Social Media Policy

Version: 1.0

Approved by: South East Wales Consortia (SEWC) Parent Carer Forum(Blaenau-Gwent; Caerphilly; Monmouthshire; Newport; Torfaen)

Approved on: 18th August 2020

Reviewed: ANNUALLY

Next review due on: August 2021

Definition: Social media is an umbrella term used for websites and online tools, which allow people to share and interact with each other. This can include sharing

information, pictures, videos, opinions, news and interests

Whilst recognising the benefits of this medium for new opportunities of communication, this policy sets out the principles that professionals, forum members/parents/carers and the community are expected to follow when using social media.

The principles set out in this policy are designed to ensure that the use of social media is responsibly undertaken and that the confidentiality of professionals, forum members and the reputation of the forum are safeguarded. All members of the Parent Carer Forum must be conscious always of the need to keep their personal and professional lives separate. When referring to social media this document means any internet sites used for communication and sharing. Popular social media sites include but are not limited to: Twitter Facebook Instagram Snapchat YouTube

Whilst the Parent/Carers Forum group does not have a presence on any platform, a specific Parent Carer Forum Social Media page where all communication will be done will be shared via the identified Facilitator/SNAP Cymru and posted on SNAP Cymru website/Facebook page.

Under no circumstances may the Forum logo be used or published on any personal web space or on any online or offline medium without prior consent. These are registered trademarks, patents and the intellectual property of the host local authority. This policy covers personal use of social media as well as the use of social media for official Parent Carer Forum purposes, including sites hosted and maintained on behalf of the forum. Scope: This policy applies to all members of the Parent Carer Forum. However, employees of the host local authority who support the group are required to adhere to their local authority ‘Use of Social Media Policy’.

How we use social media We actively encourage all members of the Parent Carer Forum to share information about the group and its purpose via social media channels to engage with parents, carers and ask that they direct all enquiries direct to the identified facilitator (all forum members will have email links to facilitator)

Be Responsible and Respectful Users should be conscious at all times of the need to keep their personal and professional/forum lives separate. They should not put themselves in a position where there is a conflict between the forum and their personal interests

Users should not engage in activities involving social media which might bring the SEWC Parent Carer Forum into disrepute; Users should not represent their personal views as those of The SEWC Parent/Carer Forum on any social medium; Users should not discuss personal information about other members/professionals who are part of the forum; Users should not use social media and the internet in any way to attack, insult, abuse or defame professionals/members involved within Forum, their family members, colleagues, other organisations;

We do not pre-moderate user-generated content before it goes live. However, we regularly monitor all the channels and we will delete any comments or messages that do not meet our posting guidelines.

We are not liable for user-generated content. We make no commitment to respond to individual comments, messages,

posts or tweets. Messages posted by Parent Carer Forum volunteers are for general

informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice.

Used correctly social media is a powerful way to connect. They are key communication tools, which highlight our commitment to openness and transparency and promote the work and the vision of the SEWC Parent Carer Forum.

The benefits of the SEWC Parent Carer Forum using social media include: Engaging with more parents, carers and residents quickly Promoting the work of the Parent Carer Forum Increasing awareness of events and activities

When using social media it is also important to remember that:

Information can be shared around the world within seconds The reputation of the Parent Carer Forum can be damaged if social media is

not used correctly

Please remember: You are responsible for what you write Do not share confidential or personal information about yourself or other

people Do not post photos of other people, especially children, even if taken at

SEWC Parent Carer Forum events If you want to talk off topic with someone, please message them privately

Posting guidelines: Whilst we want our social media sites, including our Facebook page, to be open and honest spaces, posts should also be polite and not cause offence. Therefore, we reserve the right to delete any of the following posts or comments which:

contain personal information, such as telephone numbers, address details etc.

contain violent, pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, hateful, or discriminatory posts, links or images

threaten or defame any named person, professional or organisation advertise commercial activity or make requests for donations or money

suggest or encourage illegal activity contain false or derogatory statements about any person or organisation are off topic or unrelated? are repetitive posts, copied and pasted or duplicated by single or multiple

users amount to bullying or harassment impersonate or falsely claim to represent a person or organisation are party political are in breach of copyright or other intellectual property rights are links or material relating to chain letters, junk mail, online gambling or

extremist groups contain content which is likely to create any liability, criminal or civil, for the

individual or the organisation Where possible and in response to any request, we will explain why we banned a contributor or deleted a post. We will explain why a contribution did not fit with the guidelines and suggest how the content could be rephrased so that it can be published. Safeguarding: Where there appears to be a clear need to safeguard the welfare of a poster and/or his/her family, we will contact the relevant authorities.

Breaches of this Policy: Any breach of this policy that leads to a breach of confidentiality, defamation or damage to the reputation of the forum and its purpose or any illegal acts or acts that render the forum liable to third parties may result in legal action.