BOOT & CO. - TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: December 2025

TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Terms & Conditions govern the provision of companionship & social support services by Boot & Co. (trading name of Care for Success Ltd), operated by Gareth Boot and Susan Cowlishaw.

By booking our services, you agree to these terms in full.

1. SERVICES PROVIDED

1.1 Boot & Co. provides companionship & social support services for elderly people, including:

  • Weekly visits at home or in the community

  • Social outings to cafes, shops, parks, and other venues

  • Light household tasks (meal preparation, tidying)

  • Accompaniment to appointments

  • Telephone check-ins

  • Genuine conversation and company

1.2 Boot & Co. does NOT provide:

  • Personal care (washing, bathing, dressing, toileting)

  • Medical care or medication administration

  • Regulated care services

  • Emergency or crisis intervention services

1.3 Our services are intended for elderly people who are living independently and do not require regulated personal care.

2. BOOKING AND PAYMENT

2.1 All services must be booked in advance by contacting Boot & Co. directly via phone, email, Facebook message, or through our website.

2.2 Payment is required monthly in advance via bank transfer or alternative payment method agreed upon booking.

2.3 Pricing:
Current pricing for all services is available on our website (www.bootandco.co.uk), our Facebook Business Page, or by contacting us directly via phone or email.

Prices are subject to change with 30 days' written notice to existing clients.

2.4 Late payment may result in suspension of services until payment is received.

3. CANCELLATIONS AND RESCHEDULING

3.1 Client cancellations: Clients must provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a visit.

3.2 Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at 50% of the visit fee.

3.3 Cancellations with less than 2 hours' notice or no-shows will be charged at 100% of the visit fee.

3.4 Boot & Co. cancellations: If we need to cancel or reschedule, we will provide as much notice as possible and offer an alternative date/time. No charge will apply for cancellations made by Boot & Co.

3.5 Emergency cancellations (illness, family emergency, severe weather) will be handled on a case-by-case basis with no penalty where reasonable.

4. COMPANION CONSISTENCY

4.1 Boot & Co. commits to providing the same companion for every visit to build consistent relationships.

4.2 Currently, all visits are conducted by founders Gareth Boot or Sue Cowlishaw personally.

4.3 As the business grows, additional carefully selected companions may be introduced. Clients will be notified in advance and given the opportunity to meet new companions before regular visits commence.

4.4 In rare circumstances (illness, emergency), a substitute companion may be provided with client consent.

5. SAFEGUARDING AND CONDUCT

5.1 All Boot & Co. companions hold Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

5.2 Boot & Co. is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all clients and operates in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation.

5.3 Companions will treat clients with dignity, respect, and professionalism at all times.

5.4 Clients and their families are expected to treat companions with respect. Boot & Co. reserves the right to terminate services if companions are subjected to abuse, harassment, or unsafe conditions.

5.5 If a companion observes signs of abuse, neglect, or immediate danger, they are legally obligated to report this to the appropriate authorities (Local Authority Safeguarding Team and/or Police).

6. HEALTH AND SAFETY

6.1 Clients (or their representatives) must inform Boot & Co. of any relevant health conditions, mobility issues, allergies, or other information necessary to provide safe services.

6.2 Boot & Co. companions are not medically trained and cannot provide medical advice, administer medication, or respond to medical emergencies.

6.3 In the event of a medical emergency during a visit, companions will call 999 and notify the client's emergency contact immediately.

6.4 Boot & Co. holds Public Liability Insurance covering companionship & social support activities.

7. PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND FINANCES

7.1 Boot & Co. companions may assist with shopping or errands where the client provides funds in advance or accompanies the companion.

7.2 Companions will not:

  • Handle large sums of cash without prior agreement

  • Access client bank accounts or PIN numbers

  • Witness legal documents (wills, power of attorney)

  • Accept gifts or loans from clients

7.3 Boot & Co. is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings during visits unless caused by negligence.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

8.1 Boot & Co. will handle all client information in accordance with UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

8.2 Client information will only be shared with:

  • Companions providing direct services

  • Emergency services (if necessary)

  • Regulatory authorities (if legally required)

8.3 See our Privacy Policy below for full details on how we collect, store, and use personal data.

9. COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK

9.1 Boot & Co. welcomes feedback and takes all complaints seriously.

9.2 Complaints should be directed to:
Gareth Boot
Email: garethboot@gmail.com
Phone: 07989347897

9.3 We will acknowledge complaints within 48 hours and aim to resolve them within 14 days.

9.4 If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate complaints to:

  • Trading Standards (West Yorkshire)

  • Citizens Advice Bureau

10. TERMINATION OF SERVICES

10.1 Either party may terminate services with 14 days' written notice.

10.2 Boot & Co. reserves the right to terminate services immediately (without notice) if:

  • Companions are subjected to abuse or unsafe conditions

  • Payment is repeatedly late or non-existent

  • Client behaviour breaches these terms

10.3 Upon termination, any prepaid fees for services not yet delivered will be refunded within 14 days.

11. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

11.1 Boot & Co. holds Public Liability Insurance and operates with due care and professionalism.

11.2 Boot & Co.'s liability is limited to the value of services provided, except where liability cannot be excluded by law (e.g., death or personal injury caused by negligence).

11.3 Boot & Co. is not liable for:

  • Pre-existing health conditions or medical emergencies

  • Injuries occurring outside of Boot & Co. activities

  • Loss or damage to property not caused by our negligence

  • Consequences of client decisions made independently of our advice

12. CHANGES TO TERMS

12.1 Boot & Co. reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time.

12.2 Clients will be notified of significant changes via email or letter with 30 days' notice.

12.3 Continued use of services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

13. GOVERNING LAW

13.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

13.2 Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. CONTACT INFORMATION

Boot & Co.
Operated by: Care for Success Ltd
Founders: Gareth Boot & Sue Cowlishaw

Website: www.bootandco.co.uk
Phone: 07989347897
Email: bootandcouk@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bootandcouk
Address:198 Stanley Rd, Wakefield, WF1 4AE

By booking Boot & Co. services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

PRIVACY POLICY

Boot & Co. (trading name of Care for Success Ltd) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information.

1. WHO WE ARE

Data Controller:
Boot & Co. (Care for Success Ltd)
Founders: Gareth Boot & Sue Cowlishaw

Contact:
Website: www.bootandco.co.uk
Email: bootandcouk@gmail.com
Phone: 07989347897
Address: 198 Stanley Rd, Wakefield, WF1 4AE

ICO Registration Number: [TO BE OBTAINED - register at ico.org.uk/registration]

2. WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect and process the following personal data:

2.1 Client Information:

  • Full name

  • Date of birth

  • Home address

  • Phone number(s)

  • Email address (if applicable)

  • Health information relevant to providing safe services (mobility issues, allergies, medical conditions)

  • Dietary preferences or restrictions

  • Emergency contact details (name, relationship, phone number)

2.2 Family/Representative Information:

  • Name of booking party (if different from client)

  • Relationship to client

  • Contact details (phone, email, address)

  • Payment information (bank details if applicable)

2.3 Service Information:

  • Visit dates and times

  • Services provided

  • Visit notes (activities, conversations, observations)

  • Cancellations or changes to bookings

  • Payment history

2.4 Website/Social Media Information:

  • Website contact form submissions

  • Facebook messages and inquiries

  • Email correspondence

  • Website usage data (via cookies - see section 12)

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We collect information:

  • Directly from you (via phone, email, Facebook, website contact forms, in-person meetings)

  • From your family members or representatives acting on your behalf

  • During service delivery (visit notes, observations)

  • From third-party referrals (care homes, GPs, solicitors) with your consent

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

4.1 Contract Performance:
Processing is necessary to provide companionship & social support services you have requested.

4.2 Legitimate Interests:
We have a legitimate business interest in maintaining records, improving services, and managing client relationships.

4.3 Legal Obligation:
We may be legally required to share information with authorities in safeguarding situations.

4.4 Consent:
For marketing communications, we will obtain your explicit consent (opt-in).

4.5 Vital Interests:
In medical emergencies, we may share information to protect your life or health.

5. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your personal data to:

  • Deliver companionship & social support services

  • Communicate with you about bookings, changes, and updates

  • Process payments and maintain financial records

  • Maintain visit notes and service records

  • Respond to inquiries and complaints

  • Improve our services based on feedback

  • Comply with legal obligations (safeguarding, tax, insurance)

  • Send occasional service updates or newsletters (with your consent)

6. WHO WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH

We will only share your personal information with:

6.1 Boot & Co. Companions:
Companions providing your direct services will have access to relevant information (name, address, health information, visit notes).

6.2 Emergency Services:
In a medical emergency, we will share necessary information with paramedics, hospitals, or emergency contacts.

6.3 Safeguarding Authorities:
If we observe signs of abuse, neglect, or danger, we are legally required to report this to:

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team (West Yorkshire)

  • Police (if immediate danger)

6.4 Professional Advisors:
Accountants, solicitors, insurance providers (only information necessary for their services).

6.5 Regulatory Authorities:
If legally required (HMRC, ICO, Trading Standards).

We will NEVER:

  • Sell your personal data to third parties

  • Share your information for marketing purposes without consent

  • Disclose information unnecessarily or without legal basis

7. HOW WE STORE YOUR INFORMATION

7.1 Digital Storage:

  • Client records stored on password-protected computers

  • Encrypted cloud storage (Google Drive with two-factor authentication)

  • Email correspondence stored securely

7.2 Physical Storage:

  • Paper records stored in locked filing cabinets

  • Access restricted to Gareth Boot and Sue Cowlishaw only

7.3 Data Security Measures:

  • Strong passwords and two-factor authentication

  • Regular software updates and anti-virus protection

  • Encrypted file storage

  • Secure disposal of paper records (shredding)

8. HOW LONG WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION

8.1 Active Clients:
We retain information for the duration of service provision plus 6 years after services end (legal and tax requirement).

8.2 Inquiries/Non-Clients:
Information from inquiries not resulting in bookings will be deleted within 12 months.

8.3 Financial Records:
Payment records retained for 6 years (HMRC requirement).

8.4 Safeguarding Records:
Records of safeguarding concerns or reports will be retained in accordance with Local Authority guidance and legal requirements.

9. YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

9.1 Right to Access:
Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you (Subject Access Request).

9.2 Right to Rectification:
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

9.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"):
Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations requiring retention).

9.4 Right to Restrict Processing:
Request we limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.

9.5 Right to Data Portability:
Request transfer of your data to another service provider in a machine-readable format.

9.6 Right to Object:
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes.

9.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making:
We do not use automated decision-making or profiling.

10. HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

To exercise any of your data protection rights, contact:

Gareth Boot
Email: garethboot@gmail.com
Phone: 07989347897

We will respond within 30 days (may be extended to 60 days for complex requests).

11. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

11.1 We will only send marketing emails, newsletters, or promotional messages with your explicit consent (opt-in).

11.2 You can opt out at any time by:

  • Clicking "unsubscribe" in any email

  • Contacting us directly to request removal

11.3 Opting out of marketing does not affect essential service communications (booking confirmations, visit changes, payment reminders).

12. COOKIES AND WEBSITE TRACKING

12.1 Our website (www.bootandco.co.uk) uses cookies to improve your experience.

12.2 Essential Cookies:
Required for website functionality (e.g., security, navigation). These cannot be disabled.

12.3 Analytics Cookies:
Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. You can opt out via your browser settings.

12.4 What We Don't Use:
We do not use marketing cookies, advertising trackers, or third-party tracking cookies.

12.5 Your Control:
By using our website, you consent to essential cookies. You can disable analytics cookies through your browser settings at any time.

12.6 Facebook Interactions:
When you interact with us via Facebook Messenger or our Facebook Page, Facebook's own privacy and cookie policies apply.

13. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

13.1 Our website and Facebook page may contain links to external websites (e.g., local venues, resources).

13.2 We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. Please review their privacy policies independently.

14. DATA BREACHES

14.1 In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will:

  • Notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours if required by law

  • Notify affected individuals if the breach poses a high risk to their rights

  • Take immediate steps to secure data and prevent further breaches

15. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

15.1 We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

15.2 We will notify clients of significant changes via email or letter with 30 days' notice.

15.3 The "Last Updated" date at the top of this document reflects the most recent version.

16. COMPLAINTS

16.1 If you believe we have mishandled your personal data, please contact us first:

Gareth Boot
Email: garethboot@gmail.com
Phone: 07989347897

16.2 You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

ICO Contact:
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

17. CONSENT STATEMENT

By booking Boot & Co. services, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood this Privacy Policy

  • You consent to the collection and processing of your personal data as described

  • You understand your data protection rights

Boot & Co. is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly.

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