We will do as much as possible from a third-party standpoint to help ensure users stay safe while using the network by providing safety training and information (user preparedness), and by facilitating trust between users through profile building and verification (trust-building).
Unaccompanied Children and vulnerable adults should not use the Homestay Network.
The inclusivity of the Network, especially for people with accessibility needs around home-sharing, will be ensured through additional sign-up and platform support, accessibility improvements on the online platform, and help finding accessible host spaces.
Whilst Human Hotel has built up considerable experience and expertise ensuring the safety of users on their public platform, we are working with a range of organisations within the climate movement to build this strategy out for the Climate Homestay Network.
User Safety
Safeguarding
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Online Security & GDPR
As providers, supporters, and promoters of the Climate Homestay Network we will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of its users. This includes (but is not limited to) adhering to all relevant laws and regulations.
As a third-party, peer-to-peer service, those responsible for providing and promoting this service assume no legal liability for the actions of its users.
https://www.humanhotel.com/terms-of-use/
The platform and its use will be covered by a Risk Assessment Register.
We will do everything possible from a third-party standpoint to help ensure that users stay safe whilst using the Climate Homestay Network by providing safety training and information (user preparedness), by facilitating trust between users through profile building and verification (trust building), and by creating support systems on the ground during events and actions (user support).
User Preparedness
User safety guide: we will send out information to guests and hosts, including safety advice, best practices, emergency procedures, etc. This will be made available in accessible formats.
Safeguarding training: we will provide all guests and hosts the opportunity to undertake online safeguarding training - and encourage those who have completed the training to highlight it on their profile.
Trust Building
Trust is built primarily through robust user profiles - enabling informed choice and fostering a connection between guests and hosts. Users will be encouraged to highlight the completion of voluntary training on their profile.
Profile verification: the platform requires certain (verified) information from users, eg credit card information, alongside voluntary profile verification that can help in trust building between users. This is outlined below:
Post-match (online) chat: we will encourage users to have a conversation with the person they connect with on the platform before meeting in person on web-video platforms such as Zoom.
* Bank Account Ownership confirmed via the payment company we are using. If they cannot verify Identity & Ownership through their own Know-Your-Customer (KYC) technology, they will request a Proof of ID Document (eg. Passport, Driver License, Resident permit, Citizen Card, Electoral ID, Validate UK, or other) & Proof of Address Document (Utility Bill, Statement from Finance Institution, Housing Association Letter, etc.)
Host Insurance
The Host Trust & Guarantee Program allocates up to $10,000 (USD) to eligible hosts who have made a proper claim to damaged property by their guest and meet the requirements for financial assistance. https://www.humanhotel.com/host-trust-and-guarantee-3/
Unaccompanied Children and Vulnerable Adults should not use the Homestay Network.
Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the course of the network’s use (for example in a host household) is the responsibility of their legal guardian. Safety advice will, however, be provided to all guests and hosts as part of our support of user preparedness.
Accompanied Guests who want to use the Climate Homestay Network, and self-identify as vulnerable or as having additional safeguarding needs, can be provided with additional support, including:
Support setting up a profile and navigating the platform.
Help to find hosts or guests that fulfill certain safeguarding requirements.
Additional safety information (as part of the safety information pack) to support users who identify as vulnerable
No sensitive information will be collected or held on the platform or any staff member working on it.
We are committed to ensuring that the Climate Homestay Network is as diverse and inclusive as possible.
The online platform has been built to reflect and support the range of communities that make up the global climate movement, with functions designed to remove the barriers that may hinder engagement from different groups.
All information relating to the platform, including the terms of use, FAQs, Covid Statement, etc. will be made available in accessible formats.
Our Helpdesk team will support anyone who wants to sign up as a guest or host. Though this can only be done online at the moment: we are hoping that in the future it will be safe to offer support in person.
Hosts are asked to fill out an accessibility checklist to help guests find a space that suits their needs.
We are also working to create a pool of accessible host spaces that will be held in reserve for people with specific requirements. The Safeguarding and Accessibility Lead will help guests access the reserve accessible spaces.
Human Hotel will securely hold any data relevant to the service according to their privacy policy:
https://www.humanhotel.com/privacy-policy/
https://www.humanhotel.com/terms-of-use/
Homestay Network Specific Terms (under review)
https://www.humanhotel.com/climate/privacy-terms-of-use/
Current SaaS Ownership Terms (under review)
https://www.humanhotel.com/business/privacy-policy/
https://www.humanhotel.com/business/terms-and-conditions/
Human Hotel
COP26 Coalition