Online Safety Policy – Using  Climate Connect Safely

1. Purpose 

This policy sets out guidance for safe, appropriate, and responsible use of the Climate Connect platform by staff, volunteers, other organisations and community users. Climate Connect is a crowdsourced platform that connects communities to policymakers on climate and nature issues.

• Scope

This policy applies to all users accessing the Climate Connect platform. It aligns with the 2025 Climate Connect Community Guidelines, Hope for the Future’s Privacy Policy and EDI Policy, and ensures the platform remains safe, respectful, and impactful.

1. Usage 

The Climate Connect platform is public and any information or content posted on it should adhere to the UK Online Safety Act.

All approved users are expected to:

• Engage respectfully and constructively.
• Respect differences in opinion and values, including political, religious and other views
• Share accurate, evidence-based information.
• Avoid misinformation and unverified claims.
• Focus discussions on climate and nature topics.
• Refrain from discriminatory, inflammatory, or offensive language.
• Protect personal and community privacy.

• Unacceptable Use 

The following activities are not permitted on Climate Connect:

• Sharing false or misleading information.
• Harassment, bullying, or personal attacks.
• Posting offensive, discriminatory, or harmful content.
• Promoting or engaging in spam or commercial advertising.
• Sharing personal information without consent.

Consequences for violations may include warnings or requests to edit inappropriate content, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the platform for serious or repeated violations.

 

5. Online Conduct Guidelines for Public Officials

MPs and public officials using the platform must:

• Maintain transparency and honesty.
• Treat all users with respect.
• Respond respectfully and constructively to community contributions.

 

6. Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

If a user engages in unacceptable behaviour, we may take any action that we deem appropriate, this could include removal from Climate Connect without warning. If anyone shares illegal content (e.g. hate speech) they will be removed from the platform without warning. In most circumstances, we will take the following actions: 

1. Ask the individual to stop their unacceptable behaviour, via email. If someone is asked to stop their unacceptable behaviour, they are expected to comply immediately. Instances of written unacceptable behaviour or language will be removed by the Hope for the Future team.
2. If an individual does not comply with this request, they will receive a written warning via email. This is a last and final warning. 
3. If an individual is still participating in behaviour that is not in line with Hope for the Future’s code of conduct then we reserve the right to remove the individual from Climate Connect without further warning.

We also reserve the right to ban individual(s) from future events held by Hope for the Future. 

 

7. Reporting and Escalation 

At Climate Connect, we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone who uses our platform. 

While we encourage open and honest dialogue between communities and politicians, we take any concerns seriously—particularly those relating to inappropriate content, safeguarding, or harassment.

 

6.1 What to Report

Whilst Hope for the Future will monitor the platform, we also ask users to help us maintain a safe and constructive space by reporting any of the following:

• Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
• Abusive, threatening, or derogatory comments directed at politicians or any platform user
• Discriminatory or offensive language, including hate speech or personal attacks
• Inappropriate sharing of personal information
• Any other behaviour that may pose a risk to individual safety, dignity, or wellbeing
  
  

If users are unsure whether something should be reported—please err on the side of caution and report it.

 

6.2 How to Report a Concern

Users should report any behaviour, inappropriate content or violations by emailing us directly at: info@hftf.org.uk.Please include:

• A description of the concern
• A link or screenshot (if applicable)
• Contact details (optional, but needed for follow-up)
  
  

All reports will be handled confidentially (we will only share information on a need-to-know basis) and reviewed promptly.  

We are committed to addressing violations fairly and transparently.
Our aim throughout is to respond with integrity, consistency, and care for all parties involved.

 

6.3 What Happens Next

Once a report is submitted:

1. It will be reviewed  within 1–3 working days by an appropriate member of the HFTF team.
2. We will assess the reported behaviour/content against our platform guidelines, community standards, and relevant internal policies.
3. Where possible, will verify the concern using the information provided (e.g. screenshots). 
4. If applicable, will give the individual or party involved an opportunity to respond or provide context before making a decision.
5. We will consider the impact of the reported issue on users, staff, and the wider HFTF community.
6. We will ensure that any action taken is proportionate, fair, and aligned with our values of inclusivity, respect, and safety.
7. In cases where no clear breach is found, we will document the rationale and remain open to re-evaluation if further evidence emerges.
8. Where necessary, we may take immediate action to remove harmful content or suspend user accounts.  If this happens we will explain this clearly to the individuals involved and offer next steps.
9. For safeguarding concerns or serious violations, we may escalate the issue to appropriate external agencies or authorities.
10. If follow-up is appropriate, we will respond to the reporter with an update, where possible.

We reserve the right to remove or take action against any content or user that breaches our Community Guidelines or poses a risk to safety, integrity, or public trust.  A decision to remove a user who has breached our guidelines is final and they will not have the right to dispute this.

 

7. Data Protection and Security

 HFTF staff will:

• Follow HFTF data protection policies.
• Avoid sharing sensitive or personal data unnecessarily.
• Report any information security concerns immediately.
• Adhere to the Following HFTF Policies:
  • Information Governance – Access, storing and sharing of HFTF information 
  • Information Governance – Use of internet 

 

8. Linked Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Privacy Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• EDI policy

 

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner needed – for example if there are significant changes to the platform or relevant legislation.