Our Duty of Care Policy

This Duty of Care Policy outlines our responsibilities to you and the measures we take to promote your well-being while using our platform. By using Echo, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this policy.

 Our Commitment to User Safety, and User Responsibilities

Our Commitment to User Safety

  • Safe Environment: We strive to maintain a platform where users can engage in open and supportive conversations without fear of harassment, discrimination, or harm.

  • Privacy Protection: We are dedicated to safeguarding your personal information and ensuring confidentiality within the platform.

  • Compliance with Laws: Echo complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Online Safety Act 2023.

User Responsibilities

  • Respect Others: Treat all members with respect and kindness. Avoid any form of harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour.

  • Maintain Confidentiality: Do not share any personal or sensitive information disclosed during calls outside of the group.

  • Report Concerns: If you witness or experience any behaviour that violates our policies, please report it to us promptly.

Emergency Protocols and Moderation and Support

Emergency Protocol - Immediate Support

  • Self-Care Encouraged: If you are feeling distressed or in need of support, we encourage you to reach out to professional services.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • In Immediate Danger: Please contact emergency services by dialing 999.

    • Emotional Support: You can call the Samaritans at 116 123 for confidential support at any time.

Emergency Protocol - During Active Crisis on a Call:

  • Moderator Action: If a user appears to be in immediate crisis during a call, our moderators will handle the situation with care and discretion.

  • Data Handling: In such cases, we may request additional contact information (e.g., location, phone number, etc.) to assist in ensuring your safety. We may contact police or emergency services.

  • No Support for Assisted Suicide: Echo does not support or facilitate any discussions or actions related to assisted suicide.

Moderation and Support

  • Trained Moderators: Our moderators are trained to facilitate discussions, promote a positive atmosphere, and intervene when necessary to uphold our community standards.

  • Monitoring: While we respect user privacy, we may monitor interactions to ensure compliance with our policies and to protect users from harm.

  • Intervention: We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including warnings, suspensions, or bans, against users who violate our policies.

Prohibited Actions, and Moderation and Enforcement

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to use Echo to:

  • Engage in Harassment or Hate Speech: Including but not limited to threats, bullying, or promoting violence against individuals or groups.

  • Disseminate Illegal Content: Such as promoting terrorist activities, sharing child sexual exploitation material, or any form of illegal pornography.

  • Impersonate Others: Do not misrepresent your identity or affiliations.

  • Collect and/or Share Personal Data: Do not collect, store, or share personal data about other users without their explicit consent.

  • Conduct any other prohibited activities stated in our Ground Rules.

Moderation and Enforcement

  • Moderators: Echo employs listeners trained to facilitate conversations and ensure compliance with these Terms.

  • Reporting: Users can report concerns or violations to moderators or through our support email at hello@theechoplatform.com

  • Consequences: Violation of these Terms may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent banning from the platform.

Privacy and Data Protection, Safeguarding Measures, and User Support

Privacy and Data Protection

  • Confidentiality: All personal information and conversations are kept confidential, except in situations outlined in our Emergency Protocols.

  • Data Security: We employ robust security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure.

  • Limited Disclosure: Any disclosure of information to third parties (e.g., universities or emergency services) will be strictly for the purpose of ensuring user safety.

User Support

  • Echo Peers: If you have concerns or need assistance, you can reach out to your Echo Peer for support.

  • Alternative Arrangements: If you are uncomfortable with your current peer group, please contact us at hello@theechoplatform.com, and we will assist you in finding a better fit.

Safeguarding Measures

  • Age Verification: We verify that all users are adult to maintain an appropriate and safe community, using our sign-up form submission.

  • Prohibited Content: Activities such as harassment, hate speech, promotion of violence, illegal activities, or sharing of explicit content are strictly prohibited.

  • Anonymity and Security: Users are encouraged to maintain anonymity for their safety. Sharing personal contact information with others on the platform is discouraged.

Reporting and Response, Limitations of Service, and Legal Compliance

Reporting and Response

  • Reporting Mechanisms: Users can report any concerns or violations through the platform or by contacting hello@theechoplatform.com.

  • Timely Response: We are committed to responding to reports promptly and taking appropriate action to address any issues.

  • Investigation Process: All reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly while respecting user confidentiality.

Legal Compliance

  • Online Safety Act 2023: We adhere to the requirements set forth in the Online Safety Act 2023, including measures to prevent and address illegal and harmful content.

  • Duty of Care Discharge: By following the protocols outlined in this policy, Echo fulfills its duty of care obligations to users.

Limitations of Service

  • Peer Support Platform: Echo provides peer support and is not a substitute for professional mental health services.

  • No Professional Advice: Moderators and peers are not qualified to provide medical or psychological advice.

Updates to This Policy, Contact Information, and Disclaimer

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Duty of Care Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes by updating the effective date and providing notice within the platform.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at:

  • Email: hello@theechoplatform.com

Disclaimer

This Duty of Care Policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting with a legal professional to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Acknowledgment

By using Echo, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Duty of Care Policy and agree to its Terms.