Access Arts Policy 2.3: Social Media Policy

Social media policy

Definition:

Social media is defined as online media that allows for interaction including:

  • Social networking and micro-blogging sites like Facebook, Twitter, Bebo, Foursquare, Tumblr and Pinterest
  • Video and photo sharing sites like Instagram, Flickr, YouTube and Vimeo
  • Online forums and discussion blogs including comments on news features and articles
  • Any conversation or activity occurring online involving sharing data or information that may impact on Access Arts or people who use our services

Purpose:

This policy is intended to provide employees, volunteers and members of Access Arts with clarity on the use of social media platforms.

Audience:

This policy applies to all people who work, volunteer or represent Access Arts and any other people who identify as stakeholders in the organisation.

Policy:

Access Arts positively encourages the use of social media interaction to help raise our profile and showcase our work and that of our members. However we ask you to adhere to the following principles when using social media whether in an official or personal capacity.

Identification:

This policy defines identification as ‘how a social media bio, post, tweet, account, blog or page description identifies that particular social media channel as being affiliated with Access Arts.’

Accounts can be identified as official or personal.

An official social media account that represents Access Arts should say so in its bio, page or account description. No official social media account should be set up without permission from the Chief Executive who can provide the appropriate description to use.

A personal social media account set up by any stakeholder or employee may have an affiliation to the organisation with the following stipulations:

  • It should not have the affiliation with Access Arts as the primary identifier
  • It should state that any opinions expressed are the person’s own and not that of Access Arts
  • It should state a disclaimer that reposting or retweeting etc. does not represent the views of Access Arts

Individual stakeholders do not have permission to post official Access Arts content. However they can repost or retweet posts or comments verbatim to show their affiliation or support for the organisation.

Inappropriate use:

Inappropriate use of social media includes (but is not limited to):

• Conducting a private business on Access Arts social media presence

• Using discriminatory, defamatory, abusive or otherwise objectionable language

• Stalking, bullying, trolling or marginalising any individual or group

• Accessing or uploading pornographic, gambling or illegal content including extreme images of graphic content (blood and gore etc) or information regarding activity relating to firearms, bombs, terrorism, etc

• Accessing sites that promote hatred or extreme/fundamental beliefs and values

• Direct political affiliation, unless an individual is running for election (but only on a personal account)

• Uploading information of a confidential nature, especially in regards to Access Arts services or members

• Hacking or attempting to infiltrate the systems of Access Arts or another organisation

• Criticising or denigrating Access Arts or other organisations and our/their employees, volunteers or supporters

• Activity that interferes with work commitments

• Paid endorsement of any kind including in kind services or gifts

• Activity that brings Access Arts or the person’s professionalism or ability to act in a professional manner into disrepute.

It is the duty of everyone who is affiliated with Access Arts to alert the Chief Executive to any inappropriate content they may come across.

Policy breach

Misuse of social media can have serious consequences for Access Arts and consequently that misuse can have serious consequences in terms of disciplinary action for staff and volunteers. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Social Media Policy by staff and volunteers. This includes undertaking appropriate risk assessment and performance management or disciplinary action of any suspected or identified breach.

In the event of serious misconduct disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal may occur.

Complies with Queensland Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS): 1, 2, 3, 4

Update Responsibility: Chief Executive Office

Date of last update: March/2016

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