Personal Use of Social Media

This policy applies to what staff write, post or stream on social media sites in a personal capacity which may relate to their work.

We recognise that many employees take part in social networking sites outside of work hours. In the majority of cases this is uncomplicated and trouble-free.

The intention of this policy is not to interfere with an employee’s personal life. Yet there are potential risks/nuisances associated with the use of social media. Risks which individuals may not even be aware of. Erosion of the boundary between work-life and home-life can have a negative effect on the relationship between an individual and their employer.

We need to provide our staff with clear guidelines on what is and what is not considered to be appropriate personal use of social media. This is to safeguard the reputations of individuals and the organisation.

Top Tips on using the Personal Use of Social Media policy

• The main principle of this policy is that conduct on-line should meet the high standards of behaviour which we expect of our employees.
• Employees should take care about what they post on the internet. Individual privacy settings do not always stop others seeing and distributing your content.
• All employees are responsible for any information they make available on-line. This applies whether posting during work hours, during breaks or when not at work.
• If you identify NHSGGC as your employer, make it clear when publishing your opinions that these are your own personal views. You should make it clear that they do not represent the views of NHSGGC.

Guidance on Countering Abuse on Social Media