Safeguarding

TTS Statement on Allegations of Serious Misconduct or Criminal Acts.

We at The Travel Squad (TTS) are committed to providing a safe online environment for all users. We will not tolerate proven misconduct of any kind.

If the conduct in question has occurred on the social media groups operated by TTS, then appropriate action will be taken as soon as we are aware of it. This could include expulsion from the group(s) on all platforms. Depending on the nature of the conduct, it may also include reporting to the police or other appropriate authorities.

However, if the conduct complained of happened outside the TTS social media groups then the following will apply.

(a) If the conduct was at a TTS branded/organised events and TTS Admins organised, attended and/or facilitated the event, then the matter should be reported to them onsite or as soon as practical afterwards and/or to the police or other proper authorities; or

(b) If the conduct happened at a TTS branded event that was locally organised by members of the social media group and TTS Admins did not attend, then please contact The Travel Squad welfare team on welfare@travelsquad.info. If necessary, the police or proper authorities should be alerted by the victim and/or witnesses without delay.

TTS will fully cooperate with any investigation of such an incident by the authorities and will act appropriately on any findings, up to and including expulsion from the group. It may also be appropriate for TTS to temporarily suspend anyone involved in the conduct from our groups, pending a resolution.

If no such report to the authorities is made or if an investigation is ongoing then it is highly inappropriate for members to comment on the group about the incident and this could amount to a breach of TTS online usage rules. TTS will happily receive direct communication from anyone who has concerns about these matters however.

If you experience inappropriate conduct of any kind, we have a specialised TTS welfare team who can advise on the appropriate action you can take.

Principles & Ethos

The main priority of The Travel Squad is to connect like-minded people around the world through outdoor travel. The Travel Squad started from TikTok and its members are fun-loving enthusiastic people who, from time to time, may require a little help and guidance with appropriate conduct. We value the enjoyment and enthusiasm of its members while maintaining a positive attitude and respect towards themselves and others.

The following are a set of principles that have been created by The Travel Squad to ensure everyone has the best experience they can.

These apply to both face-to-face meetings and online interactions.

Principle 1.

The Travel Squad is about inclusivity. There should be no difficulty to every person being involved in all aspects of The Travel Squad.

Example: No one should feel left out regardless of their circumstances e.g, mental health, physical disability, or shyness. Remember the reason you joined, you all wanted to make friends and feel included.

Principle 2.

Respect the rights of others regardless of; gender, race, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background.

Example: This includes online and face-to-face meet-ups. It's very easy to be thoughtless behind the keyboard and intentional abuse will never be tolerated. Criminal and/or sexual misconduct allegations will always be taken seriously.

Principle 3.

The contributions of all TTS members who give their time and resources for the operation of TTS events are valued.

Example: TTS leaders and other contributors who give their time and effort to making events happen should be treated in a respectful, fair, and appropriate way.

Principle 4.

Be respectful to members of the public and the environment surrounding TTS groups.

Example: Campsites, landowners, hotel staff, and others should be treated appropriately. Always be mindful of choosing environmentally friendly options, especially no littering.

Principle 5.

Be supportive, positive, and encouraging to all TTS members whether online or face to face.

Example: Positive commenting and appropriate advice on online posts only.

Principle 6.

Communication is key, particularly in ensuring all TTS events are fully and safely enjoyed by all.

Example: Outdoor hiking, ensuring everyone is aware of appropriate clothing and footwear.

These principles are guidance but repeated or serious breaches could lead to further action by TTS at our discretion.

Conduct

The core aim of The Travel Squad is to connect like-minded people around the world through outdoor travel and adventure. We are all digital natives, and likely first connected online. However, our shared love is travelling and experiencing the world with each other.

We value the enjoyment and enthusiasm our members bring to each other. It is critical that we maintain a positive attitude and respectful approach to each other. The Travel Squad have created the following general principles to ensure everyone has the best experience they can. These apply to face-to-face meetings, online interactions.

Principles

1. Travel is for everyone, regardless, of gender race, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, cultural background, etc. There should be no barriers for every person getting involved within The Travel Squad.

2. We are a community. Engage with TTS and non-TTS members and inspire positivity. Disrespectful, rude, inapropriate or anti-social behaviour is not tolerated.

3. Contributions are key. Those TTS members who give their time and resources for the operation of TTS events are valued.

Whilst it is impossible to give examples of every situation, you should follow common sense and generally accepted standards of behaviour.

Member disputes

It is inevitable that a small number of our community will misbehave from time to time and that not all personalities mix.

We recognise that we cannot regulate conduct outside of our events, social media platforms and groups. However, to facilitate having a safe community, we will carefully consider conduct complaints outside of a TTS environment.

When it comes to matters of disputes within the community, please follow the process below:

1. The relevant parties to a dispute should first try to resolve the issue directly with each other, through open and honest communication.

2. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily through direct communication, the dispute can be brought to the attention of the local WhatsApp/Chat group's administrator. The administrator may attempt to try and reach a resolution.

3. If the dispute cannot be resolved through conversation, the administrator may suggest/make a decision on the matter based on the group's rules and guidelines.

4. For fundamental breaches of TTS rules and guidelines that have an impact across the community, bearing in mind the safety of all our members, this may be reported to the TTS community which will result in a ban.

5. A person may appeal their ban, but the onus will be on them to provide any evidence or argument in support of their appeal. The leadership is under absolutely no obligation to review or overturn the ban.

The Travel Squad accepts absolutely no liability for loss or damage where the Responder is unable to take up a place on a Travel Squad arranged or TTS members trip due to being removed from The Travel Squad. Where this involves one of our Partners, such as Travamigos or Luxeweek, you will need to refer to their specific terms.