Social Media

1. Purpose

The purpose of this social media policy is to establish guidelines and best practices for the employees, volunteers, and representatives of Hope’s Therapy Dogs when engaging in social media activities on behalf of the organisation. This policy aims to ensure responsible and professional use of social media platforms, protect the organisation's reputation, and maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with Hope’s Therapy Dogs, including employees, volunteers, contractors, and representatives. It covers both official organisational accounts as well as personal social media activities that may impact the organisation.

3. Guidelines

3.1 Professional Conduct

a. Be respectful: Treat others with respect and courtesy when engaging in social media activities, maintaining a professional and inclusive tone

b. Maintain confidentiality: Do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information about the organisation, its clients, donors, or partners. Respect privacy rights and refrain from sharing personal information about others without their consent

c. Separate personal and professional profiles: Clearly differentiate between personal and professional social media accounts. Avoid posting personal opinions or content that may be misconstrued as representing the organisation's views without proper authorization

3.2 Representing the Organisation

a. Clearly identify affiliation: When posting on behalf of the organisation, clearly state your role and affiliation to avoid any ambiguity about whether you are speaking in an official capacity

b. Accuracy and credibility: Ensure that the information shared is accurate and supported by reliable sources. When referencing the organisation, use factual and approved information

c. Disclaimers: Include a disclaimer stating that opinions expressed are your own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation when posting personal opinions that could be mistaken for official statements

3.3 Content and Posting

a. Appropriate content: Use good judgement when posting content on social media platforms. Avoid posting offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content that may harm the organisation's reputation

b. Copyright and intellectual property: Respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights when sharing content. Give proper attribution to original sources and seek permission when necessary

c. Fact-checking: Verify the accuracy of information before sharing. Avoid spreading false or misleading information

d. Consistency with organisation's values: Ensure that your social media activities align with the values, mission, and goals of the organisation

3.4 Privacy and Security

a. Protect personal information: Respect the privacy of individuals by refraining from sharing personal information without consent. Be cautious about sharing sensitive or confidential information online

b. Secure accounts: Use strong and unique passwords for social media accounts. Enable two-factor authentication when available. Do not share login credentials with others

c. Report and respond to security incidents: Promptly report any security incidents, such as hacking attempts or unauthorised access to social media accounts, to the appropriate authorities within the organisation

3.5 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

a. Follow applicable laws: Adhere to all local, national, and international laws and regulations governing social media use, including but not limited to data protection, copyright, defamation, and privacy laws

b. Respect terms of service: Abide by the terms of service of social media platforms being used, ensuring compliance with their rules and guidelines

4. Consequences of Policy Violations

Violation of this social media policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, volunteer status, or other relevant relationships with Hope’s Therapy Dogs. The organisation reserves the right to take appropriate action based on the severity and frequency of the violation.

5. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the evolving landscape of social media. Amendments or updates may be made as necessary. Any revisions to this policy will be communicated to all individuals covered by this policy.

By adhering to this social media policy, we can collectively contribute to maintaining a positive and responsible online presence for Hope’s Therapy Dogs.

Hope’s Therapy Dogs Social Media Policy Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 20/09/2023

Last Reviewed: 20/09/2023