Internet and social networking use
The growing popularity of personal web logs (blogs) and social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, may raise issues for the Council, particularly where employees choose to write about their work and the Council in which they are employed.
Internet access for personal use is at the Council’s discretion and must not affect an employee’s performance or productivity at work.
The Council may monitor the use of the internet for legitimate business reasons, including compliance with this Code. By using the internet employees are deemed to have consented to the monitoring, recording and auditing of internet use.
You must:
- adhere to the council’s Personal Information Security Policy and the Corporate Social Media Policy when using social networking sites for personal use
- make it clear when posting information or comments on social networking sites that any personal views expressed do not represent those of the Council
- inform your manager within good time if you have acted inappropriately when using social media, even if the mistake has since been resolved
- report to your manager any instances where you believe another employee has posted inappropriate or offensive comments on social networking sites
You must not:
- post information on social networking sites which is confidential to the Council, its suppliers, customers or contractors
- post entries on social networking sites about work colleagues and managers, Councillors, customers, contractors, service services or any other person linked to the Council which are derogatory, defamatory, confidential, discriminatory or offensive in any way or which could bring the Council into disrepute
Employees should ensure that they do not publish or incite or allow anyone else to publish material which may criticise a fellow employee, Councillor or any individual or body which would bring the Council into disrepute.