Social Media Policy

Honouring the Ancient Dead (HAD) recognises the role of social media in connecting with debate around the handling of ancestors. As a volunteer organisation with obligations as a charity HAD is obliged to have a social media policy for volunteers.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set out what HAD expects from volunteers when engaging with social media in HAD’s name. All volunteers are ambassadors for HAD and must operate within HAD’s remit as set out in its Statement of Intent.

SCOPE

This policy covers all social media activity conducted by volunteers using any valid HAD social media account on any of the social media platforms used by HAD. These are:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Blog posts on honour.org.uk
  • @honour.org.uk email addresses

Nothing in this policy or in the remit of HAD relates to any activities of volunteers in their private or work lives, when operating outside of HAD’s remit or not in HAD’s name using non-HAD social media accounts and platforms.

POLICY STATEMENT

  1. HAD recognises that social media provides unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on topics relevant to our work.
  2. HAD does not provide Internet enabled devices. This policy applies regardless of the ownership of the devices used to access social media. Volunteers are expected to adhere to this policy whether using their own device or borrowing those of others.
  3. Volunteers may be required to remove postings which are deemed to constitute a breach of this policy and guidelines.
  4. Volunteers are personally responsible for what they communicate.
  5. HAD respects all equal opportunities rights and legislation therefore social media should never be used in a way that conflicts with this commitment.
  6. Inappropriate use of social media can pose risks to our confidential and proprietary information and reputation, and can jeopardise our compliance with legal obligations. To minimise these risks we expect volunteers to adhere to this policy.

GUIDELINES

The following guidelines provide volunteers with common-sense guidelines and recommendations for using social media responsibly and safely.

  1. Volunteers must not post disparaging or defamatory statements about Honouring the Ancient Dead, other volunteers past or present, or any other organisation or person.
  2. Volunteers should avoid social communications that might be misconstrued in a way that could damage reputations.
  3. The owner’s consent must be obtained and documented prior to posting third party images, text or other digital media.
  4. HAD does not permit tagging of vulnerable adults or anyone under the age of 18.
  5. Volunteers should not link their personal social media to any HAD social media.
  6. Volunteers should not set up new social media presence – see Governance.
  7. Confidentiality should be respected at all times, should comply with HAD’s privacy policy and protect HAD financial information, information on our supporters and volunteers.
  8. Avoid positing comments on HAD’s performance.
  9. If you are uncertain about the appropriateness or alignment with HAD’s perspective of what you are about to post, seek guidance from one of HAD’s trustees.
  10. Do not record the contact or personal details of others outside of HAD, obtained during social media activity, outside of HAD’s GDPR Guidelines.

GOVERNANCE

  1. Only HAD trustees can set up or authorise new social media accounts and platforms used.
  2. Breaches of this policy statement must be reported to HAD trustees who will review and conclude any actions to be taken.
  3. Updates to this policy may be undertaken from time to time on an event or time driven basis. Requests for updates should be addressed to HAD trustees.
  4. Advice on interpretation of this policy should be sought via HAD trustees.
  5. The decisions of HAD trustees shall be documented, final and binding.

Address communications to ‘HAD trustees’ using the Contact form provided on this website.