Social Media Policy
Social Media Policy
‘Social media’ is the term commonly given to websites and online tools which allow users to interact with each other, this includes by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interests. This interaction may be through computers, mobile phones and new generation technology such as iPads.
Gedney Hill Parish Council Use of Social Media
Principles
To publish information about the work of Gedney Hill Parish Council to a wider audience
To publish relevant notices including but not exclusive to Highways, local events, weather warnings and information regarding the Gedney Hill Sports Pavilion
To avoid entering into online debates or arguments about the Council’s work
Social Media must NOT be used in the recruitment process for employees or new councillors, other than for the sole purpose of placing vacancy advertisement
Approved Council Social Media
http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/GedneyHill/index.asp?catId=15937
https://www.facebook.com/Gedney-Hill-Parish-Council-704792529644382
https://twitter.com/GedneyHillPC
Approved administrators of Council Social Media
Parish Clerk
Delegated member of the Parish Council
Guidance for Council staff and Councillors on the use of Council Social Media
Should be familiar with the terms of use on third party websites – eg. Facebook - and adhere to these at all times
No information should be published that is not already known to be in the public domain i.e. available on the Council’s website, contained in minutes of meetings, stated in Council publicised policies and procedures, etc.
Information that is published should be factual, fair, thorough and transparent.
Everyone must be mindful that information published in this way may stay in the public domain indefinitely, without the opportunity for retrieval/deletion.
Copyright laws must be respected.
Conversations or reports that are meant to be private or internal must not be published without permission.
Other organisations should not be referenced without their approval and when referencing, link back to the original source wherever possible.
Do not publish anything that would be regarded in the workplace as unacceptable.
Staff must remember that they will be seen as ambassadors for the Council, and should always act in a responsible and socially aware manner.
Third party Social Media and Individual Councillor Usage
Councillors need to think about whether they are acting in a private capacity, or whether any impression might be conveyed that they are acting for and on behalf of Gedney Hill Parish Council. The Council has adopted a Code of Conduct which is binding on all members. If you use Social Media in your official capacity as a Councillor, you should always be mindful of the Code, and of the seven Nolan principles applicable to holding public office – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Do:
Set appropriate privacy settings for any blog or networking site
Watch out for defamatory or obscene posts from others on any blog or page and remove them as soon as possible to avoid any perception that you condone such views
Be aware that it is likely that you may be seen as acting in an official capacity when you blog or network and on such posts must state the opinion is a personal and not as a member of the council
Ensure any Council facilities are used appropriately. If using a Council-provided blog site or social networking area, any posts that you make are extremely likely to be viewed as being made in your official capacity
Avoid publishing any information that you could only have accessed in your position as a Councillor
Be careful if making ‘political’ points, and avoid being specific or personal about individuals.
Don’t:
Blog in haste
Use Council facilities for personal or political purpose
Reviewing the Policy
In line with the Gedney Hill Parish Council Standing Orders, all Policies will be reviewed on a 12 monthly basis for applicability in line with changes in current legislation and requirements of the council.
All policies therefore, will be reviewed and adopted at the AM irrespective of the date on which they were initially written.
This Policy was reviewed and adopted at a meeting held on……………………………