Code of Conduct

Standards of behaviour for our entire community

Thrive Line Connections is built on the belief that meaningful social impact thrives in environments of trust, respect, and mutual accountability. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of every person who participates in our platform and programmes ; including mentees, mentors, event attendees, volunteers, and staff.

By registering on the platform or attending a Thrive Line Connections event, you agree to uphold this Code. Violations may result in suspension, removal from the platform, or referral to relevant authorities where the law requires.

1. Our Core Values

Everything we do at Thrive Line Connections is guided by five core values:

Respect

We treat every person ; regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background with dignity and courtesy.

Integrity

We are honest, transparent, and accountable in all our interactions. We do not misrepresent ourselves, our qualifications, or our intentions.

Growth

We embrace learning, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement. We support one another's development with patience and generosity.

Safety

We are committed to creating a safe space — physically, emotionally, and digitally — for all community members.

Inclusion

We celebrate diversity and actively work to ensure that our community is welcoming and accessible to all.

2. Expected Behaviour

All community members are expected to:

  • Communicate respectfully and professionally at all times ; on the platform, in sessions, and at events
  • Listen actively and with an open mind during social impact sessions and discussions
  • Honour scheduled sessions and commitments; provide timely notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
  • Provide and receive feedback constructively, focusing on growth rather than criticism
  • Maintain confidentiality : do not share personal information disclosed during social impact sessions without consent
  • Represent yourself honestly in your profile, communications, and programme applications
  • Comply with all applicable Kenyan laws and the platform's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
  • Report concerns, misconduct, or safeguarding issues promptly through the appropriate channels

3. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances:

3.1 Harassment and Discrimination

  • Harassment of any kind ; verbal, written, physical, or digital including unwanted advances, offensive jokes, or intimidation
  • Discrimination based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under Kenyan law
  • Bullying, trolling, or persistent unwanted contact
  • Sharing or displaying offensive, sexist, racist, or otherwise discriminatory content

3.2 Misconduct on the Platform

  • Creating false or misleading profiles or credentials
  • Impersonating another person or organisation
  • Attempting to access accounts or data that do not belong to you
  • Using the platform to solicit money, investments, or business deals from other users
  • Spamming, sending unsolicited bulk messages, or engaging in phishing
  • Uploading or sharing malware, harmful code, or illegal content
  • Scraping or harvesting data from the platform without authorisation

3.3 Exploitation and Boundary Violations

  • Exploiting the mentor-mentee relationship for personal, financial, or romantic gain
  • Pressuring mentees or mentors to engage in activities outside the scope of the programme
  • Sharing confidential information disclosed during social impact sessions
  • Engaging in any form of coercion, manipulation, or undue influence

3.4 Illegal Activity

  • Any conduct that constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of Kenya or the user's country of residence
  • Sharing, distributing, or encouraging content that promotes violence, extremism, or self-harm
  • Violations of the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 or other applicable data protection laws

4. Mentor-Specific Responsibilities

Mentors occupy a position of trust and influence. In addition to the general standards above, mentors are expected to:

  • Be clear about the scope and limitations of their expertise and not present opinions as professional advice where formal qualification is required
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with mentees at all times
  • Not use social impact sessions to promote personal businesses, products, or services
  • Declare any conflicts of interest to Thrive Line Connections promptly
  • Complete any required onboarding, safeguarding, or orientation training before beginning sessions
  • Support mentees' goals and autonomy rather than directing them toward outcomes that serve the mentor's interests

5. Mentee-Specific Responsibilities

Mentees are encouraged to take ownership of their growth journey. Mentees are expected to:

  • Come prepared to sessions with clear goals, questions, or topics to discuss
  • Be receptive to feedback and willing to reflect on advice given
  • Not request services, tasks, or assistance outside the agreed scope of the social impact programme
  • Inform Thrive Line Connections if they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or that boundaries are being crossed
  • Complete any profile or programme information accurately and honestly

6. In-Person and Virtual Events

This Code of Conduct applies fully to all Thrive Line Connections events, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid. At events, all participants must:

  • Follow instructions from Thrive Line Connections staff and event facilitators
  • Refrain from disruptive behaviour that interferes with others' participation
  • Not record, photograph, or share images of other participants without their consent (except as covered by the Photography Policy in our Privacy Policy)
  • Consume alcohol responsibly where it is provided; intoxication that leads to disruptive or harmful behaviour will result in removal from the event
  • Respect venue rules and leave the space in a reasonable condition

7. Safeguarding

Thrive Line Connections is committed to the safeguarding of all community members, with particular attention to vulnerable individuals. We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse, exploitation, or harm.

All safeguarding concerns : including concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, even if you are uncertain — must be reported immediately to info@thrivelineconnections.com. Reports will be handled confidentially and, where necessary, referred to relevant authorities including law enforcement.

Thrive Line Connections complies with Kenya's Children Act, 2022 and all applicable safeguarding frameworks.

8. Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it. We are committed to handling all reports with seriousness, fairness, and confidentiality.

How to Report

  • Online: Use the 'Report' feature within the Mentees Portal on any user profile or message
  • Email: info@thrivelineconnections.com
  • At events: Speak directly to a Thrive Line Connections staff member or event manager

Anonymous reports are accepted. Where you choose to identify yourself, your identity will be protected to the extent possible.

What to Include in Your Report

  • A description of the incident, including date, time, and platform or location
  • The name or username of the person involved (if known)
  • Any supporting evidence such as screenshots or messages
  • Your preferred contact method for follow-up (if you wish to be contacted)

9. Investigation and Consequences

All reports will be reviewed by the Thrive Line Connections conduct team. Our process is as follows:

  • Acknowledgement of receipt within 2 business days
  • Confidential review of the reported incident
  • Where necessary, both parties may be contacted separately for their account of events
  • A decision will be communicated to the reporting party within 14 days where possible

Consequences for violations of this Code may include, depending on severity:

  • A formal written warning
  • Temporary suspension from the platform or programme
  • Permanent removal from the platform and all Thrive Line Connections programmes
  • Referral to law enforcement authorities where conduct constitutes a criminal offence under Kenyan law

Thrive Line Connections reserves the right to take immediate action — including immediate suspension — where a situation poses a risk to the safety of any individual.

10. False or Malicious Reports

Making a knowingly false or malicious report against another community member is itself a violation of this Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. This provision is not intended to discourage good-faith reports made in genuine belief.

11. Appeals

If you believe a decision made under this Code was unfair or disproportionate, you may submit an appeal within 14 days of receiving the decision. Appeals should be sent to info@thrivelineconnections.com with a written explanation of your grounds for appeal. A senior member of the Thrive Line Connections team who was not involved in the original decision will review the appeal.

12. Updates to This Code

This Code of Conduct may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our community, legal requirements, or best practices. Material changes will be communicated via email or a platform notice. Continued use of the platform following the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Code.

13. Contact

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to make a report:

Thrive Line Connections

Website: thrivelineconnections.com

General conduct: info@thrivelineconnections.com

Safeguarding: info@thrivelineconnections.com

Appeals: info@thrivelineconnections.com

By participating in the Thrive Line Connections platform or any of our programmes and events, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.