1. Introduction
This Acceptable Use Policy ("Policy") establishes the rules and guidelines for the proper use of the Plan Checker platform, a trading name of Elegance Engineering Ltd. ("Plan Checker," "we," "us," or "our"). This Policy applies to all users of the Plan Checker platform, including registered professionals, clients, and visitors.
This Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Use, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and other applicable policies.
2. Purpose and Scope
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that the Plan Checker platform is used in a manner that is legal, ethical, professional, and consistent with the platform's intended business purpose of connecting building control professionals with clients seeking their services.
2.2 Scope
This Policy governs all activities on the Platform, including but not limited to:
- Account creation and management
- Profile information and content
- Communication between users
- Service arrangements and transactions
- Review and feedback systems
- Use of platform features and tools
3. General Principles of Acceptable Use
All users of the Plan Checker platform must adhere to the following general principles:
3.1 Legal Compliance
Users must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including but not limited to:
- UK Building Regulations and related legislation
- UK Consumer protection laws
- Data protection and privacy laws
- Intellectual property laws
- Anti-discrimination and equality laws
- Online Safety Act 2023
3.2 Professional Conduct
Users must maintain professional standards of behavior, including:
- Treating other users with respect and courtesy
- Communicating in a clear, honest, and professional manner
- Fulfilling commitments made through the platform
- Maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information
- Providing accurate and truthful information
3.3 Platform Integrity
Users must respect the integrity of the platform by:
- Using the platform for its intended purpose
- Not attempting to manipulate or abuse platform features
- Not interfering with the proper functioning of the platform
- Reporting any bugs, glitches, or security vulnerabilities
- Not attempting to circumvent platform security measures
4. Account Management
4.1 Account Creation and Maintenance
Users must:
- Provide accurate information during account registration
- Keep account information up-to-date
- Use their own identity and not impersonate others
- Maintain the security of their login credentials
- Not create multiple accounts for the same purpose
4.2 Account Security
Users are responsible for:
- Selecting strong passwords and keeping them confidential
- Logging out of shared devices
- Not sharing account access with unauthorized parties
- Promptly reporting any suspected unauthorized access
- Implementing additional security measures when available
5. Communication Standards
5.1 Respectful Communication
All communications on the platform must be:
- Professional and courteous
- Free from harassment, discrimination, or abuse
- Relevant to platform services
- Appropriate for a business context
- Clear and understandable
5.2 Prohibited Communication
The following types of communications are prohibited:
- Threats, intimidation, or harassment
- Discriminatory, hateful, or offensive language
- Sexually explicit or inappropriate content
- Spam, unsolicited advertising, or irrelevant mass messages
- False, misleading, or deceptive statements
- Content that violates others' privacy
- Communication designed to facilitate illegal activities
5.3 Business Communication
Business communications should:
- Clearly state service terms and conditions
- Accurately represent qualifications and capabilities
- Provide transparent pricing information
- Specify timelines and deliverables
- Document agreements and important details
6. Prohibited Activities
The following activities are strictly prohibited on the Plan Checker platform:
6.1 Fraudulent Activities
- Creating fake accounts or profiles
- Misrepresenting professional qualifications or credentials
- Providing false references or project portfolios
- Making false claims about services or results
- Engaging in deceptive billing practices
6.2 Abusive Behavior
- Harassment or intimidation of other users
- Posting defamatory or derogatory content
- Engaging in discriminatory practices
- Sending threatening or abusive messages
- Conducting personal attacks or bullying
6.3 Platform Manipulation
- Creating multiple accounts to manipulate ratings or visibility
- Using automated systems to access the platform (unless explicitly permitted)
- Attempting to hack, damage, or disrupt the platform
- Introducing malware, viruses, or harmful code
- Engaging in activities that place undue burden on platform infrastructure
6.4 Fee Avoidance
- Attempting to circumvent platform fees
- Redirecting transactions off-platform to avoid fees
- Providing or requesting contact information for the purpose of avoiding fees
- Creating dummy transactions or services
- Manipulating service descriptions to avoid appropriate fee calculations
6.5 Misuse of Platform Features
- Manipulating the review system
- Abuse of the dispute resolution process
- Misusing the messaging system for purposes unrelated to platform services
- Creating fake projects or service requests
- Using the platform for purposes unrelated to building control services
7. Content Standards
7.1 Profile Content
Profile content must:
- Accurately represent the user's identity and qualifications
- Include current and accurate contact information
- Contain truthful descriptions of services and expertise
- Use professional language and presentation
- Comply with our Content Guidelines and Standards
7.2 Project and Service Listings
Project and service listings must:
- Accurately describe the scope and nature of the service
- Provide clear and transparent pricing information
- Include realistic timeframes
- Specify any important conditions or requirements
- Not contain misleading claims or promises
7.3 Reviews and Feedback
Reviews and feedback must:
- Be based on actual experience with the user
- Contain factual and honest assessments
- Focus on the service provided, not personal characteristics
- Not contain abusive, defamatory, or inflammatory language
- Not be manipulated through coercion or incentives
8. Intellectual Property Rights
8.1 Respecting IP Rights
Users must respect intellectual property rights by:
- Not uploading or sharing content they don't have rights to use
- Not infringing on trademarks, copyrights, or patents
- Properly attributing content when required
- Obtaining permission before using others' content
- Respecting confidential information and trade secrets
8.2 Platform Content
Users acknowledge that:
- Platform content is protected by intellectual property laws
- Platform features, design, and functionality cannot be copied or reproduced
- Brand elements and trademarks cannot be used without permission
- Screenshots of the platform should not be shared publicly without permission
- Platform documentation is for personal use only
9. Data Protection and Privacy
9.1 Personal Data Handling
Users must:
- Respect the privacy of other users
- Not collect or harvest data from the platform
- Not use personal data obtained through the platform for marketing purposes without consent
- Implement appropriate security measures when handling other users' data
- Comply with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
9.2 Confidential Information
Users must:
- Maintain the confidentiality of information shared during service provision
- Not disclose sensitive business or personal information
- Use secure communication methods for sensitive information
- Destroy or return confidential information when no longer needed
- Report any accidental disclosure of confidential information
10. Monitoring and Enforcement
10.1 Monitoring Activities
Plan Checker may monitor platform activities to ensure compliance with this Policy, including:
- Reviewing content and communications
- Investigating reported violations
- Monitoring transaction patterns
- Verifying account information
- Tracking platform usage patterns
10.2 Reporting Violations
Users should report violations of this Policy by:
- Using the "Report" function where available
- Contacting customer support
- Providing specific details about the violation
- Including relevant evidence when possible
- Not engaging directly with the violating user
10.3 Enforcement Actions
Violations of this Policy may result in:
- Warnings or notifications
- Temporary account restrictions
- Content removal
- Service listing removal or invisibility
- Account suspension or termination
- Reporting to appropriate authorities for serious violations
- Legal action in severe cases
10.4 Appeals Process
Users may appeal enforcement actions by:
- Submitting an appeal within 14 days
- Providing relevant information and context
- Demonstrating how the activity complies with this Policy
- Outlining steps taken to remedy any violations
- Awaiting review by a different moderator than the original decision-maker
11. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective upon posting on the Platform with an updated "Effective Date." For material changes, we will provide notification via email or through the Platform.
12. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Acceptable Use Policy, please contact:
Plan Checker (Trading Name of Elegance Engineering Ltd.)
Email: info@planchecker.co.uk
Company Registration No: 15900115
Registered in England and Wales
By using Plan Checker, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Acceptable Use Policy.