Terms & Conditions

1. About Pulse

Pulse is an online marketplace that connects registered nurses with nursing agencies for the purpose of arranging temporary nursing shifts. Pulse acts solely as an introduction platform and is not an employer, employment agency, or recruitment business. Pulse does not employ nurses, nor does it supply nurses to agencies. All engagements are directly between the nurse and the agency.

2. Nurse Eligibility

To register and use Pulse as a nurse, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a valid, active NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration
• Have an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check dated within the last 12 months, or be subscribed to the DBS Update Service
• Have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom
• Maintain professional indemnity insurance where applicable

You are responsible for keeping your compliance documents up to date. Pulse may restrict access to shifts if your compliance score falls below the minimum threshold or if documents expire.

3. Agency Eligibility

To register and use Pulse as an agency, you must:

• Be a registered UK business (Companies House registration required)
• Hold valid employer's liability insurance
• Hold valid public liability insurance
• Comply with all applicable CQC regulations where relevant

4. Employment Status & IR35

Nurses using Pulse are self-employed independent contractors. You are solely responsible for your own tax affairs, National Insurance contributions, and IR35 status determination. Pulse does not make IR35 determinations. Where applicable, the engaging agency is responsible for determining IR35 status in accordance with off-payroll working rules. Payment records on Pulse distinguish between gross and net amounts for your records.

5. Platform Commission

Pulse charges a commission of 15% on the gross value of each completed shift, payable by the agency. This commission is deducted automatically when payment is processed. Nurses receive their full agreed hourly rate with no deductions by Pulse. The commission rate is subject to change with 30 days' notice.

6. Shifts, Applications & Timesheets

Agencies post shifts with specified requirements. Nurses may apply for shifts that match their qualifications and compliance status. Agencies may accept or reject applications at their discretion.

Upon completing a shift, nurses must submit a timesheet within 7 days recording actual hours worked and break time taken. Agencies must approve or dispute timesheets within 7 days of submission.

Disputes: Timesheet disputes must be raised within 7 days of submission. Disputes are reviewed by Pulse and resolved based on available evidence. Pulse's decision on disputes is final.

7. Payments

Payments are processed via Stripe Connect. Nurses must set up a Stripe Express account to receive payments. Payments are initiated after a timesheet is approved by the agency. Pulse does not hold funds on behalf of either party. All payment records are retained for 7 years in accordance with UK tax law.

8. Cancellation Policy

• Agencies may cancel a shift at any time before it starts. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the shift start time may be flagged on the agency's profile.
• Nurses may withdraw an application at any time before it is accepted. After acceptance, failure to attend a shift without notice may result in a negative rating and potential account review.

9. Account Suspension & Termination

Pulse reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these terms, provides fraudulent information, fails to maintain required compliance documents, or engages in conduct that compromises patient safety or platform integrity. Users may close their account at any time by contacting us.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pulse shall not be liable for:

• Any loss arising from the conduct, performance, or negligence of nurses or agencies
• Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the platform
• Service interruptions, data loss, or technical failures beyond our reasonable control
• The accuracy or completeness of information provided by users

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under English law.

11. Intellectual Property

All content, branding, and software on the Pulse platform are owned by Pulse. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any Pulse content without prior written consent.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through a notice on the platform at least 30 days before they take effect. Your continued use of Pulse after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.