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Social Media

1. Introduction. This policy provides guidelines for trustees, volunteers, and staff of The Person Centred Association (tPCA) on using social media to promote the organisation’s work and engage in social media activities in a personal capacity. 

2. What is Social Media?
Social media refers to web-based tools and applications that enable users to create and share content (such as words, images, and videos) and network with others. Examples include Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and other similar platforms.  Social media is crucial for communicating tPCA’s work, engaging with our audience, participating in relevant conversations, and raising the profile of our organisation.

3. Why Do We Need a Social Media Policy?
The distinction between personal and professional opinions can easily blur on social media and this policy outlines the standards we require everyone to observe to maintain the organisation’s reputation and comply with legal obligations.

This policy provides guidelines on supporting the delivery and promotion of tPCA’s mission through social media and the appropriate use of social media by staff in both professional and personal capacities.

4. Point of Contact for Social Media
A designated trustee (Social Media Officer) is responsible for managing tPCA’s social media channels.  This trustee is responsible for managing access to the accounts (logins and passwords); other trustees or staff may post on social media with their authorisation.  

5.  Which Social Media Channels Do We Use
tPCA uses the following social media channels:
Facebook – this is our primary social media channel used to share updates, news and information. 
Instagram – to be developed 
LinkedIn to be develope
Twitter – not used by tPCA due to conflict of values. 

6.  Appropriate Conduct when Using tPCA’s Social Media Channels 
6.1 The social media officer sets up and manages tPCA’s social media channels.

6.2 The social media officer, or a designated trustee, monitors and responds to comments on social media.

6.3 Social media posts should adhere to and reflect tPCAs values rather than being from a personal perspective of the individual creating the post.  

6.4 Authors must comply with copyright laws and not use or adapt others’ content without permission.

6.5 Authors should not make defamatory comments about individuals or organisations

6.6 tPCA maintains political neutrality. Comments on policy are acceptable, but authors should not express biased opinions

7.  Responding to Issues on Social Media
7.1 Any complaints made on social media should be referred to managed in accordance with the Complaints policy and responded to in collaboration with the Engagement and Information Officer.

7.2 Any potential issues/responses that might escalate should be raised at the Trustee meetin

8.  Appropriate Conduct when Using Personal Social Media Accounts 
8.1 A “Views are my own” disclaimer is required if promoting tPCA’s work on personal accounts.

8.2. Staff must not bring tPCA into disrepute through personal social media activities.

8.3 Any potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed at the Trustee Group meeting

8.4 Personal social media communications must not breach confidentiality or disclose internal information.

8.5 Authors must not post discriminatory, bullying, or harassing content on any social media platform

9.  Responsibilities and Breach of Policy
Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all tPCA trustees, volunteers and staff. Anyone  unsure about the policy should seek advice from the Engagement and Information Officer. 

Policies are agreed by the Trustee Group.  

Policies are reviewed every three years when changes in practice or legislation require incorporation into existing policies.  If the next review date has expired and the policy has not yet been updated, this version of the policy is still applicable.

Date agreed by Trustee Group 

6/10/24

Date for next review 

6/10/27