Terms of Use - The POND Network

Terms of Use

Last Updated: 27 July 2025

Welcome to The POND Network. Please read these Terms of Use ("Terms") carefully before using our website and online community platform located at thepondnetwork.org (the "Platform"). These Terms govern your access to and use of the Platform, which is owned and operated by The POND Network CIC. By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

1. Our Service

The POND Network provides an online community platform for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people across the United Kingdom. Our service is designed to provide a safe environment for peer-to-peer support, information sharing, and community building, in line with our core mission.

2. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Not Professional Advice

The content and communication on the Platform, whether shared by The POND Network or its users, is for informational and peer-support purposes only.

  • No Medical Advice: The Platform does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
  • No Legal or Financial Advice: The Platform does not provide legal, financial, or educational advice. Information shared should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals.

The POND Network does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice, or statement made by users on the Platform.

3. User Accounts

  • Eligibility: You must be 18 years of age or older to create an account.
  • Registration: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.
  • Account Security: You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

4. Community Guidelines & Acceptable Use

Our community is built on trust and respect. By using the Platform, you agree to:

  • Be Respectful and Supportive: Treat all members with kindness and respect. We are all in this together. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Harassment, bullying, and hate speech will not be tolerated.
  • Uphold Confidentiality: What is shared on the Platform, stays on the Platform. This is a private space for members to share personal experiences. Do not share personal information or content from this community externally.
  • Give Support, Not Unsolicited Advice: Offer support and share your own experiences. Avoid telling others what they "should" do, as what works for one family may not work for another.
  • No Misinformation: Do not share harmful narratives, conspiracy theories, or unverified medical claims. This is a space for credible support, not for spreading harmful content.
  • No Unlawful Activity: Do not use the Platform for any illegal activities.
  • No Commercial Activity or Spam: Do not use the Platform for commercial solicitation, advertising, or spam.
  • Share Responsibly: Do not post content that is defamatory, obscene, or infringes on any third party's rights.
  • Be Authentic: Do not impersonate any person or entity.

5. User-Generated Content

  • Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for all content you post on the Platform ("User Content").
  • License to Us: By posting User Content, you grant The POND Network a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your User Content in connection with operating the Platform. You retain all your ownership rights.

6. Moderation

As our Platform is for adults, we trust it to be largely self-moderating based on the mutual respect of our members. Admins will intermittently moderate the community to ensure it remains a positive and safe space. While we encourage open discussion, admins reserve the right to review, edit, or delete any posts or content deemed inappropriate or in contravention of these guidelines without notice. We have the right, but not the obligation, to monitor content. If you have any concerns, please contact an administrator directly or use the reporting features on the Platform.

7. Intellectual Property

All content and materials provided by The POND Network on the Platform are the property of The POND Network CIC and are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not use this content without our prior written permission.

8. Termination

You may terminate your account at any time. We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time if you breach these Terms.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The POND Network CIC shall not be liable for any damages resulting from your use of the Platform or from any conduct of any third party on the Platform.

10. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

11. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of any significant changes by posting the new Terms on the Platform and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after any such change constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at site@thepondnetwork.org.

The POND Network

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