Home / Framework / Core model
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.