MENU
Hambleton Foodshare (HFS) recognises that the use of Social Media is now an everyday part of life, and is aware of the benefits that its correct use may have, particularly in keeping stakeholders informed and raising the profile of HFS amongst a wider audience.
This Policy outlines HFS's commitment to the use of Social Media whilst protecting the interests of its clients and volunteers.
Social Media is broadly defined as any website or application that enables users to create and share content or participate in social networking. For the purposes of this policy, references to Social Media include all the following:
• Blogs
• Facebook
• lnstagram
• Instant Messaging Services
• Linkedln
• My Space
• Press Releases
• Social Bookmarks
• Skype
• Snapchat
• Twitter
• YouTube
As well as any similar services available now or in the future.
Application
This policy applies to all use of Social Media by any associate, employee, trustee or volunteer of HFS or any third party working for or on behalf of HFS.
This policy will be reviewed annually by HFS Trustees, or earlier as a result of any new guidance from the Charities Commission or any other legislation relating to the use of Social Media.
Social Media - Benefits
Social media offers a number of potential benefits to HFS and its members including:
• Ease of communication
• Increased exposure
• Additional revenue streams
Each individual must be aware that any information posted on the internet (which includes social media) where others have access is available for public viewing. It is often forgotten that anything said to one person might be seen by a great many others. Once posted it is not then possible to say it was unintended, or that it was a private comment and not intended for onward distribution or publication.
Other potential risks may include:
• Cyber bullying
• Sexual grooming
• Exposure to Inappropriate and I or illegal content
• Theft of personal information
• Defamation
• Criminal Activities
Responsibilities
a) The Trustees will at its first meeting after the AGM appoint the Coordinator to oversee the operation of the agreed Social Media applications on HFS's behalf. No new Social Media applications may be set up without approval from the Trustees.
b) All volunteers
When using Social Media HFS expects all those covered by this policy to adhere to the following:
Not to:
I. Post information or make comments that could bring HFS into disrepute or which are derogatory or disrespectful in any way to HFS, or anyone associated with it;
II. Make any speculative comments which might have an actual or likely negative impact on HFS's reputation or cause embarrassment to HFS, its partners, employees or clients or intend to do the same or be posted without proper regards to the potential for harm;
III. Not post any pictures or statements that may embarrass another member of HFS or HFS itself;
Examples of unacceptable comments or postings are creating, accessing or circulating any material
that:
i. Could potentially result in an operational or reputational risk to HFS or anyone associated with HFS;
ii. Contain profanity, obscenities, derogatory or abusive remarks;
iii. Could be viewed as containing discriminatory material whether on the grounds of race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, nationality, religion or belief, pregnancy or gender re-assignment;
iv. Contain nudity or images of a sexual nature that could cause offence;
v. Could be construed as libellous by the person about whom the comment is made;
vi. May have the effect of creating an intimidating or hostile environment for others;
vii. Could lead to allegations of bullying or harassment even if this is not on the grounds of someone's protected characteristic i.e. sex, race, disability etc. even if the person about whom the comment is made has not seen the comment;
viii. Discloses confidential Information or Information that is not readily available to those outside of HFS (this would Include any information given in confidence that it is reasonable for HFS to consider as confidential).
Where any offending material has been posted and this is brought to the attention of HFS those posting it will be asked to remove the offending content and asked to leave HFS.
Disciplinary Action
Should anyone bring HFS, its staff, volunteers or clients into disrepute, then they will be asked to leave HFS.
Communication
HFS will endeavour to respond to all communication received via Social Media platforms within three working days in line with the timescales in place for all other communications.
Approved at Trustee's Meeting on 21/01/2024
Morag Joyce, Chair of Trustees
Review Date: January 2025
