This document explain the rules that keep our platform running. We call these rules our Terms of Use. They apply to freeskillup.com. These terms explain how we expect you to behave when you’re using freeskillup. Please read these rules carefully: by using our site, you’re agreeing to follow them.

1. ACCOUNTS ON FreeSkillUp.com

1.1. Registration

To start using FreeSkillUp.com, you must register for an account (“Account”). Your registration will grant access to key platform services.

1.2. Account eligibility

FreeSkillUp.com is designed for professional use only. By registering or using our services, you confirm that: a) You are at least 18 years old or have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction; b) You are using the platform for business purposes, either as an individual professional or on behalf of an organisation; c) You comply with all legal requirements related to your business or professional activities.

1.3. Account profile

During registration, you must complete a detailed user profile that accurately represents your skills, business information, or services. Providing incomplete or false information may result in account suspension or termination. Profiles are visible to other users and, depending on your privacy settings, may also be publicly accessible. Ensure your information is accurate and regularly updated to maintain your account in good standing.

1.4. Account types

FreeSkillUp.com supports two main account types to cater to various professional needs:

• Freelancer Account: For individuals offering services on the platform.
• Employer Account: For businesses or individuals seeking professional services.

1.4.1. Freelancer Account Freelancer accounts are designed for professionals to showcase their skills, add service offerings, and attract potential clients. Additional features include uploading portfolios and setting competitive service rates. 1.4.2. Employer Account Clients can browse the platform to find freelancers, negotiate terms, and order services.

1.5. Account Permission

You are responsible for all activity on your Account. You agree not to request or allow another person to create an Account for you, your use, or your benefit, except that authorised employees or agents may create an Account on behalf of your business. By granting other Users permissions under your Account, including as a Team Member, you represent that: (a) the User is authorised to act on your behalf; and (b) you are fully responsible and liable for what the User does and does not do, including with respect to making payments and ordered Services and that Terms of Use. If any User granted permissions under your Account violates the Terms of Use, it may affect your ability to use our Services.

1.6. Account Security

You will keep your username and password secret and will not share them, and you will not use anyone else’s username and password. Each person who uses our Services must register for their own Account with a username and password. You are responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password, and agree not to share your username or password with anyone. You are responsible for safeguarding your username and password and for any use of our Services with your username and password. You agree to notify us immediately if you suspect or become aware of any unauthorised use of your Account or any unauthorised access to your password. You further agree not to use the Account or log in with the username and password of another User. See Sections 1.4 Account Types and 1.5 Account Permissions for information on allowing another registered User to act on your behalf in your Account.

2. PURPOSE AND FEATURES OF FreeSkillUp

2.1. Relationship with FreeSkillUp

We offer a work platform: an online platform for Users to find and connect with each other. We are not involved directly in your negotiations or the delivery of Freelancer Services and are not a party to any agreements you may make with other Users. You are solely responsible for your content published to FreeSkillUp and for your agreements with other Users, including vetting each other and performance under the agreements. FreeSkillUp offers a platform that enables Users to find one another, enter into service relationships and agreements, receive and provide Freelancer Services, and make and receive payments through platform. FreeSkillUp neither performs nor employs individuals to perform Freelancer Services. You acknowledge and agree that FreeSkillUp does not supervise, direct, control, or monitor Users in the performance of any contractual obligations they may have under a Service Agreement (as defined in Section 13: Definitions) and agree that: (a) FreeSkillUp is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy or legality of any User Content, for which Users are solely responsible; (b) FreeSkillUp is not responsible for the offering, performance, or procurement of Freelancer Services, (c) FreeSkillUp does not make any representations about or guarantee any particular User’s offered services. You further acknowledge and agree that Users, and not FreeSkillUp, are solely responsible for (a) evaluating and determining the suitability of any Project, Client, or Freelancer; (b) assessing whether to enter into a Service Agreement (as defined in Section 13: Definitions) with another User and for verifying any information about another User, including Composite Information; (c) deciding whether to enter into a Service Agreement on FreeSkillUp as well as the agreement terms, and (d) negotiating, agreeing to, and executing any terms or conditions of the Agreements and for performing and monitoring performance under them. All Service Agreements between Users are made directly between the Users, and FreeSkillUp is not a party to those Agreements. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or does prohibit or discourage any User from engaging in any other business activities or providing any services through any other channels they choose, provided, if applicable. Users are free at all times to engage in such other business activities and services and are encouraged to do so.

2.2. Taxes and Insurance

Freelancers are responsible for paying their own taxes, obtaining their own insurance, and ensuring they comply with applicable laws and regulations. Freelancer acknowledges and agrees that Freelancer is solely responsible for: (a) all tax liability associated with payments received from Freelancer’s Employers and through FreeSkillUp, and (b) obtaining any liability, health, workers’ compensation, disability, unemployment, or other insurance needed or required by law, and that Freelancer is not covered by or eligible for any insurance from FreeSkillUp; (c) determining and fulfilling Freelancer’s obligations under applicable laws and regulations with respect to invoicing and reporting, collecting, or remitting any applicable taxes or charges. Freelancer is responsible for paying all taxes arising in connection with any Service Agreement entered into on the Platform and this Agreement, without any offset or deduction to the fees paid to FreeSkillUp. In the event of an audit of FreeSkillUp, Freelancer agrees to promptly cooperate with FreeSkillUp and provide copies of Freelancer’s tax returns and other documents as may be reasonably requested for purposes of such audit, including but not limited to records showing Freelancer is engaging in an independent business as represented to FreeSkillUp.

2.3. Content

You acknowledge and agree that Users publish and request FreeSkillUp to publish on their behalf information on the Site such as geographical location or other details voluntarily submitted by Freelancers or Employers. Such information does not constitute an introduction, endorsement, or recommendation by FreeSkillUp. You agree that FreeSkillUp is not responsible for verifying such information and provides it solely for the convenience of Users. Providing false or misleading information violates this Agreement and may result in revocation of your access to use the Site Services. By using the Services, you may encounter content or information that might be inaccurate, incomplete, delayed, misleading, illegal, offensive, or otherwise harmful. FreeSkillUp generally does not review or monitor User Content. You agree that we are not responsible for User Content. We cannot always prevent the misuse of our Services, and you agree that we are not responsible for any such misuse. FreeSkillUp reserves the right (but is under no obligation) to remove content or information that FreeSkillUp determines violates the Terms of Use or negatively affects our platform or otherwise is inconsistent with the business interests of FreeSkillUp.

3. AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND FREELANCER

3.1. Service agreements

As stated in Section 2.1 above, if Employer and Freelancer elect to enter into a Service Agreement (as defined in Section 13: Definitions), such Agreement shall constitute a contractual relationship directly between Employer and Freelancer pursuant to which Freelancer agrees to provide a work product to Employer. In doing so, FreeSkillUp shall not be responsible for or a party to any Service Agreement, and in no event shall such agreement create an employment or any service relationship between FreeSkillUp and any User. With respect to any Service agreement, Employers and Freelancers may enter into any agreements that they deem appropriate (e.g., confidentiality agreements, invention assignment agreements, assignment of rights, etc.), provided that those agreements do not conflict with, narrow, or expand FreeSkillUp’s rights and obligations under this Terms of Use. By ordering a service on the platform, the Service Agreement is deemed concluded by default and does not require the signing of a separate document. This streamlined approach is intended to facilitate the efficient use of the platform and is aligned with the principles of contract law established by The Law Applicable to Contractual Obligations (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/834). Users should ensure that they fully understand the terms and conditions of the agreement before placing an order, as these terms automatically govern the relationship between the Employer and the Freelancer.

3.2. Dispute Resolution

FreeSkillUp encourages users to resolve disputes through direct communication. Freelancers and employers should engage in good-faith negotiations to address and resolve any disagreements related to services, payments, or project terms. Steps for resolving disputes through negotiation: Initiate Communication: The employer or freelancer should contact the other party via the platform’s messaging system, outlining the issue and proposed resolution. Mutual Agreement: Both parties should work collaboratively to reach a solution that satisfies both sides. Platform Support: If negotiations stall, users may seek assistance from FreeSkillUp’s support team by providing relevant order details and supporting evidence. If negotiations fail, users can escalate the issue through the platform’s Resolution Center by email [email protected] . FreeSkillUp’s support team will review the case and may mediate to propose a fair resolution. The mediation decision, while guided by platform policies, is not legally binding. If the parties cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, disputes may be referred to the courts of the UK. By using FreeSkillUp, you agree that: Any legal proceedings will be governed by the laws of the UK. The competent courts in UK will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from the use of the platform. This agreement complies with the Contracts (General Provisions) Act 1999 of the United Kingdom, which governs contractual relationships. In the event of legal action, the losing party may be required to cover the legal costs incurred by the prevailing party, as determined by the court. FreeSkillUp prioritises fair and efficient resolution of disputes and encourages all users to resolve conflicts amicably whenever possible.

3.3. Confidential Information

Users can agree to their own confidentiality terms. If they do not, these terms apply. Users agree to keep other Users’ confidential information a secret. Users may agree to any terms they deem appropriate with respect to confidentiality, including those set forth in the Optional Service Agreement Terms. If Users do not agree to their own confidentiality terms, this Section 3.3 (Confidential Information) applies. To the extent a User provides Confidential Information to another User, the recipient will take reasonable steps to keep that information confidential. On a User’s written request, the party that received Confidential Information will promptly destroy or return the disclosing party’s Confidential Information and any copies of it contained in or on its premises, systems, or any other equipment otherwise under its control. Users specifically agree that this Section 3.3 applies to information exchanged for purposes relating to evaluating whether to enter into a Service Agreement, even if such Agreement is never agreed to.

4. FreeSkillUp FEES

4.1. Freelancer’s fee

Freelancers may subscribe to different levels of participation and privileges on the Site to access additional features and Site Services, by payment of subscription plans. Subscription plans and pricing details are available at this link. After the first payment your card will be automatically debited with the amount and frequency according to the subscription you have chosen. Subscription can be cancelled by clicking the “Cancel” button in Freelancer’s account section “My Plan”.

4.2. Employer’s fee

On FreeSkillUp, freelancers have full control over setting their own prices for the services they offer. This pricing model allows for flexibility and ensures that clients can access a wide range of service options tailored to their specific needs. The fees charged by freelancers may vary based on several key factors, including:

• Complexity of the Task: Freelancers may adjust their prices depending on how intricate or specialised the project requirements are. More complex projects requiring advanced skills, tools, or expertise typically command higher fees.
• Time Required: Projects that demand significant time investment, whether due to research, preparation, or extended working hours, may result in higher pricing to reflect the freelancer’s effort and availability.
• Freelancer’s Experience and Skill Level: Experienced freelancers with a proven track record often set higher fees to reflect their expertise, qualifications, and ability to deliver exceptional results. Clients benefit from working with seasoned professionals, especially for tasks that require precision and specialised knowledge.

4.3. No Fee for introducing or finding services

FreeSkillUp does not introduce Employers to Freelancers. FreeSkillUp offers a platform that enables Freelancers to introduce themselves. Therefore, FreeSkillUp does not charge a fee when a Freelancer finds a suitable Employer. In addition, FreeSkillUp does not charge any fee or dues for posting or viewing feedback, including Composite Information.

5. PAYMENT TERMS

5.1. Disbursement to Freelancers on Service Agreements

FreeSkillUp ensures a secure and transparent payment process for both freelancers and employers. To maintain trust and smooth operations, the following terms outline how payments are handled on the platform:

5.1.1. Payment Release Upon Completion

Payment for a freelancer’s services will be credited to their FreeSkillUp account only after the project has been completed and explicitly approved by the employer. This approval confirms that the work has met the agreed-upon requirements and quality standards. Freelancers are encouraged to communicate clearly with employers throughout the project to ensure expectations are aligned.

5.1.2. Upfront Payment Requirement

Freelancers are advised to begin work only after the employer has made a full payment upfront. FreeSkillUp operates on a prepayment model where the funds are securely held on the platform until the project is completed. This ensures that:

• Freelancers have a guaranteed payment for their efforts
• Employers can trust that their funds will not be released until they are satisfied with the delivered work.

5.1.3. Approval Process

Employers are given the opportunity to review the completed work before payment is released. If there are concerns or revisions needed, freelancers and employers can collaborate to address them. Payments are only released once the employer confirms their satisfaction with the deliverables.

5.2. Payment Methods

As a Employer or Freelancer, you hereby authorise payment system, to run credit card authorisations on all credit cards provided by Employer or Freelancer, to store credit card and banking or other financial details as Employer or Freelancer’s method of payment consistent with our Privacy Policy, and to charge Employer or Freelancer’s credit card (or any other Payment Method) for the Freelancer Fees or Service. If your primary Payment Method fails, you authorise us to charge your backup Payment Method for any amounts due. To the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to our Privacy Policy, you acknowledge and agree that we may use certain third-party vendors and service providers to process payments and manage your Payment Method information. By providing Payment Method information through the Site or by authorising payments with the Payment Method, you represent that: (a) you are legally authorised to provide such information; (b) you are legally authorised to make payments using the Payment Method(s); (c) you are an employee or agent of a company or person that owns the Payment Method, that you are authorised by the company or person to use the Payment Method to make payments on FreeSkillUp; and (d) such actions do not violate the terms and conditions applicable to your use of such Payment Method(s) or applicable law. When you authorises a payment using a Payment Method via the Site, you represent that there are sufficient funds or credit available to complete the payment using the designated Payment Method.

5.3. Payment Security

Payments on the FreeSkillUp platform are handled with the utmost attention to security and reliability. All transactions are processed through our trusted partner payment systems or banks. During the payment process, your information is transmitted to the payment gateway using industry-standard SSL encryption, ensuring the confidentiality of your sensitive data. Once the information reaches the payment gateway, it is securely transferred through reliable banking networks that are PCI DSS certified, demonstrating compliance with stringent data security standards for handling cardholder information. Importantly, neither FreeSkillUp nor any third parties have access to your card details, as the payment system or bank does not share this sensitive information. To further enhance security, cardholders may be required to authenticate their transactions using the 3D Secure protocol. This additional layer of security helps confirm the identity of the cardholder and protects against unauthorised use of the card, ensuring a safe and seamless payment experience for our users.

6. PAYOUT POLICY AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

To ensure secure, transparent, and compliant financial transactions for all users, FreeSkillUp maintains the following policies regarding payouts to Freelancers.

6.1. Payout Terms and Conditions

6.1.1. Eligibility for Payouts

Freelancers are eligible for payouts upon successful project completion and employer approval. Users can access a detailed record of completed payouts within their Personal Account, under the “Payouts” section.

To qualify:

• The Freelancer must maintain an active and verified account in good standing.
• A valid payout method must be linked and verified.
• Geographic and banking restrictions may apply depending on the chosen payout method.

6.1.2. Payout Processing Timeline

Payouts will be processed within 5 business days after employer approval of the completed project. Actual time to receive funds may vary by financial institution.

6.1.3. Refunds and Reversals

Refunds are handled exclusively through the platform’s dispute resolution process (see Section 3.2). Payouts may be delayed or reversed in cases of fraud, chargebacks, or breach of terms.

6.1.4. Dispute-Related Payout Holds

Funds may be placed on temporary hold if a dispute is raised. FreeSkillUp may mediate and, based on its policies, determine an appropriate resolution. Mediation decisions are non-binding unless otherwise agreed.

6.2. Payout Limits and Fees

6.2.1. Minimum and Maximum Limits

• Minimum payout amount: 10 EUR
• Maximum per transaction: 5000 EUR

6.2.2. Applicable Fees

• Third-party Fees: Additional charges by banks or intermediaries may apply and are beyond FreeSkillUp’s control.

6.3. Compliance and Verification

6.3.1. KYC and AML Requirements

To comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, users requesting payouts must provide:

• A government-issued ID.
• Proof of address.
• Payment account ownership confirmation.

Failure to complete verification may result in delayed or cancelled payouts.

6.3.2. Card Scheme and Payment Network Compliance

All payout transactions must comply with rules established by financial networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and other relevant providers. This includes:

• No use of stolen or unauthorized cards.
• Authentication (e.g., 3D Secure) when required.
• No processing of prohibited goods/services.

Violations may lead to suspension and notification to regulatory bodies.

6.3.3. Restricted Activities

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Use of fake identities or fraudulent documents.
• Money laundering or financing of illicit activities.
• Circumventing platform fees or payment flow.
• Engaging in high-risk or restricted services.

Violations may result in account suspension, fund freezing, and legal reporting.

6.4. Failed or Rejected Payouts

In certain situations, a payout request may be declined or delayed. FreeSkillUp is committed to providing clear communication and support in such cases.

6.4.1. Common Reasons for Rejected Payouts

Payouts may be declined due to:

• Incomplete or failed KYC verification
• Use of an unsupported card or bank account
• Insufficient platform balance for payout
• Flagged account activity under AML compliance review
• Technical issues with the payment processor or financial institution

6.4.2. Notification and Resolution

If a payout is rejected:

• The user will be notified via email and platform notification.
• The message will include the reason and required next steps (e.g., resubmit documents, use another payout method).
• Users can contact support at [email protected] or call +44 20 7638 4211 for assistance in resolving the issue.

FreeSkillUp aims to resolve all payout issues promptly to ensure uninterrupted service and trust.

6.5. Legal Disclosures

6.5.1. Jurisdictional Restrictions

Payout services offered by FreeSkillUp are subject to local financial regulations. Users may be restricted from receiving payouts if they reside in or use banking services from jurisdictions that are:

• Sanctioned by the United Kingdom, European Union, or other applicable authorities.
• Lacking secure or compliant financial infrastructure.
• On international watchlists for high-risk financial crime or terrorism financing.

FreeSkillUp reserves the right to deny or delay payouts in such jurisdictions without prior notice. Users affected by these restrictions will be notified with available alternatives where possible.

6.5.2. Merchant Liability Limitations

FreeSkillUp acts solely as a facilitator of payouts between Employers and Freelancers and does not serve as a licensed financial institution. As such:

• FreeSkillUp does not guarantee the speed or success of fund transfers once they have been submitted to third-party payment processors or banking institutions.
• Bank or card network processing delays, rejections, or errors fall outside FreeSkillUp’s responsibility.
• Users acknowledge that delays or interruptions in bank processing may occur due to weekends, public holidays, or bank-specific rules.

Users agree that FreeSkillUp is not liable for losses resulting from delays, rejection of payments by banks, or incorrect account information provided by the user.

7. ABOUT LICENSES AND THIRD PARTY CONTENT

7.1. We let you use our site and services

Technically, we’re giving you a ‘limited license’ to the site. Here’s what that means. We’re happy for you to access our website and services (known as the services). You’re free to have this access (or limited license) as long as you follow these terms of use and all of our other Terms of Use as they apply to you. We’ll do our best to make sure our services are safe and working as they should, but we can’t guarantee you’ll have access continuously. In fact, we might even stop providing certain features or the services completely, and don’t have to give notice if we do.

7.2. We can stop letting you use our services

We can take away your right to use our services at any time. If you violate our Terms of Use, we can take away your access to FreeSkillUp. Officially, this is called terminating your license, and if it happens, we’ll tell you and you must stop using our services immediately.

7.3. We keep the rights to our intellectual property

Using our services doesn’t mean you can use any of our trademarks or other intellectual property, like copyrights and patents. We keep all of our rights to our intellectual property, even though we let you use our services. Our logos and names are our trademarks. Any other product or company names, logos or similar marks and symbols you see on FreeSkillUp may be trademarked by our partners or other users like you.

7.4. You can use FreeSkillUp to share your content with others

7.4.1 You’re responsible for what you post

You’re responsible for how you use our site and anything you post on it. If someone makes a claim against us because of anything you put on the site, you agree to compensate us for our legal fees and expenses (indemnification). When you post content on (or through) our site or give us content for posting, you agree that you’re completely responsible for that content and we’re not. You also agree to only post or give us content that:

• you have the right to post
• is legal
• doesn’t violate anyone’s rights, including intellectual property rights.

You acknowledge and agree that whoever posts content is responsible for any harm caused to anyone by that content – not FreeSkillUp – and that you’ll compensate and defend us, our partners, employees and representatives against any costs or legal or government action we have because of your content.

7.4.2. Other people have some rights to what you post

By posting content on the site, you give other people some rights to that content. Whenever you post content on our site, you give us a permanent right (called an ‘irrevocable and non-exclusive worldwide license’) to use, edit and share that content – across the world and without paying royalties. If your name, voice and image appear in content you post, we also might use those on the site or in our day-to-day business. For example, if you’re a freelancer, we might share your profile with clients we think could be a good match. You also give each user and site visitor the right to access and use your content through the site. They also have the right to use, copy and share your content – as long as they do it through the site, and follow both our Terms of Use and the applicable laws. We might show ads near your content and information, without compensating you. Depending on choices you make in your profile, we might also include your name or photo when promoting one of our features.

7.5. Third parties post on FreeSkillUp

If you think content on our site infringes your rights, you can ask to have it removed. We’re committed to following UK copyright and related laws and need site visitors and users to follow them as well. That means you can’t use our site to store or share anything that infringes anyone’s intellectual property rights, including their rights under UK copyright law. If you own copyrighted work and think your rights under UK copyright law have been infringed by anything on our site, you can ask us to take it down by email [email protected] .

7.6 You can make a copyright complaint

Anyone else who uses our site is responsible for what they post or link on FreeSkillUp. We’re not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any content shared by other people on our site, unless they’re officially working for us when they share or post the content. Any content represents the views of the person sharing it, not FreeSkillUp. Our site might also contain links or other access to third-party websites and applications. These sites and applications are owned and run by other parties, not FreeSkillUp. If we use a link or application that goes to a third-party website, it doesn’t mean that we endorse it and you agree that you use it without our endorsement.

8. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER

FreeSkillUp make no representation or warranty about the services, including that the services will be uninterrupted or error-free, and provide the Services (including content and information) on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, FreeSkillUp disclaim any implied or statutory warranty, including any implied warranty of title, accuracy of data, non-infringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

FreeSkillUp is not liable, and you agree not to hold us responsible, for any damages or losses arising out of or in connection with the Terms of Use, including, but not limited to: (a) your use of or your inability to use our Site or Site Services; (b) delays or disruptions in our Site or Site Services; (c) viruses or other malicious software obtained by accessing, or linking to, our Site or Site Services; (d) glitches, bugs, errors, or inaccuracies of any kind in our Site or Site Services; (e) damage to your hardware device from the use of the Site or Site Services; (f) the content, actions, or inactions of third parties’ use of the Site or Site Services; (g) a suspension or other action taken with respect to your Account; (h) your reliance on the quality, accuracy, or reliability of job postings, Profiles, ratings, recommendations, and feedback (including their content, order, and display), Composite Information, or metrics found on, used on, or made available through the Site; and (i) your need to modify practices, content, or behavior or your loss of or inability to do business, as a result of changes to the Terms of Use. Additionally, in no event will FreeSkillUp or our third-party service providers be liable for any special, consequential, incidental, punitive, exemplary, or indirect costs or damages, including, but not limited to, litigation costs, installation and removal costs, or loss of data, production, profit, or business opportunities.

10. RELEASE

In recognition of the fact that FreeSkillUp is not a party to any agreement between Users, you hereby release FreeSkillUp and our respective officers, directors, agents, employees and service providers from claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind and nature, known and unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with any dispute you have with another User, whether it be at law or in equity that exist as of the time you enter into this Agreement. This release includes, for example and without limitation, any disputes regarding the performance, functions, and quality of the Freelancer Services provided to Employer by a Freelancer and requests for refunds based upon disputes. This release will not apply to a claim that FreeSkillUp failed to meet our obligations under that Terms of Use.

11. AGREEMENT TERM AND TERMINATION

11.1. Termination

You and FreeSkillUp both have the right to end this Agreement, but certain rights and obligations will survive after this Agreement ends. Unless both you and FreeSkillUp expressly agree otherwise in writing, either of us may terminate this Agreement in our sole discretion at any time, without explanation, which will result in the termination of the other Terms of Use as well, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. You agree that FreeSkillUp is not a party to any Service Agreement between Users. Consequently, you understand and acknowledge that termination of this Agreement (or attempt to terminate this Agreement) does not terminate or otherwise impact any Service Agreement or Project entered into between Users. If you attempt to terminate this Agreement while having one or more open Projects, you agree that (a) you thereby instruct FreeSkillUp to close any open agreements; (b) you will continue to be bound by this Agreement and the other Terms of Use until all such Projects have closed on the Site and your access to the Site has been terminated; (c) FreeSkillUp will continue to perform those Services necessary to complete any open transaction between you and another User; and (d) you will continue to be obligated to pay any amounts accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination or as of the closure of any open Service Agreements, whichever is later, to FreeSkillUp for any Services or such other amounts owed under the Terms of Use and to any Freelancers for any Freelancer Services. Without limiting FreeSkillUp’s other rights or remedies, we may revoke or limit access to the Services, deny your registration, or revoke your access to the Site and refuse to provide any or all Services to you if: (a) you breach any terms and conditions of this Agreement or any portion of the Terms of Use; (b) we have reasonable reason to believe that you have provided false or misleading information to us; (c) we conclude that your actions may cause legal liability for you or others; may be contrary to the interests of the Site or the User community; or may involve illicit or illegal activity; or (d) we are required to by law, legal process, or law enforcement. If your Account is temporarily or permanently closed, you may not use the Site under the same Account or a different Account or re-register for a new Account without FreeSkillUp’s prior written consent. If you attempt to use the Site under a different Account, we reserve the right to reclaim available funds in that Account and/or use an available Payment Method to pay for any amounts owed by you to the extent permitted by applicable law. You acknowledge and agree that the value, reputation, and goodwill of the Site depend on transparency of Users’ Account status to all Users, including you and other Users who have entered into Service Agreements with you. You therefore agree that: if FreeSkillUp decides to temporarily or permanently close your account, FreeSkillUp has the right (but no obligation) where allowed by law to: (a) notify other users that have entered into Service Agreements with you of your closed account status, and (b) provide those users with a summary of the reasons for your account closure. You agree that FreeSkillUp will have no liability arising from or relating to any notice that it may or may not provide to any user regarding closed account status or the reason(s) for the closure.

11.2. Account Data on Closure

Except as otherwise required by law, if your Account is closed, you will no longer have access to information or material you kept on the Site and any content stored in your Account may be deleted, for which FreeSkillUp expressly disclaims liability. FreeSkillUp may retain some or all of your Account information as permitted or required by law and the Privacy Policy.

11.3. Survival

After this Agreement terminates, the terms of this Agreement and the other Terms of Use that expressly or by their nature contemplate performance after this Agreement terminates or expires will survive and continue in full force and effect. For example, the provisions related to arbitration, audits, intellectual property, non-circumvention, indemnification, fees, reimbursements, and limitations of liability each contemplate performance or observance after this Agreement terminates. The termination of this Agreement for any reason will not release you or FreeSkillUp from any obligations incurred prior to termination of this Agreement or other parts of the Terms of Use or that may accrue related to any act or omission prior to such termination.

12. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND FREESKILLUP

12.1. Dispute Resolution Process and Scope

If a dispute arises between you and FreeSkillUp, we aim to resolve the matter efficiently and at minimal cost. Both parties agree to make reasonable efforts to resolve any disagreements informally, such as through direct negotiation or mediation. For disputes that cannot be resolved informally, both parties agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as arbitration or mediation, in compliance with UK law and applicable UK regulations. These mechanisms ensure fair and transparent resolution procedures. FreeSkillUp adheres to UK regulations protecting consumers, including the right to seek remedies through the courts or alternative mechanisms such as the UK Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

12.2. Applicable Law

This Terms of Use, and any disputes will be governed by the laws of the UK.

12.3. Informal Dispute Resolution

Before initiating formal dispute resolution, both parties agree to notify each other in writing of the issue and seek an informal resolution. You can notify FreeSkillUp at [email protected] , providing a description of the claim, account details, and contact information. FreeSkillUp will respond within 14 days, and both parties will have 30 days to resolve the dispute informally.

12.4. Binding arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes may be resolved through arbitration under UK law. Arbitration will be conducted by a neutral arbitrator in UK and UK legal standards, ensuring fairness and compliance with mandatory consumer rights.

12.5. Class Action waiver

To the extent permitted by law, disputes must be brought individually, and neither party may participate in class or collective actions unless explicitly permitted by UK regulations.

12.6. Finality of Arbitration

Decisions made through arbitration are final and binding, subject to review under UK arbitration law. This Arbitration Provision replaces any previous agreements regarding dispute resolution and applies to all claims arising from this Agreement.

12.7. Court Access

Nothing in this section limits your right to seek remedies through the courts of UK mechanism if arbitration is not mandatory or enforceable under UK consumer protection law. This section ensures compliance with UK consumer protection laws, including transparency, fairness, and access to justice, while providing efficient dispute resolution mechanisms.

13. FORCE MAJEURE

When certain circumstances beyond your or our control arise, we both will be temporarily relieved from performing our obligations under this Agreement. The parties to this Agreement will not be responsible for any delay or failure to perform any obligation under this Agreement for a reasonable period due to labor disturbances, accidents, fires, floods, pandemics, telecommunications or Internet failures, strikes, wars, riots, rebellions, terrorism, blockades, acts of government, governmental requirements and regulations or restrictions imposed by law or any other similar event beyond the parties’ reasonable control.

14. DEFINITIONS

• Platform – a combination of software and hardware resources, united under the domain name https://freeskillup.com/ , facilitating interaction between Users;
• Freelancer – means any authorised User of the Site, that utilises the Site to advertise, provide, or receive payment for the provision of Freelancer Services to Employers;
• Employer – means any authorised User of the Site, to seek or obtain Freelancer Services;
• Freelancer Services – means all services performed to Employers by Freelancers;
• Service Agreement – an agreement between an Employer and a Freelancer that may be considered concluded orally if the service is ordered through a website, and no separate document requires signing. This definition is based on the principles of contract law of the Law Applicable to Contractual Obligations (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/834)
• Freelancer’s Fee – A fee charged by FreeSkillUp for using the platform to according with a chosen Membership plan;
• Employer’s Fee – Fee charged from the Employer in favour of the Freelancer, in accordance with the concluded Service Agreement, upon confirmation of the full performance of the Services;
• Dispute Resolution – The process of addressing and resolving conflicts between users;
• Membership Plan – A payment plan allowing freelancers access to platform features;
• Verification – A process ensuring user identity for financial transactions;
• Confidential Information – means any material or information provided to, or created by, a User to evaluate a Project or the suitability of another User for the Project, or provided in connection with a Project, regardless of whether the information is in tangible, electronic, verbal, graphic, visual, or other form. Confidential Information does not include material or information that: (a) is generally known by third parties as a result of no act or omission of Freelancer or Employer; (b) was lawfully received by User without restriction from a third party having the right to disseminate the information; (c) was already known by User prior to receiving it from the other party and was not received from a third party in breach of that third party’s obligations of confidentiality; or (d) was independently developed by User without use of another person’s Confidential Information;
• Intellectual Property Rights – means all patent rights, copyright rights, mask work rights, moral rights, rights of publicity, trademark, trade dress and service mark rights, goodwill, trade secret rights and other intellectual property rights as may now exist or hereafter come into existence, and all applications therefore and registrations, renewals and extensions thereof, in each case, under the laws of any state, country, territory or other jurisdiction;
• Work Product – means any tangible or intangible results or deliverables that Freelancer agrees to create for, or actually delivers to, Employer as a result of performing the Freelancer Services, including, but not limited to, configurations, computer programs, or other information, or customized hardware, and any intellectual property developed in connection therewith.

15. LEGAL ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

INTRAQUIZ LTD Registration number – 15953949 Address: 7 Bell Yard, WC2A 2JR, London, United Kingdom [email protected] +4420 7638 4211 Last Updated: 04/12/2024