Last updated 16 November 2025

Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to your use of the My Big Buddy website and to any services provided by My Big Buddy (“the Agency”). By engaging the Agency or using this website, you agree to these Terms.

London waterfront and buildings in the evening

1. Definitions

  • Agency—My Big Buddy.
  • Client—any person, family, household or organisation who instructs the Agency to introduce a Buddy or Manny.
  • Buddy—a self-employed contractor introduced for childcare, mentoring or family support work.
  • Manny—a childcare professional introduced to be employed directly by the Client.
  • Candidate—any Buddy or Manny introduced by the Agency.
  • Introduction—the provision of information about a Candidate, including CVs, profiles or any detail enabling the Client to identify them.
  • Engagement—the booking, employing, contracting or use of a Candidate’s services following an Introduction.
  • Service Fee—the £179 initial fee paid by the Client when instructing the Agency to begin a search.

2. Nature of the Agency’s Service

The Agency acts solely as an introduction and matching service. The Agency does not employ any Buddies or Mannies.

2.1 Buddies (Self-Employed Contractors)

Buddies introduced by the Agency are self-employed. When a Client engages a Buddy:

  • The Buddy is not an employee of the Client or the Agency.
  • The Buddy is responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, pension and business obligations.
  • The Client pays the Buddy directly under whatever terms they agree.
  • No employer-related duties fall on the Client, including holiday pay, National Insurance contributions, payroll or pensions.
  • It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure the arrangement is suitable for a self-employed role under UK law.

2.2 Mannies (Employees of the Client)

Mannies introduced by the Agency for permanent roles are employed directly by the Client.

When a Client hires a Manny:

  • The Client becomes the Manny’s legal employer.
  • The Client must fulfil all employer obligations under UK law, including a written employment contract, PAYE and employer’s National Insurance contributions, pension contributions where applicable, paid holidays, employer’s liability insurance, a safe working environment and correct termination procedures.

The Agency may provide sample documentation, but compliance remains the Client’s responsibility.

3. Candidate Due Diligence

The Agency conducts reasonable due diligence on all Candidates before introduction, including:

  • Two reference checks
  • Checking or initiating an Enhanced DBS check
  • Identity verification

These checks reduce risk but do not guarantee behaviour, performance or long-term suitability. Clients must satisfy themselves as to the Candidate’s suitability for their specific role.

4. Fees, Payment & Invoicing

4.1 Service Fee

A Service Fee of £179 becomes payable when the Client instructs the Agency to begin a search for a Buddy or Manny.

  • The £179 Service/Search Fee covers a one-month search period from the date of payment.
  • Extensions may be granted at the Agency’s discretion.
  • The Service Fee is non-refundable.

4.2 Casual Buddy Bookings & Memberships

The Agency may provide Buddies through:

  • Casual bookings, or
  • Membership packages.

Applicable rates, terms and booking conditions will be provided separately before use.

4.3 Manny Permanent Placement Fee

When the Agency introduces a Manny for a permanent role:

  • A Permanent Placement Fee of 15% of the Manny’s gross annual salary is payable once an offer has been made and accepted.
  • Refund or replacement terms, if applicable, are contained within the Permanent Placement Agreement issued before the hire is confirmed.
  • The Client must accept the Permanent Placement Agreement prior to the Manny’s start date.

4.4 Payment Terms

  • Payment deadlines are stated on each invoice.
  • Late payments may incur fees or interest as permitted by UK law.
  • The Agency may suspend services in cases of non-payment.

4.5 Re-engagements, Extensions & Conversions

If a Candidate originally introduced by the Agency is later rehired, re-booked, extended or converted to a different arrangement—for example, a Buddy becomes a permanent Manny—the relevant Fee will apply based on the new arrangement.

5. Confidentiality & Non-Circumvention

All Introductions are confidential.

If the Client books, employs, contracts or otherwise engages any Candidate introduced by the Agency within one year of the Introduction—whether directly, indirectly or via another service—the full relevant fees, including the Service Fee, Casual Buddy fees, Membership fees or Permanent Placement Fee, will be owed.

The Client must not pass Candidate information to any third party.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

  • Provide accurate information to the Agency about their requirements.
  • Conduct their own interviews, assessments and final suitability checks.
  • Agree terms directly with the Candidate once selected.
  • Use personal data provided by the Agency only for recruitment and employment purposes.

Clients engaging Buddies must ensure the arrangement is legally appropriate for self-employment. Clients engaging Mannies must comply fully with employer obligations.

7. Agency Liability

  • The Agency conducts due diligence but does not guarantee a Candidate’s performance, conduct or future reliability.
  • The Agency is not liable for loss, damage or injury arising from any act or omission of a Candidate once engaged by the Client.
  • The Agency is not responsible for verifying or enforcing HMRC classifications of self-employment.
  • Liability is limited to the amount of the Fee paid by the Client.

8. Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with the Agency’s Privacy Policy. By using the Agency’s services, Clients consent to the processing of data for recruitment and placement purposes.

9. Termination of Service

The Agency may withdraw or refuse service if:

  • The Client provides false or misleading information.
  • The Client behaves inappropriately toward staff or Candidates.
  • The Client attempts to circumvent the Agency.
  • Continuing service would pose risk or reputational harm.

Fees remain due for services already delivered.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the website is owned by or licensed to the Agency and may not be reproduced without permission. Candidate-supplied materials may be used by the Agency for recruitment purposes only.

11. Changes to These Terms

The Agency may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the website or services constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and disputes will be handled exclusively by the courts of England and Wales.

13. Contact

My Big Buddy
Email: office@mybigbuddy.com