Lived-Experience Expert Terms

Lived-Experience Experts are the heart of LEPF — the UAE's pioneering foundation dedicated to peer mental health support, aligned with UAE Vision 2071's commitment to inclusivity for every person of determination and individual with lived experience. Experts engaged by LEPF act as independent contractors. Nothing in this agreement creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship. Experts are not enrolled in the UAE Wage Protection System through LEPF, are responsible for their own tax and licensing where applicable, and invoice LEPF for completed work each cycle.

You set your own base rate for each service you offer. LEPF adds a clearly disclosed platform fee on top of that base rate, communicated to you in writing before you list the service. The platform fee covers payment processing, safeguarding supervision, marketing, and infrastructure. There are no hidden deductions and no retroactive changes — any fee revision applies only to bookings taken after you accept the new rate.

Experts share their lived story, listen with empathy, and walk alongside the people they are matched with. Experts do not diagnose, prescribe medication, or provide psychotherapy — these activities are reserved for licensed professionals under UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 2023. Every Expert is supervised by a licensed mental-health professional and completes ongoing safeguarding training.

LEPF maintains a zero-tolerance position on harassment, intimidation, discriminatory speech, sexual misconduct, or any threat of harm — whether directed at clients, fellow Experts, or LEPF staff. Verified breaches will result in immediate suspension and termination of this agreement, and where appropriate will be reported to the competent UAE authorities under the Penal Code and Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Cybercrimes.

Experts are entrusted with sensitive personal data. You agree to handle all client information in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL): use the LEPF platform for all communications, never export client data to personal devices or third parties, and report any suspected data breach to safeguarding@lep.ae within 24 hours.

Earnings are paid out by AED bank transfer on a monthly cycle by default, on the first business day following the close of the calendar month. Experts who prefer batched payments may opt for a quarterly cycle in writing. A minimum payout threshold of AED 200 applies; balances below this threshold roll over to the next cycle. Payout statements show the gross fee received, platform fees deducted, and net amount transferred.

Disputes between an Expert and LEPF, or between an Expert and a client, will first be addressed through good-faith mediation by LEPF’s safeguarding lead within thirty (30) days of notice. If mediation does not resolve the matter, the dispute shall be finally adjudicated under the laws of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Dubai, with exclusive jurisdiction in the UAE Civil Courts in Dubai.