Social Networking – All Staff

Although social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are good ways of staying in touch with friends, meeting new people and discussing shared interests, it is still important that staff remain safe, especially whilst online.

We must treat all such communications with respect as there can be a number of risks associated with social networking for a Trust, such as damage to its reputation, disclosure of confidential information and potential vicarious liability for any discriminatory behaviour or cyber-bullying.

It is important to remember that such communications:

• stay in the public domain for a long time and return/reoccur outside of your control • can be copied, used and amended by others and be republished on other websites • could be taken out of context or changed to misrepresent what was said • can attract comments and interest from other people/the media

Using Social Media

Nearly all social network websites allow an individual to control who can see your information and it is advisable that you take the time to look over your privacy settings.

Colleagues and pupils may see your online information, therefore, whether or not you identify yourself as an employee of the Trust, you need to think carefully about how much information you want to make public and make sure any information you post is professional, as you are personally liable for this information. You should never give out personal details like home addresses, telephone numbers, financial information or full date of birth, to prevent identity theft.

As Trust employees, and using Trust equipment you need to be aware that, the internet is used for Trust and business use and that whilst the Trust may allow access to social networking websites from its computers, this should not be done in work time if it is not work related and in line with the Trust policy and, as such, fair use, financial disclosure, libel defamation, copyright and data protection laws apply on-line, just as in any other media. (Please Refer to The Social Media Policy)

Keeping it Private and Decent

You should consider your obligations to pupils, partners and colleagues and to protecting the Trust’s reputation when using such sites. You should never give out details of colleagues, or partners without prior consent and should never make offensive or personal comments, ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity or behave in ways that are not acceptable in the workplace. This could bring the Trust into disrepute and leave you open to prosecution and/or disciplinary action.

It is not permitted to have current or ex-pupils as ‘friends’ on social networking sites as there may be a conflict of interest. This also includes any child up to the age of 18.

Should you have a family member who falls into this category who you would like to be a “friend/contact” on social sites you must inform HR of the pupils (Name) and reason for their access to your site. You need to ensure that the privacy settings of your “friends” are high enough not to show any comments that they may make on your account to their friends.

You are not permitted to speak for the School/Trust, disclose information, make commitments or engage in activities on behalf of the Trust, unless authorised to do so.

Giving Personal Views

As members of the Trust you must remain professional as you are seen as representing the Trust. If people become aware of your links, even if not speaking on the Trust’s/Trust’s behalf. In these instances, staff should make clear that they are speaking for themselves and not on behalf of the Trust or the Trust.

You must also be aware that these things may attract media interest and that if contacted, they should take contact details and take appropriate internal advice before responding. Any concerns should be discussed with the individual’s Line Manager.

Photographs and Images

Ensure that your settings are such that you cannot be “tagged” in a photograph without your permission. Be aware that any images of you could be viewed by others if your privacy settings are not at the correct level. Give thought to pictures that you post/share and the context in which you may be giving people access. For full details, please refer to the Social Media Policy.