Online moderation

All online platforms, communities and systems that the Skills Insight Jobs & Skills Council engages within are moderated.

These online environments are moderated to create and maintain spaces that are safe, inclusive, supportive, collaborative and respectful for all users.

All discussions within these online environments must adhere to the participation principles and rules outlined in this Policy. These environments may also have tailored guidelines, and onboarding supports available that further govern member participation.

We moderate using a combination of technology and human review. Where appropriate, we leverage automated tools that can detect content that may violate this Policy or the platform specific guidelines and or terms of use. Additionally, a profanity filter may be built into the software utilised which may disable or alter a user’s ability to use offensive language.

All user comments may be moderated in one of two ways:

  • Pre-moderation – content is first reviewed by a moderator to ensure Policy and guideline adherence, and must be approved before it can be published within the online environment, or;
  • Post-moderation – content is immediately published within the online environment and then reviewed by a moderator to ensure Policy and guideline adherence.

When potentially violating content is reported or detected, Skills Insight will work to take fair and appropriate action.

We have the right to hide, edit or remove any contribution that is:

  • perceived to violate this Policy and or related guidelines; or
  • not in the best interests of the community. 

When considered reasonable or in the interest of user safety, other moderator actions could include:

  • reviewing future user contributions before publication,
  • suspending the user, or
  • permanently banning and removing the user.

We take these decisions seriously and keep context in mind when assessing possible violations. Repeated or egregious violations may result in a member or user’s access being permanently removed and banned.

Skills Insight employees will adhere to this Policy and related operational procedures when undertaking moderation management responsibilities. All members and or users must adhere to the following participation principles and rules.

Participation principles

  • Respect – We value each member’s expertise, experiences, and contributions. We maintain a culture of mutual appreciation and constructive engagement.
  • Collaboration – We work together to share knowledge, best practice, ideas and resources, and to solve challenges and celebrate each other’s successes. Together, we foster mutual support and drive progress and collective success within our community.
  • Community First – We prioritise progressing shared goals and the growth of the collective over individual agendas and short-term actions that may harm long-term success.
  • Inclusivity – Diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed. We respect the needs of all members, strive to lift each other up and respond to barriers. We care about the wellbeing of all members, and we ensure this community remains a place where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute.
  • Safety – We behave in ways that support all members to engage confidently, free from harm, harassment or judgement.
  • Curiosity – We embrace a spirit of learning, exploring new ideas, and encouraging open-minded discussions that support growth and innovation. We welcome all members to ask questions openly and respectfully.
  • Learning – We are learning and adapting as we go. We are creating an environment where all members can learn and grow. Feedback is appreciated and continuous improvement is prioritised.

Participation rules

The following is not permitted:

  • Discrimination, harassment, vilification or bullying on the basis of a protected attribute or characteristic; including but not limited to age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, nationality, religion, physical or mental disability or medical condition, marital status or pregnancy, or physical features. 
  • Unlawful activity, including but not limited to defamation/slander/libel; copyright breaches; posting of illicit/terrorist/sexual material.
  • Explicit or obscene material, including content that is sexually explicit, depicts violent, or otherwise indecent or inappropriate. 
  • Defamatory content or attacks on members, users, business and brands. This includes naming and shaming and making false claims. 
  • Abusive or threatening language and actions. This includes content that includes language perceived as inciting violence or encouraging, endorsing, approving or recommending the performance of abusive acts.
  • Vexatious content or actions. Often these types of contributions are referred to as “trolling” – an act of provoking, irritating or upsetting others online by posting disruptive, or offensive content.
  • Direct promotion posts which include links to website, email or phone number, and repetitive, off-topic or high-volume posts soliciting for students or advertising for enrolments or similar. *
  • Direct promotion of fundraising, or research requests/surveys without Skills Insight moderation team approval. *
  • Provision of regulated advice (medical, legal, or financial advice). 
  • Content that is factually misleading, including discussion of outdated or unsafe work practices.
  • Disclosure of sensitive and or confidential information. This includes disclosing someone’s personal and or contact information without consent.
  • Content that is considered SPAM or off-topic. This includes contributions not in line with the purpose of the online environment.
  • Content that tampers with or interferes with the operation of the online environment or system, including discussion about moderation.
  • Content about moderation, including attacking or arguing with the moderation team about a moderation decision made.

*Sharing industry-based and supported conferences and events, and replying to employer requests for training information, are welcomed and encouraged.  Any fundraising or research requests/survey opportunities can only be shared with the approval of the moderation team and those approved will be shared by Skills Insight.

Breaches

A breach of any of these terms of use by a user means that Skills Insight may in their sole discretion:

  • remove or refuse to post any material submitted;
  • suspend or permanently block the user from using Skills Insight’s  online platforms;
  • report the user’s conduct to the user’s employer, and/or to any appropriate law enforcement authorities;
  • take any other action, including legal action, which Skills Insight considers to be appropriate.

Questions

If you have any questions about this Moderation Policy, you can contact us