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Social Media Policy

Scope

Our use of social media as a church is a key way we communicate and do mission on Sutton Hill, Woodside and the wider community. As a PCC we recognise the need to address the risks and behaviours on social media. This policy will be reviewed every 3 years as a minimum.

How we do this

Social media guidelines

We encourage all using the church’s social media to comply with the Church of England's Social Media Guidelines.

  • Be safe. The safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults must be maintained. If you have any concerns, ask a diocesan safeguarding adviser. 
  • Be respectful. Do not post or share content that is sexually explicit, inflammatory, hateful, abusive, threatening or otherwise disrespectful.
  • Be kind. Treat others how you would wish to be treated and assume the best in people. If you have a criticism or critique to make, consider not just whether you would say it in person, but the tone you would use. 
  • Be honest. Don’t mislead people about who you are.
    Take responsibility. You are accountable for the things you do, say and write. Text and images shared can be public and permanent, even with privacy settings in place. If you’re not sure, don’t post it.
  • Be a good ambassador. Personal and professional life can easily become blurred online so think before you post. 
  • Disagree well. Some conversations can be places of robust disagreement and it’s important we apply our values in the way we express them. 
  • Credit others. Acknowledge the work of others. Respect copyright and always credit where it is due. Be careful not to release sensitive or confidential information and always question the source of any content you are considering amplifying.
  • Follow the rules. Abide by the terms and conditions of the various social media platforms themselves. If you see a comment that you believe breaks their policies, then please report it to the respective company.

    If breaches of these guidelines are reported we will take steps to remove posts or participation and escalate further as appropriate.

Digital Charter

We have signed the Digital Charter, a voluntary pledge to uphold and support making the web a more supportive and positive space. This is covered by the following principles and behaviours:

  • Truth - we should hold ourselves to high ideals of checking that what we post online is fair and factual.
  • Kindness - we are all different and that makes the world an interesting place – and at times a challenging one. Think the best of people, whether they share our views or are speaking against them and aim to be constructive in the way we engage.
  • Welcome - in the language we use and the way we interact. It’s easy for Christians to speak in another language using words that those outside the Church might not relate to.
  • Inspiration - we are called to be witnesses of our faith and to use social media in a way that genuinely engages others.
  • Togetherness - we are one Church and other members of this Church are our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is crucial we treat those around us in this way.
  • Safeguarding - if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults, please contact the relevant diocesan safeguarding adviser.
  • Agree to the Church’s and Archbishops’ social media guidelines (see above)

Consent

We will ask for written consent for anyone who features in our images either on social media, websites or published documents. Member who regularly attend church will be asked to sign the GDPR forms every 3 years. Non-members will have consent rechecked at future events. Consent for use of images can be withdrawn at any time by contacting suttonhillwoodsidechurch@gmail.com This information is also available on the consent form as understood at the time of giving consent

Administrators

All platforms are subject to password protection and can only be accessed by approved administrators. All posts will meet all the guidelines set out in this policy. Administrators are also responsible for monitoring all platforms.

Monitoring

All platforms are monitored by approved administrators to ensure all posts are appropriate against this policy. Any person continually posting inappropriately will be blocked from all platforms.

Complaints

Any complaints against any posts or use of the social media can be reported via email to suttonhillwoodsidechurch@gmail.com. The complaint will initially be replied to with a holding email and the Social Media representative on the PCC informed. The Representative with the Vicar will then reply appropriately to the complaint with any action taken. The complaint will be reported to the next PCC meeting and this policy reviewed.