The Town of Outlook recently passed a social media policy for its employees, as well as those on the local council.
The objective of the policy, which is titled ‘Social Media Practices’ is “To provide clear direction to employees and council on the Town’s standards to be observed when using social media.”
What follows are highlights of the policy, which was provided to The Outlook by the Town:
The Social Media Practices policy is implemented to establish the roles and appropriate forms of communications to the public for all employees and council of the Town of Outlook, both professionally and personally.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all Town employees and council on the following social media and networking platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok, Youtube, forums, message boards, blogs, and the Town’s official website.
POLICY
1. Administration staff and selected department heads may be granted access to the Town’s social media platforms as determined by the CAO.
2. Council will not be granted authority to the administration permissions of the Town’s social media platforms, however will be able to view, share, and engage on posts from the Town.
PROCEDURE
1. All posts, comments, message initiations or replies on behalf of the Town must be communicated from the Town of Outlook’s account, not an employee’s personal account.
2. Direct messages to individuals or businesses via messenger and chat platforms must be signed with the first name of the employee who sent the message.
3. Direct messages on behalf of the Town should only be made by approved personnel and during regular working hours, except in the case of an urgent notification or request.
4. Memorandums, public notices, and social media campaigns must be approved by the CAO prior to being posted.
5. Posts, messages, comments, and any other communications containing profane, derogatory, or defamatory language will be hidden or deleted from the Town’s public social media platforms; users who initiate these forms of communications may be banned from Town pages.
EMPLOYEE GUIDELINES
Employees are welcome to engage in personal social media activities outside of working hours, however when engaging in conversations regarding the Town, we expect employees to observe the following guidelines:
• Be respectful and polite
• Avoid speaking on matters outside of your field of expertise
• Exercise caution when answering questions or making statements
• Follow the Town’s confidentiality policy
• Be mindful of copywrite, trademarks, plagiarism, and fair use standards
• Refrain from using profane, derogatory, or defamatory language
• Ensure others know that their personal statements do not represent the Town
• Advise your immediate supervisor when you come across any misleading or false information
Employees who disregard their job duties, disclose confidential information, or engage in offensive behaviour on personal or professional social media accounts may face disciplinary action as per the Town’s Progressive Discipline Policy.
