feel comfortable requesting and/or undertaking the Approved Task.
• Whether you have the necessary qualification(s)/ experience/ training.
• What, if any, are the possible dangers involved in carrying out the Approved Task.
• Whether you have the necessary tools and/or safety equipment and that these are maintained to an acceptable standard.
• Ensuring that a risk assessment, is undertaken where and as appropriate and that it is reviewed and kept under review as the Approved Task is carried out and undertaken.
• Safely working with electrical appliances.
• Manual handling implications as and where appropriate.

5.5    As a Member, you shall ensure that you comply with and adhere to all health and safety laws, rules and regulations so as to ensure that any Approved Task is undertaken safely and to ensure that other Members as well as other third parties are not subjected to any risk of harm or injury in the course of the performance and/or undertaking of an Approved Task.

5.6   If you are allowing a Member, together with any person that is permitted to accompany them, into your home for the purposes of an Approved Task being performed or undertaken, you shall ensure that your home is safe and that any persons visiting your home will not be exposed to any health and safety risks from or by being present in your home. 

6.1    You shall not discriminate against any person in respect to the provision of the task because of age, culture, race, gender, marital status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic outlined in the equality legislation.  More information can be found on protected characteristics on the LCC website.  Please click here.

6.2   You shall ensure that you comply with all applicable anti-discrimination legislation and law. Government information on this legislation and what it means can be accessed via https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights.  

7.1    You agree to only carry out tasks which have been determined by The Team as Approved Tasks.  

7.2    The following activities are Approved Tasks:

Arts and crafts

• sewing, knitting, embroidery and dressmaking
• textile/clothing repairs
• teaching painting, drawing, pottery and craftwork
• providing musical entertainment by playing a musical instrument or performing as a DJ
• taster music lessons
• filming and photography services

Skills to Improve learning

• teaching language
• translation
• supporting literacy
• coaching and mentoring
• supporting IT, Maths, language, Music

Exercise and sport

• walking
• fitness support
• other sporting activities

Computer support

• help with form filling - (no personal account details to be shared)
• typing and word processing
• teaching computer skills
• computer or graphic based design work
• letter writing

General support and Life Skills

• escorting to Appointments
• chaperoning to an organised event
• shopping
• errands
• house cleaning (with home owner in situ)
• domestic cooking
• washing and ironing
• personal budgeting – (no personal account details to be shared)
• gardening
• plant watering

Simple DIY

• changing light bulbs, construction of furniture and putting up shelves
• simple painting, wall papering and grouting
• car washing
• bicycle maintenance

Other

• delivering and packing leaflets
• helping with social events
• dog walking
• providing local knowledge
• storytelling
• hair cutting
• supporting timebank events

7.2.1 Before taking any photos of, or filming the delivery or performance of any Approved Tasks, Members must ensure:

• that they have consent from the other Members involved in the undertaking of and/or delivery of an Approved Task, as well as from any other accompanying persons who are permitted to be present at the time of performing an Approved Task;
• that no content relating to the Approved Task should be shared or posted (including but not limited to on social media outlets and/or platforms) without consent of those involved;
• that photos or any filming should not include any identifying characteristics such as (but not limited to) car registration numbers, house numbers, street names or anything else that could identify a Member;
• no photo or filming should be taken of any individual who is not a Member; and
• no photo or filming should be taken of any person under the age of 18 and who may be present or in the vicinity where an Approved Task is being performed or undertaken.

7.3    The T4L scheme is not to be used to support and care for vulnerable adults.  In light of this you agree that you will not carry out the following:

• teaching, training, advising or caring for vulnerable adults
• any activity in a care home which gives you the opportunity to have unsupervised contact with vulnerable adults
• any activity which assists Members with ongoing general household matters due to (but not limited to) age, illness or disability.
• any activity which allows access to an individual’s personal affairs including, but not limited to, their bank details, household bills. 

Activities in 7.3 are in line with the Regulated Activities listed in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act of 2006.  Please click the link to read more on this Act.

 7.4   The Team will not carry out any checks during the tasks being carried out by Members.  The Team has no control over Members and as such, any link to the T4L scheme does not imply that The Team endorses or recommends any Member, the content, and/or the support advertised in their Offer or acceptance of a Request.

7.5    If you are in any doubt whether the Offer or Request that you would like to publish can be an Approved Task, please contact The Team for clarification.

8.1    Subject to clauses 8.2, 8.3 and 8.6 below, Members do not need to hold any insurance policies, accreditations or certificates to access the T4L scheme.  However, Members are asked to honestly assess their own abilities when responding to each Request/Offer.  These abilities can be discussed with The Team before accepting any Request/Offer.

8.2    Public liability insurance cover in respect of the undertaking and delivery of an Approved Task will be provided by LCC.

8.3    Should a Request/Offer  require compliance with legal requirements, including but not limited to the need to have in place any licences, accreditations, certificates, approvals, insurances, and any other requirement particular to the requested Approved Task (“Consents”), subject to the provisions of clauses 8.2 8.4 and 8.6, the Member undertaking the Approved Task, shall be responsible for obtaining, implementing and ensuring that any required Consents are obtained, in place,  are fully complied with and are kept under review.

8.4    In certain circumstances however, it may be more appropriate for the Member requesting the Approved Task to ensure the receipt of appropriate Consents (for example, if the Member requesting the Approved Task needs prior approval from their landlord in connection with the Approved Task). In the circumstances described in this clause 8.4, the Member requesting the Approved Task shall be responsible for obtaining, implementing and ensuring that any required Consents are obtained, in place, are fully complied with and are kept under review.

8.5    A Member should request to see copies of relevant Consents including but not limited to driving licence, licences, accreditations, approvals, certificates and/or insurances from another Member if the Approved Task they are receiving or providing requires them.  It is deemed good practice to accept this request and show documentations where requested.  However, should a Member not wish to provide copies, the other Member may terminate the Exchange.

8.6    If an Approved Task involves transporting another Member in any kind of vehicle, then the Member who owns or supplies the vehicle shall ensure that it is in good and safe working order, has a valid MOT and is insured to include cover for the Approved Task.  The Member driving the vehicle should ensure that they hold a valid driving licence and are insured to drive the vehicle whilst undertaking the Approved Task.  Documentation for MOT, insurance and a driving license can be requested by the fellow Member. 

8.7    All Members of the timebank are responsible for keeping other Members safe.   All Members should familiarise themselves and adhere to the Safeguarding Policy.  The Safeguarding Policy is available on www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/safeguarding-policy.

9.1    You undertake to keep confidential any personal information or confidential information supplied by The Team or any other Member under this T4L scheme.

9.2    If through a task you are party to personal information about individuals or confidential information, you should respect and protect that information from being disclosed to anyone else.

10.1     LCC will store details regarding individuals on its own secure, internal systems for the purpose of administrating the scheme. The storage of any information will follow LCC’s policies and associated legislation.  Details of how LCC will use your data and LCC privacy policies can be found at  www.leicestershire.gov.uk/about-the-council/data-protection-and-privacy

10.2    When signing up to be a Member via the Timebank Website, LCC’s  provider, Made Open Communications Ltd, will store your information on its own digital system.  The Privacy Policy for the use of the T4L online platforms is available at www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/privacy-policy.   

10.3     The information you provide will only be used for the purposes of the T4L scheme and your data will not be shared with any other organisation.

10.4     Your profile details including your profile name will only be visible to Members who are logged into the Timebank Platform. 

10.5     The Team may wish to feature Member’s stories in a newsletter, on the website or in promotional material.  The Team will always gain your agreement before publishing anything.

11.1    You acknowledge that LCC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the "FOI Act") and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (the "EIR").

11.2    The Freedom of Information Act allows individuals to request almost any information held by LCC.  The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) give the public the right to access environmental information held by public authorities. You shall assist and co-operate with LCC to enable it to comply with these information disclosure requirements where necessary.

12.1     Your agreement to these terms and conditions does not create a relationship of partnership, employment, principal and agent, or of trustee and beneficiary.

13.1    These Terms and Conditions may be enforced by the parties to this agreement as well as by and against Members individually.  Subject to the aforementioned, these Terms and Conditions do not give rise to any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this agreement.

14.1    The T4L scheme is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (“1974 Act”) and therefore in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013), you are required to declare to the Team (a) upon registering to be a Member of the T4L Scheme and (b) at all times whilst being a Member of the T4L Scheme, any convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings that would otherwise be considered spent under the 1974 Act.  

14.2    The information you provide regarding any convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings is for the purpose of safeguarding and will not be shared with other Members. If a conviction is declared a risk assessment will be undertaken with the T4L programme and the applicant.

14.3    The Team will not DBS check any individual who is registering to be a Member.  Two character references will be requested for each Member and membership will not be approved until these have been verified via a telephone call.

14.4    You understand and accept that the Team may suspend your membership of the T4L scheme if knowledge comes to light of you having received any conviction, caution, reprimand and/or warnings, whilst the Team investigate the implications of this and the impact that this may have on your continued membership of and your ability to participate in the T4L scheme. Should the Team make a decision to suspend your membership of the T4L scheme under this clause 14.4, the Team will inform you in writing of this, and will use reasonable endeavours to keep any period of suspension to a minimum.

14.5    You understand and accept that the Team may terminate your membership of the T4L scheme by notice and with immediate effect, if the Team acquire knowledge of you receiving any conviction, caution, reprimand and/or warnings and if the Team conclude, having acting reasonably, that your continued membership of the T4L scheme could adversely affect your safety and/or the safety of others. Any decision to terminate your membership of the T4L scheme will be taken by the Team having given you a reasonable opportunity to respond to any concerns that the Team may have. 

15.1     Any dispute between Members should be resolved in accordance with the procedure set out in the Complaints and Dispute Resolution policy.  The Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy can be found on www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/complaints-policy.

15.2     Any dispute between the Team and a Member should be resolved in accordance with the Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy.

16.1    You accept full responsibility and liability for any incident, claim, loss, or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising whatsoever and howsoever out of or because of or in connection with any negligence, breach of this agreement and/or fault, caused by you and/or any person acting on your behalf, whilst undertaking Approved Tasks and/or carrying out obligations under this agreement.

16.2    You shall fully indemnify and hold LCC harmless against all such claims, losses and/or damage suffered by LCC arising from negligence, fault and/or breach of the terms of this agreement on your part and/or others acting on your behalf, except for death and personal injury resulting from LCC’s negligence.

17.1    Public Liability insurance is in place to cover Members completing Approved Tasks. This Approved Tasks can be found at in 7.2 above.

17.2     Any tasks which are not Approved Tasks will not be covered by the insurance policy arranged by LCC in relation to the T4L scheme; you will therefore not be protected by the insurance if something goes wrong. LCC will not in any way be held responsible for tasks undertaken by Members that are carried out which fall outside of the T4L list of Approved Tasks. 

17.3     Before you complete a task, you must ensure that it comes within the list of Approved Tasks. If you are unsure whether the task you have been asked to undertake or wish to offer is an Approved Task, please contact Time4Leicestershire@leics.gov.uk

17.4     The insurance arranged by LCC in relation to the T4L scheme does not cover Members whilst driving/using a vehicle. If carrying out a task that involves driving a vehicle, any person proposing to drive a vehicle in the course of undertaking an Approved Task must ensure that they are adequately insured to do so. 

18.1     Members agree that in accordance with the terms set out in the Members’ Handbook, that following the completion of an Exchange, the Member that has requested the Approved Task shall exchange and provide the Member that has undertaken or performed the Approved Task, the agreed Time Credit(s) in respect of the performance of the Approved Task.

18.2     With the exception of any prior agreement between Members who have agreed an Exchange on the payment of an agreed sum of money to cover the cost of any materials or resources used during the performance of the Approved Task, Members agree that no money will be exchanged between the Members and that only the agreed amount of Time Credit(s) will be exchanged between the Members involved in the Exchange as set out at clause 18.1 above.

18.3     By signing this agreement, you agree to comply with the rules applicable in respect of the holding, operation and exchanging of Time Credit(s) as set out in the Members’ Handbook

19.1     As a Member you shall promptly execute and deliver any documents or undertake any requests that The Team may from time to time reasonably require.  These documents and requests will be to enable the T4L scheme to effectively manage these Terms and Conditions.

20.1     These Terms and Conditions shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and the Members and LCC submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

20.2     It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all relevant legislation and good practice guidelines to ensure your own fulfilment of these Terms and Conditions.

21.1    The Team will review the operation of these Terms and Conditions not less than once a year (or more regularly if we identify any non-compliance or problem concerning equality and diversity issues with Members). We will take immediate changes if we discover non-compliance or barriers to equal opportunities.

21.2     By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you acknowledge that you have taken, or have had the opportunity of receiving independent legal advice on the terms, nature and effect of this agreement prior to entering into this agreement.

Please read the disclaimer before you register to be a member of the T4L scheme.

By registering to use the T4L scheme you are deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions of the T4L scheme including this disclaimer.

The T4L scheme enables skills and resources to be shared between individuals on a time currency basis. The involvement of T4L scheme Members and Approved Tasks within the T4L scheme should not be understood to be an endorsement by Leicestershire County Council of any Individual or their services including but not limited to their competence or ability or suitability to carry out any Approved Task.

Leicestershire County Council is providing this scheme for the benefit of individuals in Leicestershire.  Leicestershire County Council will not DBS check any individual who is registered to be a member of the T4L scheme nor will it carry out any checks during the tasks being carried out by T4L scheme Members.  Leicestershire County Council has no control over these individuals and as such, any link to a T4L scheme Member or their website does not imply that Leicestershire County Council endorses or recommends any T4L scheme Member, the content and/or support provided or offered by such scheme Member under the T4L scheme.

Except for death and personal injury resulting from any proven negligence on the part of Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire County Council exclude to the fullest extent that is lawfully permitted any liability whatsoever, arising from or in connection with the use of the T4L scheme, for any claim, loss, damage, injury, death, or consequential loss or other, whether arising directly or indirectly.

Except for death and personal injury resulting from any proven negligence on the part of Leicestershire County Council, as the user of the T4L scheme you assume full responsibility and understand and agree that by doing so neither Leicestershire County Council nor their employees are responsible, or liable, for any claim, loss or damage arising from its use.

This disclaimer is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

You acknowledge that prior to accepting the terms of this disclaimer and the terms and conditions of the T4L scheme, you have taken, or have had the opportunity of taking independent legal advice.