Community Expectations: Trust, Safety, and Respect
Healthy Engagement and Communication
Build Trust
A Respectful Community
Compliance with Laws and Ethics
Code of Conduct Enforcement
Types of Enforcement
Community Expectations: Trust, Safety, and Respect
The Trust and Safety Professional Association (TSPA) is an organization that works to advance the trust and safety profession through a shared community of practice. TSPA supports its members through creating spaces for networking, hosting conferences and events, and developing programs and resources for trust and safety professionals to grow within their profession.
The work of trust and safety professionals is challenging as they address some of the most pressing multidisciplinary issues in online trust and safety. In addition, the trust and safety community is diverse and spans geographies, career levels, and backgrounds.
In bringing this community together, TSPA strives to create an environment of trust, safety, and respect. Our expectation is that those who engage within our community feel welcomed, feel that they belong, and are respected as professionals in this space. When members of the community feel welcome and safe, they are more comfortable sharing their experiences and knowledge, asking questions, and acknowledging what they do or do not know. TSPA expects everyone engaging with our community to treat each other with respect and non judgment. We want anyone who engages with TSPA and our community to have safe and positive experiences in an environment where everyone feels secure both emotionally and physically.
The code of conduct applies to all TSPA activities, events, and spaces, which include, but are not limited to:
- Online events, such as conferences, meetups, meet and greets, roundtables, etc.
- Offline events, such as webinars, roundtables, topical group discussions.
- Virtual spaces, including collaborative workspaces or chat groups, such as TSPA’s Slack, TSPA’s Google Suite, TSPA’s social media channels.
- Any communication (digital or analog) carried out in the context of TSPA business.
This code of conduct applies to all those who engage with the TSPA community, which includes, but is not limited to:
- TSPA staff, board, and advisors
- TSPA members
- Partners
- Supporters
- Sponsors
- Stakeholders
- Conference attendees, vendors
- Anyone with whom TSPA and members engage in the course of TSPA activities, spaces, business
In general, this code of conduct applies to individuals and their behaviors. However, please be aware that if an individuals’ actions are made on behalf of their company or representing their company, TSPA may enforce this code of conduct violation with the company in addition to the individual.
Healthy Engagement and Communication
TSPA does not expect its members to agree on everything; we see differences in perspectives and opinions as essential for individual learning, growth, and for promoting innovation and creativity within TSPA, the trust and safety profession as a whole, and the broader communities. Members are expected to aim for positive, civil discourse that is constructive and informative, with the understanding that diversity strengthens the community. Healthy tension in collegial discussion can contribute to community growth, but unhealthy conflict can have a chilling effect.
Listen, Bring Others Along, and Be Kind
We believe that professional growth and development is through learning. Those in our community should be ready to listen and engage. Be mindful of preconceived judgments or assumptions, and ask questions in order to learn. Everyone is working on similar problems, and the more ideas shared and approaches compared, the better we are as a community.
Relationships of trust occur when individuals feel heard and included. Encourage others to participate by bringing them into the conversation and create space for them to share their ideas. Avoid dominating conversations or engaging in behaviors that prevent others from participating.
While we may disagree, refrain from disparaging other teams’ and organizations’ approaches to their work. It’s a small world, and criticism can negatively impact the atmosphere and collaboration within the community.
Handle Sensitive Content Appropriately
Due to the nature of the work, there may be times when trust and safety professionals need to share, discuss, or debate material that is offensive or harmful. Members are expected to engage in these discussions with respect and empathy. Where possible, TSPA will apply content warnings to inform individuals that they may encounter sensitive topics and content (written, visual, or audio) in TSPA discussions, documents, or other material. Depending on availability and context, content warnings may take the form of interstitials, labels, or verbal warnings.
When sharing or discussing sensitive content, community members are expected to inform others that the material may be sensitive. The following topics are examples of sensitive content:
- Adult sexual content
- Animal cruelty or abuse
- Blood
- Child abuse
- Death and dying
- Drug or other substance abuse
- Excessive violence or gore
- Incest
- Mental illness
- Miscarriages or abortion
- Needles
- Physical, mental, emotional, verbal, and/or sexual abuse
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Self-harm behavior, including disordered eating
- Sexual assault
- Suicide or suicidal ideation
Build Trust
A healthy community is built on trust. There are a variety of ways we expect our community to behave to build trust with each other.
Be Authentic
TSPA encourages participants in our community to be authentic and truthful about themselves and their work. Members should accurately represent their professional affiliations (whether in the capacity of employment, consulting, or investment) and relationships, and be truthful about the work they have done.
The following behaviors are considered inauthentic and could result in action from TSPA:
- Impersonating another individual or role.
- Say you work for an organization you don’t.
- Taking credit for someone else’s ideas or work, including plagiarizing.
- Sharing or making copies of someone else’s work product without approval or consent.
- Misrepresenting your relationship with TSPA, such as saying you are a speaker or sponsor when you are not
- Implying support or endorsement from TSPA of yourself, your work, or your company
Be Mindful of Privacy and Confidentiality
To foster trust and protect personal safety, TSPA expects community members to respect others’ privacy and, where requested or legally required, adhere to confidentiality. Members are expected to comply with both implicit and explicit confidentiality expectations when participating in TSPA’s activities, events, or networking spaces.
Private and Confidential Spaces, Policies, and Rules
During TSPA events or activities, if specific privacy or confidentiality rules are in place, TSPA will make it known. Participants are expected to follow those privacy or confidentiality policies and rules.
Examples of policies specifying private or confidential spaces are:
- A conference session that is TSPA Members Only or No Press Allowed
- A presentation or panel discussion that is under Chatham House Rule
- A conference attendee wearing a red lanyard, signaling that they do not want photos or videos taken of them.
When communicating with other members in a members-only space, such as a members-only Slack space, information discussed should remain within that space and not be shared externally, unless explicit permission is granted. If there is uncertainty about the confidentiality expectations at an event, discussion, or space, members should seek clarification from TSPA staff.
Examples of information shared in TSPA’s private spaces that should not be shared externally without permission are:
- Someone asks on Slack for recommendations for wellness providers for their companies.
- Someone posts on Slack that they are seeking candidates for a job opening that isn’t publicly posted.
TSPA Member Personal Information
TSPA maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding its members’ personal information, recognizing that trust and safety professionals can be at risk from individuals who feel they have been treated unfairly due to decisions or actions taken by the professional’s workplace. Member information (such as contact details, where they work, their titles) should be treated as confidential and can only be shared with consent for the individual.
Without consent, you should not share personal information of other members. Personal information includes name, contact details (email, phone number, address), membership status, current or former employer, location, or other personally identifiable information. Also prohibited is doxxing anyone in the TSPA community, which is when you publicly share private and personal information of anyone in the community, is prohibited.
Private or Confidential (Individual or Company) Information
There may be times when private or nonpublic information is shared during discussions, conversations, or even presentations. If you are privy to such information, you should not share such information without consent of the person sharing. Refer to the privacy and confidentiality policy or guidance of that specific event or activity.
TSPA Presentations, Content, and Material
We also do not allow taking or sharing screenshots or screen recordings of TSPA virtual or in-person events, website pages, and/or online communication spaces without consent.
A Respectful Community
TSPA expects everyone who participates or engages in our community spaces to be respectful with each other. This includes following TSPA’s policies and guidelines, being respectful and kind toward each other, and not engaging in inappropriate or illegal behavior.
Follow TSPA Policies and Guidelines
TSPA often has formal, written policies and guidelines for its activities, events, and spaces. Other times, guidelines will be informal, and shared with participants by TSPA staff or representatives. These guidelines and policies are developed to ensure that our community can engage safely and respectfully. We expect anyone who participates in those activities, events, and spaces to follow those policies and guidelines. Refusal to follow those policies or guidelines can be considered a violation of TSPA’s Code of Conduct.
No Harassment, Bullying, Threats, and Violence
Members of the TSPA community shall not engage in behaviors such as intimidating or threatening other individuals in the community. Harassment can include unwanted or repeated contact.
Examples of harassment and bullying includes:
- Further contacts or messages after being told that such contact is unwanted.
- Continually asking for something even after being told no.
- Repeatedly asking for exceptions to TSPA policies or guidelines.
- Using your status or power to intimidate or coerce someone else to agree with you or give you what you want.
Threats and violent behavior, such as assault, damage to others’ property or person, or other behaviors with the intent to harass or harm are strictly prohibited.
No Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual or romantic attention, contact, behavior, or advances are inappropriate. Nonconsensual sexual contact or sexual assault is prohibited.
Examples of sexual harassment can include:
- Comments about how someone looks or on what they are wearing.
- Touching someone without consent, such as hugging, kissing, or patting.
- Suggestive sexual comments, even if it’s not directed toward anyone specifically.
- Making sexual gestures or facial expressions, such as winking.
No Hate Speech
TSPA does not tolerate anyone in our community to speak hatefully toward others in the community. Hateful comments can include harmful or prejudicial comments related to race, color, caste, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, religion or faith, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition, lower socio-economic status, age, weight or size, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other attributes or characteristics.
If hate speech content is shared in the context of a trust and safety example during a training, presentation, or conversation, the person sharing should provide a content warning and if possible context on why they are sharing such content. See “Handle Sensitive Content Appropriately.”
Recognize Structural Bias and Inequities
TSPA was built as an inclusive and community-focused organization. Ensuring that members feel welcome and comfortable participating is the cornerstone of this code of conduct. There may be instances where unexamined perspectives on structural bias or other inequities compromise community trust and lead to conflict or disagreements.
Below are examples of conflicts that may arise due to a lack of awareness, privilege, and unconscious bias.
- Invocation of “Reverse”-isms: Claims of “reverse”-isms include allegations of “reverse racism,” “reverse sexism,” and “cisphobia.”
- Tone policing: Feeling that someone’s “tone” isn’t appropriately congenial or agreeable while they are calling out bias/prejudice or voicing concern about an issue.
- Discomfort with boundary communication: Discomfort when someone communicates their boundaries in a way the listener perceives as rude, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
- Discomfort with discourse on structural bias: Someone calling out the existence of racist, sexist, cissexist, ableist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions.
Be aware of your own bias and conscious of structural inequities and know that others may check your own bias.
No Disruptive Behavior
Members of the TSPA community and those interacting with the community should not inhibit the normal flow of business with disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes the following:
- Repeatedly sending irrelevant or spammy content through TSPA communication channels.
- Contacting members for the purpose of selling or marketing products and services or fundraising.
- Distributing nude or sexual content, violent and gory content, hate speech, etc. outside of the context of a trust and safety discussion. (See next section on “Sensitive Content.”)
Compliance with Laws and Ethics
Members of the TSPA community should not engage in illegal or unethical behavior and comply with all applicable laws and regulations when engaging in TSPA events, activities, and spaces. Compliance with applicable laws and ethics is the responsibility of anyone who engages with TSPA and our community.
No Marketing or Promotion
TSPA is a 501c6, a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code and membership-based association, whose purpose is to promote and stimulate interest and educate attendees in the field of trust and safety. As such, TSPA in its activities cannot promote or advertise any one company or service over another. Those who engage with TSPA and its community cannot act in a way that undermines TSPA’s legal purpose, including using TSPA as a platform to market, sell, fundraise, endorse or promote any individual, company, product, service, brand, or practice.
TSPA Antitrust Policy
TSPA does not play a role in the competitive decisions of its members or corporate supporters. TSPA does not attempt to influence the trust and safety policies or operations of its corporate supporters, nor does it force corporate supporters or individual trust and safety professionals to adhere to uniform positions or standards espoused by TSPA.
TSPA members engage on an individual, professional level. They are not representatives nor do they speak on behalf of their companies while engaging with the TSPA community. Members shall not share information, collude, or encourage any particular business practice that could be considered an antitrust violation. If members are aware that such practices are occurring, they should leave the discussion immediately and report to TSPA. TSPA’s antitrust law compliance policy and guidelines can be found here.
Security and Encryption Notice
TSPA’s communication platforms, including email, Slack space, website, Memberclicks site, Google workspace, do not support end-to-end encryption. Members should not share documents or information that require end-to-end encryption through TSPA’s communication platforms.
Illegal Content
Illegal content or behavior is prohibited on TSPA’s communication platforms and workspaces. Although there may be times when TSPA members may discuss illegal content (e.g., CSAM), it is imperative that the content itself stays out of TSPA channels.
Employer Compliance and Guidelines
TSPA does not have insight into codes of conduct or other compliance requirements set out by members’ employers or profession. Those who engage with TSPA are responsible for making sure that they never engage in activity that could put their employer or employment at risk.
We encourage anyone who engages with TSPA to read, understand, and comply with their employer’s antitrust policy, data use policies, and privacy policies. We do not encourage revealing or exchanging information that could violate terms of employment, such as sharing trade secrets or internal-only documentation that hasn’t been approved for circulation.
Code of Conduct Enforcement
TSPA expects all members to adhere to its Code of Conduct (CoC) and takes violations of the CoC seriously. This section explains how violations can be reported, how TSPA will investigate reports of violations, and the types of consequences that may be applied.
Reporting Violations
Violations of TSPA’s CoC can be reported to any TSPA staff member. The person reporting can send a violation report via email (to TSPA staff or reports@tspa.org), Slack DM, or in person. Reports must include the name of the person who violated the CoC if known, a description of what happened, and, if available, any documented evidence (screenshots, photos, etc.). The person reporting can be a witness, bystander, or victim.
Privacy
TSPA will keep confidential the identity of the person reporting if requested. Anonymous reports are permitted; however, TSPA’s ability to investigate fully may be limited.
How TSPA Will Review & Investigate
If the violation occurred in Slack, email, or another platform in which there is documentation or written evidence, TSPA will review the incident to confirm whether it violates TSPA’s CoC. If the violation was in person, TSPA may speak with the person who reported the incident to gather more details, speak with other witnesses, and/or speak with the person who violated the CoC.
After review, TSPA will determine whether TSPA’s CoC was violated. The determination will be made by TSPA staff, with a minimum of two staff members. If two staff members are not available or more perspectives are needed, TSPA may bring in a board member or advisor.
Types of Enforcement
If TSPA determines that the actions violated TSPA’s CoC, TSPA may respond in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the violation.
Written or Verbal Warnings
TSPA will tell the person who violated the CoC that their behavior is unacceptable within TSPA’s spaces. A member of TSPA staff will explain why that behavior isn’t acceptable and ask the person to refrain from doing so again. In addition to the verbal warning, TSPA will send an email summarizing the warning to the person who violated the CoC.
Warnings will be given when actions that violated TSPA’s CoC made others uncomfortable or are not appropriate, but did not cause physical harm or lasting mental anguish to others or material damage to TSPA. When possible, the person who violated the CoC will be given a chance to remove messages from Slack, modify slides, or rectify the situation in some other way. Rectifying behavior is taken into account during enforcement, though repeated violations will be considered as such even when rectifying behavior is exhibited.
Examples of the type of behavior that receives a warning
- Posting something on to the community Slack that is advertising or promotional in nature.
- Asking a bad-faith or combative question during a Q&A.
- Entering a badge-only space without a badge.
Removals or One-Time Bans
Removal from speaking at a TSPA event or activity
Depending on the infraction, TSPA may remove a speaker from a TSPA event or webinar. This may mean they are removed from a specific talk or webinar immediately, or that the speaker may not present in upcoming engagements due to a recent CoC violation.
Examples of the types of behavior that receive a speaking ban
- Plagiarism.
- Disparaging another company, team, or individual in slides or talking points.
- Speaking combatively during a panel, in particular on topics or points not agreed to by other panel members.
- Making comments that are disrespectful or hurtful to others.
Removal from a single TSPA event or activity
Depending on the infraction, TSPA may not allow the person or entity to participate in a specific event (such as a conference or webinar) or activity (such as a volunteer program or working group). All access to that specific event or activity will be revoked. They will be removed by TSPA (if on a virtual platform) or asked to leave by a TSPA staff member (if in person). They will also be removed from any digital shared spaces, including Google Docs or email lists.
This consequence will apply after repeated CoC violations that demonstrate an unwillingness to adhere to TSPA’s CoC, violations of the CoC involving attempts to circumvent policies or procedures, or violations that impact confidentiality, privacy, or safety of others. In such cases, violating individuals will be removed from further engagement in order to protect the community.
Examples of the types of behavior that receive a an event or activity ban
- Disparaging another person during a webinar or training.
- Sharing an event badge with a coworker, after an initial warning.
- Repeatedly asking staff, volunteers, or community members to bend the CoC or make exceptions.
- Refusing to accept TSPA policy or decision, such as continuing to insist on attending an event or session even after being told there is no space available.
- Overconsumption of alcohol, resulting in creating an uncomfortable environment for other attendees.
In severe circumstances, TSPA may refuse access to an in-person event if the person has a proven history of violence or behavior that could make other attendees uncomfortable.
Permanent Ban
Permanent ban from speaking at a TSPA event or activity
If someone has multiple violations during a speaking opportunity or if their violation is severe, TSPA will ban them from all future speaking engagements. This action will be applied if the person has repeated violations during speaking engagements and cannot be trusted to create an environment conducive to constructive or authentic conversion.
Permanent ban from all TSPA events, activities, or spaces
If someone has multiple violations or if their violation is severe, TSPA will ban them from all TSPA events, spaces, or activities. Depending on the violation, TPSA may choose to ban them from all events and activities or from only one type of engagement—such as banning someone from all in-person events, but they may still continue to attend virtual events.
This action will be applied if the person has repeated violations, including multiple warnings and other consequences. This action may also be applied if the violation was severe, in which their actions or behavior caused physical harm or mental anguish to others or material damage to TSPA.
Examples of the types of behavior that receive a permanent ban
- Using a data broker to discover and use information about community members.
- Doxxing a community member, staff, volunteer, or attendee.
- Threatening a community member, staff, volunteer, or attendee.
- Consistently attempting to subvert TSPA CoC or event health and security measures.
- Using a data broker to discover and use information about community members.
- Business practices which compromise the safety or privacy of staff, volunteers, or attendees.
Membership revocation
TSPA may also revoke membership as a consequence. If membership is revoked, the individual will be removed from TSPA’s member database and any membership benefits will be forfeited. In some cases, TSPA will not allow them to reapply for membership. Membership dues will not be refunded.
This action will be applied if a member has repeated violations, including multiple warnings and other consequences. This action may also be applied if the violation was severe, in which their actions or behavior caused physical harm or mental anguish to others or material damage to TSPA.
Examples of the types of behavior that receive membership revocation
- Misrepresenting your identity* in Slack.
- Repeatedly posting violating or irrelevant posts in Slack.
- Assisting others in violating TSPA’s CoC.
*Please note: If an individual has privacy concerns related to their identity, they can reach the membership team through memberships@tspa.org for support and guidance. Authentic representation does not require sacrificing privacy.
Third-Party Reporting
Report to a member’s employer
TSPA may reach out to a member’s employer if a member’s violation involves or is on behalf of the company. For example, if an individual claims to be reaching out on behalf of their company, claims that they were instructed by their company, or the behavior is consistent and prevalent among multiple employees at the same company.
Report to law enforcement or other authorities
TSPA may report certain actions or behavior to law enforcement or other authorities. TSPA will consider this consequence if the actions or behavior is illegal, harmful to others, or a liability for TSPA.
Preventing Violations and Rebuilding Trust
TSPA is a community built on trust. In some cases, CoC violations may be made unintentionally or with positive intent. However, all community members must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the intent, positive or unintentional. Here is TSPA’s commitment to the community:
- TSPA will always share with as much transparency as possible the details of CoC violations, in particular the specific actions that violated the CoC. In some cases, specific data like names or personally identifying information may not be shared to protect community members.
- TSPA will remind all community members of the CoC on a monthly basis, and inform the community of any updates in a timely manner.
- TSPA staff will be available to have open communication about CoC, including providing feedback on presentations or posts before they are publicly shared.
There are steps community members can take to ensure they do not commit unintentional or well-intentioned violations and will help them build trust in the community if they have violated the CoC.
- Review the CoC and ensure its clear. If there is any confusion, seek clarification from a member of TSPA staff.
- If it isn’t clear whether specific behavior is appropriate, community members can reach out to ask, or let TSPA know what they’re aiming to do. Staff members are here to help.
- Violated the CoC accidentally? In a vast majority of cases, first time incidents result in warnings. Take the following steps:
- Ensure that the cause of the warning is fully understood.
- Take steps to determine whether any potential damage can be repaired (e.g., deleting a post, offering an apology, etc.).
- Ensure that the rest of the CoC is thoroughly understood.
- Continue healthy engagement in the community. Trust can be rebuilt through healthy engagement over time.
Appeals Process
If someone feels that the determination of the CoC violation and/or the consequence is underserved, they have the right to appeal once. They will need to email TSPA via reports@tspa.org, and explain why the determination was incorrect or why the consequence wasn’t appropriate. Appeals will be reviewed by at least one staff member, advisor, or board member who was not involved in the initial investigations. In general, the person appealing the decision should also provide additional information to help TSPA in its re-consideration.
TSPA will provide a second determination and consequence, which will be the final decision.
This code of conduct was updated as of November 8, 2024. Please contact us if you have any questions about this code of conduct.
