Defining how social media can be used at work

This training course helps employers write robust policies for the use of workplace social media.

All organisations need a robust “use of social media” policy for employees to follow. It is imperative that staff have clarity on what they can and cannot, post to social media. The organisation’s social media rules work in conjunction with the staff handbook and may in some cases be incorporated into it.

Inappropriate posts can lead to discrimination, extremism and harm to others, they can bring the organisation into disrepute and without a clear social media policy in place the organisation is likely to be seen as liable.

Secondly a robust “use of social media at work policy” that has been trained out to all employees enables organisations to take enforceable disciplinary action should any inappropriate comment be posted. Without a company social media policy disciplinary action is unlikely to be upheld during appeal or tribunal.

Content

1. The Social Media & Employment Relationship

• Key definitions of Social Media and how these various mediums are used in the workplace
• The links between a Social Media policy to related policies governing e mails, internet use and information technology
• The critical link between the employment contract and Social Media at work
• The employer’s duty of care and the employee’s fiduciary duty of care
• What is actually meant by “personal use” of social media at work? –benchmarking with models of best practice from a range of different employers as well as case law
• The “range of reasonable responses” in Social Media cases when determining sanctions arising from disciplinary action

2. The Legal Framework

• Confidentiality and Data Protection Act
• Employer’s rights to monitor use of social media at work
• Individual’s rights to privacy and freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights
• How libel and slander laws can operate in this area
• Key security and identity issues
• On Line Safety Act 2023
• The Malicious Communications Act
• Telecommunications Business Regulations
• Infringement of Copyright
• Protection from Harassment Act

Related Courses

• Bribery Act

• Combating Bullying and Harassment

• Preventing Sexual Harassment

• Corporate Governance and Equalities

• Data Protection Privacy Impact Assessments

• GDPR

• PECR

• Equality and Diversity

• Gender Pay Gap Reporting

• Employment Law, Rights and Responsibilities

• Information Governance

• Modern Slavery

• PREVENT for managers

• PREVENT for teachers, trainers and staff

• Social Media at Work- Policies, Rights and Responsibilities

• Welfare and Tax Benefits

3. Writing the Use of Social Media Policy
   Using an exemplar policy as a basis this session explores the key components of an effective social media at work policy, providing an explanation and clarity on the importance of each element

• Scope
• Purpose
• Role and responsibilities
• Personal Use of Social Media
• Prohibited Use
• Business Use of Social Media
• Guidelines for Responsible Use of Social Media
• Data Protection and References
• Monitoring
• Policy Breach Consequences
• FAQ
• Signatures and Review Periods

4. Cascading and Training on the Social Media Policy
   against the backdrop of tribunal cases this session explains why it is important that all staff are in trained in the organisation’s social media policy and this can be evidenced. This session also explores a risk based approach to training frequency, including, onboarding, induction, annual, semi annual