1. These terms and conditions of business are between Sunflower Au Pair Agency (hereinafter called the Agency) and the Candidate. The Agency will only undertake business on the terms and conditions contained herein. No variation of the terms will be valid unless confirmed in writing by the Agency. The Candidate shall be the person who has signed the agreement on the registration form.
2. The Agency acts as an agent for the purpose of effecting introductions between families (the Client) and the Candidate. The Agency does not employ Candidates, directly or indirectly.
3. The terms and conditions within this document shall apply to any contract between the Candidate and the Agency and such a contract shall come into force upon the Candidate submitting a registration to the Agency.
4. The Candidate and the Client will warrant that the information provided to the Agency at the time of registration is correct. The Candidate agrees to notify the Agency of any change in circumstances. If these changes might affect the Client, they must also notify them.
5. The Candidate has read and understood the relevant information regarding the role they are applying for (au pair / parents' help etc) and agree to the role, tasks and expectations, as described on the Agency’s website.
6. The Candidate agrees to provide the Agency and the Client with all accurate information which is relevant to their application.
7. The Candidate agrees to treat the Client and their property and information with care and respect at all times.
8. The Candidate agrees to never disclose personal information, including photos, about the Client’s circumstances or property to any third party in writing, verbally or on the internet, including all social media, without first receiving the Client’s permission in writing.
9. The Candidate agrees to carry out their role for the Client to the best of their ability.
10. The Candidate agrees to stay until at least the end of the agreed placement term as per their letter of invitation, unless both parties agree to a new termination date.
11. Although the Agency takes every care to check the Client's details, the Candidate is strongly advised to satisfy himself/herself as to the suitability of the Client. They accept that the choice ultimately lies with them.
12. The Agency will support and advise the Candidate but is unable to micromanage the placement and it is the Candidate and Client’s responsibility to make the placement a success. The Agency cannot be held responsible should the Client employ the Candidate for a shorter time than initially agreed, or if there is a breakdown in communication.
13. The Candidate authorises the Agency to share their details (including photos) with Clients and carefully selected partners in order to find them a position. The Agency will keep Candidates’ details securely on file and will contact them with job and placement opportunities.
14. The Candidate agrees to having their email address shared with other Candidates placed by the Agency unless they opt out. This is for the purpose of helping Candidates find local friends.
15. The Candidate agrees to pay for their own insurance (as required – travel/health) and travel expenses. It is free for Candidates to register with the Agency.
16. The Candidate understands that the au pair programme is a form of cultural exchange. An au pair is not an employee and should be treated as part of the Client’s family. The Client and Candidate will agree (by means of a letter of invitation) on the basic duties, hours, conditions and pocket money but this will not constitute an employment contract. The Candidate will accept their position based on the details in the letter of invitation and other information provided by the Client.
17. The Candidate agrees to inform the Agency immediately if the Client makes a direct offer of placement.
18. The Candidate is entitled to one week's notice of termination of employment. However, in the event of serious misconduct by the Candidate or Client, either party shall be entitled to terminate the engagement immediately.
19. The Candidate agrees to not accept another position, paid or unpaid, once they have accepted their placement without first checking with the Client.
20. The Agency does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from the Agency's introduction or provision of services or from any acts, omissions or conduct of staff introduced by the Agency, its employees or partners. The Agency advises you to consider taking out appropriate insurance.
21. Although every effort is made to ensure that any information given to Candidates and Clients is correct, the Agency cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information. The Agency cannot be held responsible for any actions or inactions of the Candidates or Clients and both the Client and the Candidate agree to indemnify the Agency fully in respect of this . Client and the Candidate further agree to indemnify the Agency, its employees and partners fully for any inaccuracies or oversights relating to any information or guidance provided to it by the said parties in relation to its business, legal matters, taxation, employment law, insurance or other. The Client and the Candidate must inform themselves and seek specialist advice where necessary.
22. All documents the Candidate receives from the Agency are strictly confidential and for their information only. The Candidate agrees not to share or publish any details or photographs of Clients. The Candidate agrees to delete all information relating to Clients with whom they do not take a placement and to store any details about the Client they secure a placement with securely until the end of said placement.
23. The Candidate agrees to behave responsibly at all times, using common sense appropriate to their age and the position held.
24. The Agency regrets that it can only accept applications from Candidates able to provide a police check/criminal record check/DBS check dated within 3 months of registration.
25. The Candidate agrees to seek the advice of the Client before administering any form of discipline and understands that under no circumstances should they hit the children, shout at them or leave them unaccompanied, regardless of their ages.
26. The Candidate agrees to discuss in detail the daily and weekly routine with the Client on arrival in their home and to have a discussion around expectations. They also agree to inform the Agency of any future holiday/travel arrangements.
27. The Candidate is aware that the success of their placement depends on their own initiative, and they agree to integrate themselves in family life and communicate openly with the Client and actively seek a solution should any problems arise.
28. The Candidate agrees to familiarise themselves with all relevant visa requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
29. The Candidate agrees to stay in close contact with the Agency after submitting their registration form and agrees not to travel to the Client until they have received official confirmation of the placement, usually in the form of a letter of invitation.
30. These terms and conditions are subject to the laws of England & Wales.

You agree to all these terms and conditions upon submitting a Registration to Us the Agency