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APPENDIX 2 - social media policy guidelines

A policy on social networking and social media might include the following, adapted to local circumstances.

Good practice in the electronic communication is no different to good practice in other forms of communication such as writing letters or emails or representing your organisation at meetings and conferences.

  1. Write in your own ‘voice’ and try not to be too formal.
  2. Disclose your position and capacity in which you write.
  3. Take care that what you write:
    • Does not bring your organisation company into disrepute.
    • Is accurate and fair
    • Is not defamatory or libellous.
    • Does not divulge sensitive, confidential or personal information.
    • Does not infringe copyright.
  4. Remember that what you write may remain public for a long time.
  5. Include links to other blogs or sites mentioned in your posting.
  6. Don't use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, etc., and show proper consideration for others' privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory – such as politics and religion.
  7. Debate rather than argue. Be the first to correct your own mistakes, and don't alter previous posts without indicating that you have done so, except for minor grammatical or spelling errors
  8. If you are unsure, it’s never a bad idea to ask for a second opinion.

Personal Blogs. If you write a personal blog outwith your employment you may of course write what you wish but you should be mindful of general employment conditions regarding bringing your employer into disrepute.

See also