Policy Documents

Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy

North Scarle Parish Council

 

What is Social Media?

‘Social media’ is the term commonly given to websites and online tools which allow users to interact with each other in some way = by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interests. 

Council Use of Social Media

Principles

  • To publish information about the work of North Scarle Parish Council to a wider audience.
  • 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 advertisements - as this could lead to potential discrimination and privacy actions, as well as breach of data protection issues.
  • Comments on Social Media may be used to used as a guide to public opinion but North Scarle Parish Council recognises that it is not available to all and may not provide a definitive opinion on either side of a discussion.

Approved Council Social Media

  • North Scarle Parish Council website

Users of Council Social Media

  • The Parish Clerk has the authority to issue Facebook updates.  No other member (other than one deputising for the Parish Clerk) has the authority to issue public statements on behalf of the Council.

1.  Guidance for Council Officers on the use of Council Social Media

  • Officers 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 – ie. 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  • Conversations or reports that are meant to be private or internal must not be published without permission.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 – 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  • Do not publish anything that would be regarded in the workplace as unacceptable.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.

2.  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 North Scarle 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. 

3.  Comments made on Social Media

Comments made on North Scarle Parish Council’s social media posts (or any other social media posts) will not be acted upon.  Any situation requiring a response from North Scarle Parish Council should be sent to the Clerk by email or post.

The social media account is not constantly monitored and is not an appropriate way to contact the Parish Council.

Parish Councillors/Clerk will not reply to comments on social media.

Do:

  • Set appropriate privacy settings for any networking site
  • Watch out for defamatory or obscene posts from others on any page and remove them as soon as possible to avoid any perception that you condone such views
  • Be aware that the higher your profile as a councillor, the more likely it is that you may be seen as acting in an official capacity when you use social media
  • Ensure any Council facilities are used appropriate – if using a Council-provided 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:

  • Post/comment in haste
  • Post comments that you would not be prepared to make in writing or in face-to-face contact
  • Use Council facilities for personal or political purposes

 

 

Version 1

September 2021