VPNSA Code of Conduct
Effective date: July 2026
The VPNSA Code of Conduct sets out the professional and ethical standards expected of all members. It exists to protect the credibility of the community, support respectful collaboration and promote responsible service to clients.
1. Professionalism and Respect
Members are expected to treat one another with respect, professionalism, and courtesy at all times.
VPNSA will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, abusive behaviour, personal attacks, gossip, or behaviour that makes another member feel unsafe, disrespected, or excluded.
Members are expected to communicate in a way that reflects positively on themselves, their businesses, and VPNSA.
2. Ethical Business Conduct
Members must operate their businesses honestly, ethically, and professionally.
This includes transparent communication, clear pricing, written client agreements where appropriate, responsible service delivery and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and business obligations.
Members must not misrepresent their experience, qualifications, availability, services, results, or relationship with VPNSA.
3. Confidentiality
Members may be exposed to confidential or sensitive information through VPNSA, including member discussions, client opportunities, business challenges, pricing, processes, documents, and personal experiences shared within the network.
This information must not be shared, copied, discussed outside the network, or used for personal gain without clear consent from the relevant person or business.
Confidentiality applies during membership and continues after membership ends.
Members must take reasonable steps to protect client, member and VPNSA information in accordance with POPIA and any confidentiality obligations agreed with their clients. Confidential information must not be entered into AI platforms, shared drives or other third-party systems without appropriate authority and safeguards.
4. Collaboration Over Competition
VPNSA is built on collaboration, not unhealthy competition.
Members are encouraged to support, uplift, refer, recommend, and learn from one another. Members must not undermine, copy, sabotage, or speak negatively about fellow members in order to gain work, visibility, or clients.
Healthy competition is understood. Unfair conduct is not.
5. Referrals, Overflow Work, and Client Opportunities
Where referrals, overflow work, leads, or client opportunities are shared through VPNSA, members are expected to handle these opportunities with honesty, respect, and professionalism.
Members may not poach clients, bypass agreed referral processes, privately approach another member’s client without permission, or use VPNSA connections in a way that damages another member’s business.
If a member accepts work through VPNSA or through a fellow member, they are responsible for delivering the work professionally and communicating clearly with the relevant parties.
VPNSA members operate independent businesses and remain responsible for their own services, pricing, contracts, communication and delivery. VPNSA does not guarantee the quality, availability or suitability of any individual member.
6. No Spam or Aggressive Selling
Networking is encouraged, but spam is not.
Members may not send unsolicited sales messages, repeatedly promote their services, pressure members privately, add members to mailing lists without consent, or use VPNSA platforms mainly for self-promotion.
Promotional sharing must be relevant, respectful, and aligned with the purpose of the specific VPNSA platform or discussion.
7. Appropriate Use of VPNSA Platforms
All VPNSA platforms, including WhatsApp groups, online forums, social media spaces, meetings, events, accountability sessions, and member resources, must be used for their intended purpose.
Content shared must remain professional, relevant, respectful, and aligned with VPNSA’s values.
Members should avoid excessive posting, unrelated content, chain messages, political arguments, offensive material, or anything that disrupts the purpose of the space.
8. Member Information and Directory Use
Member names, contact details, profiles, business information, photos, and directory listings may only be used for genuine networking, referrals, or professional engagement.
Members may not copy, scrape, distribute, sell, or use member information for bulk marketing, cold outreach, or external databases without permission.
9. Representation of VPNSA
Members should represent VPNSA positively and professionally when referring to the network online, offline, in client conversations, or in business settings.
Members may state that they are VPNSA members, but they may not claim to speak on behalf of VPNSA, represent VPNSA leadership, or make promises on behalf of VPNSA unless they have written permission to do so.
Members may use an official VPNSA membership badge while their membership is active and in accordance with the badge guidance supplied by VPNSA. Badges, logos and other VPNSA branding may not be altered, transferred to another person or used to suggest that VPNSA guarantees or endorses a member’s services.
10. Accountability and Payments
Members are responsible for keeping their membership payments up to date.
Access to VPNSA platforms, listings, benefits and opportunities is subject to an active membership in good standing. Where payment is overdue, VPNSA may pause access after reasonable notice until the account is brought up to date.
VPNSA reserves the right to pause or remove access where membership payments are overdue or where membership terms have not been met.
11. Member Features, Spotlights, and Public Visibility
Where members are featured by VPNSA, they are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information.
VPNSA may edit member feature content for clarity, professionalism, formatting, and brand alignment.
Members must not use VPNSA features or visibility to make false claims, mislead potential clients, or imply guaranteed endorsement beyond their membership status.
12. Conflict and Concerns
If conflict arises between members, members are encouraged to handle the matter respectfully and professionally.
Where necessary, concerns may be raised with VPNSA leadership for review. VPNSA may choose to guide the parties, issue a reminder, request corrective action, or take further steps depending on the seriousness of the matter.
Members should not use VPNSA platforms to publicly shame, attack, or escalate disputes. Concerns should be submitted privately to VPNSA with sufficient information to allow the matter to be considered fairly. Where appropriate, affected members will be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
13. Breach of Conduct
VPNSA reserves the right to investigate any reported breach of this Code of Conduct.
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the breach, action may include an informal reminder, written warning, temporary removal from VPNSA platforms, suspension of benefits, termination of membership, or refusal of future membership.
Serious breaches, including harassment, breach of confidentiality, client poaching, dishonest conduct, or behaviour that damages the safety or reputation of the network, may result in immediate termination of membership.
Membership fees are not automatically refundable where membership is terminated due to a breach of conduct.
VPNSA will consider the seriousness of the conduct, available information, previous concerns and any response provided by the member. VPNSA’s decision regarding membership access and participation will be final, subject to applicable law.
14. Commitment to the VPNSA Community
By joining VPNSA, members agree to contribute to a professional, supportive, ethical, and collaborative environment.
VPNSA is not only a membership platform. It is a growing professional ecosystem. Each member plays a part in protecting the standard, reputation, and value of the network.
15. Acceptance and Updates
By applying for or maintaining VPNSA membership, members confirm that they have read, understood and agreed to comply with this Code of Conduct.
VPNSA may update the Code as the community and its services develop. Members will be informed of material changes, and the latest version will be available on the VPNSA website.
Questions or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct may be submitted privately to support@vpnsa.co.za