Agenda item - Social Media Protocol for Members & Social Networking Policy for Employees

Report of the Head of Law & Monitoring Officer (to follow).

98.1         The Committee considered a report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services in relation to a social media protocol for members and social networking policy for employees. The report bought these two documents to the Committee which had been drafted following decisions the Committee took in January 2013.

98.2         Councillor Lepper welcomed the report, and noted that she had raised this issue at previous meeting after becoming increasingly concerned about Members and Officers use of Twitter. Most large private and public employers had social media and networking polices, and the role of a Councillor was also slightly different as it took in the political dimension. She also went on to highlight that Members needed to remember that when using social media they are under the same obligation to maintain standards of conduct as if they were writing a letter or email, and it was important to take a common sense approach to this issue.

98.3         Councillor Sykes noted that if the use of social media was ‘common sense’ then it might not be necessary to have it set out in a protocol or policy. He went on to note that advice against ‘friending’ people on Facebook might actually constrain activities for some Members. The Head of Law & Monitoring Officer added that the intention was to ensure Officers were not seen to be too close to a specific Member or party. Following a further question it was confirmed the policy for employees had been consulted on internally.

98.4         Councillor Wealls asked if similar literature had been drafted from bodies such as the LGA, and in response it was confirmed that the policy for employees had already been drafted by the Social Media Officer, and some benchmarking work had been undertaken to see how other local authorities had approached this matter.

98.5         Councillor Norman noted that she also welcomed the documents, and she hoped it could be used to enforce standards of conduct for Members.

98.6         Councillor Sykes noted that a common sense approach should also be taken to the interpretation of the document.

98.7         RESOLVED:

        i.            That the Committee approve the Social Media Protocol for Members at Appendix 1.1 to this report.

      ii.            That the Committee approve the Social Networking Policy for Employees at Appendix 1.2 to this report.