Moderation policy
Ask Gareth is a moderated professional community. This policy summarises how moderation works. It sits alongside — and does not replace — the Code of Conduct, which defines what is and isn't acceptable on the platform.
Public discussion
Anyone can post questions and comment in open areas. All posts are subject to anti-spam controls, keyword filtering and moderator review.
Contributor and promotional content
Articles and sector guidance require vetted contributor status and editorial review. Sponsored placements, advertorials and partner content are clearly labelled; undeclared promotion may be removed.
Actions we may take
Depending on the issue, moderators may edit or label content, hide or remove posts, restrict posting rights, suspend an account or, in serious cases, remove it. Action is proportionate to the breach.
User notification
Where content is edited, hidden or removed, we aim to notify the author by email or in-account message with a short reason. Urgent safety, legal or safeguarding actions may be taken first and explained afterwards.
Appeals
Moderator decisions can be appealed within 30 days by replying to the notification or contacting the editorial team through the Contact page. Appeals are reviewed by a moderator who was not involved in the original decision.
Urgent reports
Concerns involving threats to life, safeguarding, criminal activity or serious professional misconduct are prioritised. Where appropriate, matters may be referred to the police, regulators or professional bodies.
Repeated or serious breaches
Repeated breaches, or a single serious breach of the Code of Conduct, may lead to suspension or permanent removal from the platform without further notice. Attempts to evade moderation (duplicate accounts, ban evasion) will also result in removal.
What we don't do
We do not provide client-specific legal, regulatory, accreditation or certification advice. We are not a certification body, accreditation body or regulator.