Last updated: 28/01/2026
1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct (“Code”) sets the minimum standards of professional behaviour expected from all
Advisors participating in Digital Advisory, including any advisory sessions, community discussions,
events, and interactions with members, clients, prospects, and the Digital Advisory team.
The objective is to protect trust, confidentiality, safety, and the quality of advisory outcomes. Compliance with this Code is a condition of participation.
2. Core Principles
- Confidentiality: protect sensitive information and discussions.
- Integrity: be truthful, accurate, and transparent.
- Independence: provide judgement, not sales pitches.
- Respect: uphold a harassment-free, discrimination-free environment.
- Merit and fairness: avoid bias and treat people equitably.
- Professionalism: act as a senior representative of the Digital Advisory community.
3. Confidentiality and Information Handling
Digital Advisory discussions often involve commercially sensitive, personal, or otherwise confidential information.
Advisors must handle such information with strict care.
- Do not disclose, share, forward, screenshot, record, or summarise confidential discussions outside the authorised context.
- Do not use confidential information for personal benefit, competitive advantage, or to benefit a third party.
- Share information internally only on a need-to-know basis, and only through approved Digital Advisory channels.
- Apply “minimum necessary” principles: disclose only what is required to deliver the advisory outcome.
- Maintain strong security hygiene (device protection, passwords, secure networks) and report suspected compromise promptly.
Where a separate NDA, contract, or platform terms apply, the stricter obligation prevails.
4. No Politics
Digital Advisory is a business-focused environment. Advisors must not use Digital Advisory channels to promote political parties,
political campaigns, or political ideologies, or to solicit political support.
This does not prohibit legitimate discussion of regulatory, policy, or geopolitical risk when directly relevant to a business decision,
provided it is handled neutrally, professionally, and without advocacy.
5. No Discrimination, No Harassment
Digital Advisory is committed to a safe, respectful environment. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, hate speech,
intimidation, or retaliation are not tolerated.
This includes conduct related to (but not limited to):
- Protected characteristics (e.g., sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, nationality, religion).
- Sexual harassment (unwanted advances, comments, imagery, or behaviour).
- Demeaning language, stereotypes, or exclusionary conduct.
- Threats, coercion, or hostile behaviour in any channel (online or offline) connected to Digital Advisory.
6. Bias and Fair Dealing
Advisors are expected to exercise sound judgement and to avoid unfair bias in how they assess people, companies, or situations.
- Evaluate ideas on merit, evidence, and context.
- Avoid assumptions based on personal background, geography, accent, education path, or company size.
- Where uncertainty exists, state assumptions and limits clearly.
7. Conflicts of Interest and Independence
Advisors must avoid situations where personal, financial, or professional interests could compromise (or appear to compromise) independence.
- Disclose any actual or potential conflicts promptly (e.g., investments, board roles, competitor relationships, personal relationships).
- Do not accept assignments where you cannot remain objective; step back if independence is impaired.
- Do not use Digital Advisory interactions to solicit business, recruit, or sell services unless explicitly authorised within a defined process.
- Do not represent Digital Advisory as endorsing you or your firm unless you have written authorisation.
8. Professional Standards and Quality of Advice
- Provide advice that is candid, constructive, and grounded in relevant experience.
- Avoid overstating certainty; distinguish facts from opinions.
- Do not provide legal, medical, tax, or regulated financial advice unless you are qualified and explicitly engaged to do so.
- If you are unsure, say so and suggest appropriate next steps or specialist input.
9. Intellectual Property and Content
Advisors must respect intellectual property, confidential materials, and proprietary frameworks.
- Do not share third-party copyrighted materials without permission.
- Do not remove or repurpose Digital Advisory materials outside authorised use.
- If you contribute content, you represent that you have the right to share it and that it does not breach confidentiality.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
Advisors must handle personal data responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Digital Advisory policies.
Do not collect, store, or process personal data from Digital Advisory interactions beyond what is necessary to deliver the advisory engagement.
If you become aware of a suspected data incident (loss, unauthorised access, accidental disclosure), notify Digital Advisory promptly.
11. Reporting Concerns
Advisors are expected to speak up if they observe misconduct, safety concerns, or confidentiality risks.
- Report concerns promptly to the Digital Advisory team through the designated contact channels.
- Provide factual information and cooperate with any reasonable review.
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is prohibited.
12. Enforcement
Digital Advisory may take action where this Code is breached or where behaviour creates material risk to trust, safety, or confidentiality.
Actions may include:
- Informal warning or coaching.
- Removal from specific engagements or community areas.
- Suspension or termination of participation and access.
- Referral to legal remedies where appropriate (e.g., confidentiality breaches).
13. Acknowledgement
By participating as an Advisor, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.
If you have questions about interpretation or application, please contact us.
