Teachers' Terms of Service

Introduction

Virgoul.com is a bespoke web platform built to connect students of any age, ability, and instrument with high-quality, professionally vetted music teachers across the UK. We provide agency, marketing, and payment services for the teacher-student relationship on the terms set out below.

Virgoul.com is owned and operated by Lilian School of Music, a music education institution registered in the United Kingdom. Any reference to "we", "us" and/or "our" refers to Lilian School of Music. Any reference to "you"/"your" means a Teacher.

These terms shall apply to you automatically when you use our Web Platform in your capacity as a Teacher. We recommend that you print a copy for your records. Please do not use our Web Platform if you are not happy with these terms.

1. Definitions

2. The Contract Between You and Us

• We assume that you are a business customer. These terms constitute the entire agreement between us and you.
• You acknowledge that you are a self-employed individual, not an employee of Lilian School of Music.
• You are responsible for your own tax and National Insurance Contributions.
• If you do not wish to be bound by these terms, please do not use this Web Platform.
• These terms supersede any previous versions and come into effect from the date of your acceptance.

3. Services We Provide

In consideration of the Platform Fee, we shall provide you with:

• Acting as your agent in the relationship between you and the Customer/Student
• Marketing, communication, online learning, booking, and fee collection services
• Supply, hosting, and maintenance of the Web Platform
• Support and advice to ensure your profile is accurate and clear
• A notification system for swift communication between Teacher and Customer
• Display of clear and accurate fee information
• Settlement of all Teacher Fees where Customers have used our payment services
• Investigation of complaints in line with our complaints policy
• Protection of personal data as set out in our Privacy Policy
• Screening of all new applicants to ensure quality, safety, and professionalism

4. Community Standards

All Teachers shall:

• Be responsible for the safety and security of themselves and any children who are Students
• Not share password/login details with any other person
• Ensure messages and content posted are legal and not abusive or offensive
• Comply with safeguarding obligations
• Assist in ensuring all Customers are aged 18 or over and are the parent/guardian of the Student
• Not attempt to circumvent the Web Platform while benefiting from our Services

If any Teacher fails to comply with these terms, we reserve the right to suspend or remove that Teacher's Account.

5. Teacher Requirements

As a Teacher on the Web Platform, you shall:

• Supply high-quality, professional Music Lessons punctually at the agreed time
• Be deemed to have instructed us to act as your agent
• Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years
• Have "right to work" status in the country you are residing
• Ensure Students under 18 have parent/guardian consent
• Be responsible for your own actions and behaviour
• Perform risk assessments of any venue used for lessons
• Provide clear, complete, accurate, and up-to-date information in your profile
• Not refer Students to other platforms offering similar services
• Use reasonable endeavours to give 30 days' notice of any fee changes
• Act professionally and be responsive in communication with Customers/Students
• Indemnify us in case of any claim or liability made against us by any third party
• Provide your National Insurance Number for tax reporting purposes

6. New Applicant Requirements

All new applicants must:

• Provide contact information for two referees (neither can be a family member)
• Submit to an ID verification check
• Immediately notify us of any criminal convictions, offences, sanctions, or cautions
• Provide an original enhanced DBS with barred list, PVG, or Access NI disclosure certificate dated within 12 months, or be registered on the update service
• If required, allow us to progress an enhanced DBS application on your behalf (costs borne by Teacher)

7. Price and Payment

Teacher Subscription Plans

Teachers set their own lesson pricing structure. Virgoul operates on a subscription-based model with two plan options:

Payment Schedule

• A Prepared Invoice is generated on the first day of each calendar month
• We settle all amounts payable within the first 5 days of the following month
• Payment is made directly to your nominated UK bank account
• If you dispute any amounts, you must contact us immediately
• We will respond within 14 working days and settle any adjustments within 5 working days

8. Bookings and Cancellations

Solo Lessons

• Teachers create lessons after confirming details with Students
• Customers can cancel up to 24 hours prior with full refund or rescheduling
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable
• Teacher-initiated cancellations can be refunded or rescheduled at no extra cost
• A £3 processing fee may apply to refunds

Group Lessons

• Customers have 14 days to cancel after booking
• Right to cancel expires if Student attends one lesson
• Teacher-initiated cancellations must be rescheduled to a mutually convenient time

9. Safeguarding and Child Protection

We recognize that safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance. All Teachers must:

• Read, understand, and adhere to 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance
• Complete appropriate safeguarding and child protection training
• Read and adhere to all our policies relating to child protection, including:
  • Code of Conduct
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Lone Working Policy
  • Managing Allegations of Abuse Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy
• Immediately report any concerns surrounding a Student under 18

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead can be contacted at support@virgoul.com

10. Liability and Insurance

• Teachers are liable for any damage caused to us in the context of any breach of these terms
• Teachers shall indemnify us against any claims brought by third parties
• Teachers must take out adequate liability insurance to cover all risks
• We do not warrant that use of the Web Platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
• We are not liable for internet transmission security issues

11. General Terms

• These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales
• Disputes will be resolved through good faith negotiation, then mediation, then arbitration
• Teachers retain ownership of their original teaching materials and intellectual property
• We may update these terms with 30 days' notice
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of new terms
• Either party may terminate this agreement with 30 days written notice
• We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms

12. Contact Information