Headstart Startup Participation Agreement
Parties to this Agreement
| Platform | HEADSTARTGLOBAL PTE. LTD., a company incorporated in Singapore (UEN 202437686G) (“Headstart” or “the Platform”) |
| The Startup | The organisation named in the signature block below (“the Startup”) |
Headstart connects students with early-stage startups for short-term, project-based learning experiences. These engagements are strictly voluntary and non-remunerated, designed to foster skill development and real-world exposure for students.
This agreement confirms that no employment relationship is formed between the Startup and any participating student during the course of the programme.
Duration
The micro-internship will last for the period as specified by the project brief agreed between Headstart and the Startup at the point of onboarding.
Expectations
1. This is a voluntary educational opportunity. Students may withdraw their involvement at any time during the project without penalty.
2. Students typically contribute 4–6 hours per week. This is a guideline only and must not be enforced or treated as a minimum commitment.
3. Any concerns regarding a student’s engagement or conduct must be raised with the designated Headstart Project Director and not addressed directly with the student as a disciplinary matter.
Working with Students
By engaging in the programme the Startup agrees to:
- Treat students as voluntary contributors, not employees or contractors.
- Provide a mentorship-oriented environment focused on feedback and coaching.
- Not conduct or document formal performance assessments of students.
- Not assign students to tasks that would ordinarily require a paid worker.
Compensation
4. The Startup agrees not to provide payment, bonuses, or any form of monetary or non-monetary benefit to students in connection with the programme.
5. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel or lunch) may be reimbursed at the Startup’s discretion but must not be framed as compensation or consideration for work performed.
Referral & Talent Acquisition Fee
Headstart invests significant resources in recruiting, vetting, and developing student talent. If the Startup wishes to engage any student introduced through Headstart’s platform in a paid capacity — whether during or after the micro-internship — a referral fee is payable to Headstart as set out below.
| Engagement Type | Fee | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time employment offer | 10% of first-year gross salary | Offer accepted by student |
| Paid internship / fixed-term contract | £150 flat fee | Engagement confirmed |
| Any other paid engagement | £150 flat fee | Engagement confirmed |
6. The referral fee applies to any paid engagement with a student introduced through Headstart, whether such engagement begins during the programme or within 12 months of the student’s final participation date.
7. For the purpose of calculating the full-time employment fee, “first-year gross salary” means the annualised base salary stated in the offer letter, excluding any bonus, commission, or benefits-in-kind.
8. The Startup must notify Headstart in writing within 14 days of making or accepting any offer to a student. Invoices are payable within 30 days of issue.
9. Failure to notify Headstart does not extinguish the obligation to pay. Headstart reserves the right to pursue unpaid fees, including reasonable legal costs.
10. Fees are exclusive of VAT, which will be added where applicable.
Communication & Support
Headstart will remain the primary liaison point for the Startup throughout the programme, supporting with:
- Onboarding students and issuing project briefs.
- Providing guidance and clarifications during the project.
- Addressing concerns raised by either the Startup or the student.
Data Protection & Confidentiality
11. All personal data relating to students shared by Headstart with the Startup (including names, contact details, CVs, academic records, and any other identifying information) is disclosed solely for the purpose of facilitating the micro-internship programme (“Permitted Purpose”).
12. The Startup agrees to:
- Use student data exclusively for the Permitted Purpose and not for any secondary recruitment, marketing, or commercial purpose without Headstart’s prior written consent.
- Store student data securely and limit access to those within the Startup who have a genuine need to facilitate the placement.
- Not share, sell, transfer, or disclose student data to any third party.
- Delete or return all student personal data upon request by Headstart or upon termination of this agreement, whichever is earlier.
13. The Startup confirms it will process student personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 (or equivalent applicable data protection legislation), and that it has in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect such data.
14. Any data breach or suspected breach involving student data must be reported to Headstart within 48 hours of the Startup becoming aware of it.
Acknowledgements
15. The Startup acknowledges that participating students are not workers and are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage, statutory employment rights, or any other worker protections.
16. The Startup agrees that all participation is at-will. Students may pause or exit the programme at any time with no penalty.
17. This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Declaration
The Startup confirms that it has read, understood, and agrees to the terms of this agreement, including the referral fee schedule and the obligations relating to student data.
- The Startup understands and accepts the voluntary, educational nature of the programme.
- The Startup will not treat student participants as employees or workers.
- The Startup will pay the applicable referral fee should it engage any student introduced by Headstart in a paid capacity.
- The Startup will handle all student personal data in accordance with the confidentiality and data protection obligations set out above.
- The Startup is committed to providing a supportive, flexible learning experience.