Status: Informative Framework v1.0 Glossary v1.0 Last updated: 2026-03-06

Core model

Trust Surface

The collection of digital systems and observable signals through which stakeholders experience and judge the trustworthiness of an organisation’s digital presence.

Trust Signal

An observable indicator (evidence) that describes the trust posture of a Trust Surface component.

Trust Posture

The current, evidence-based state of an organisation’s Trust Surface as represented by the strength, consistency, and coverage of its Trust Signals.

Trust Signal Gap

The difference between intended posture and the posture actually signalled by observable evidence.

Visual anchor

TrustSurface Framework diagram

Operating rhythm

Discover → Assess → Harden → Govern → Signal is the minimal cycle that converts trust into evidence, prioritised work, and governance controls.