Agenda item - Social Media Protocol for Members and Social Networking Policy for Employees

Report of the Head of Law & Monitoring Officer (copy attached).

1)            That the committee approves the revised Social Media Protocol for Membersat Appendix 1.1 to thereport.

2)            That the committee notes the Social Networking Policy for Employeesat Appendix 1.2 to thereport.

3)            That the committee note that the revised Social Media Protocol will be circulated to all Members, together with an explanatory  covering letter which highlights the changes which have been made to it.

84.1      The Committee considered a report of the Head of Law & Monitoring Officer that provided the outcome of a review of the protocol on use of social media by Members and a social networking policy for employees first approved by the Committee at its meeting in April 2013.

84.2      Councillor Ken Norman expressed his agreement that those in civic office occasionally suffered “blurred identities” and the guidance would be useful in terms of providing information to Members on how to navigate this.

84.3      The Chair agreed and stressed that it was important for Members to note that the document was guidance only and not strict policy.

84.4      Dr Horne stated that it would be useful for the committee to note that the last Standards Hearing upheld related to online social media abuse.

84.5      Councillor Chapman stated he felt it would be useful for Members to be reminded of the seven principles of public life when the guidance was circulated.

84.6      Councillor Cobb stated that she believed the report should be referred to Full Council for discussion as there were a number of issues that should be debated.

84.7      RESOLVED-

1)            That the committee approves the revised Social Media Protocol for Membersat Appendix 1.1 to thereport.

2)            That the committee notes the Social Networking Policy for Employeesat Appendix 1.2 to thereport.

3)            That the committee note that the revised Social Media Protocol will be circulated to all Members, together with an explanatory  covering letter which highlights the changes which have been made to it.