Social media is the term used for online tools, websites and interactive media that enable users to interact with each other by sharing information, opinions, knowledge, and interests.
This policy and guidelines cover social media issues over the internet and for the Facebook platform.
The Friends of St Mary use Facebook to increase our access to audiences and improves the accessibility of our communication. It enables us to be more active in our relationships with the public, enabling better engagement and feedback. It helps to “spread the word” to publicise events and to inform members of current issues relating to activities carried out by the Trustees. No confidential information is published through social media sites.
The purpose of using social media is to promote awareness of how the Friends are supporting the environment of the buildings in the churchyard, namely the Church, the Bede House and the Chantry Chapel. This is the function of the Friends as trustees which is set out in the constitution. We invite followers but do not engage in third party dialogue.
Our use of the platforms is controlled by one trustee who uploads the content when we need to draw attention to either forthcoming events or successes we have achieved.
We are aware that social media platforms can be used for nefarious purposes such as bullying or witch hunting. Should an issue arise which demands scrutiny, the whole of the Trustee body would discuss the situation to ensure that any actions taken keep our involvement with social media safe for all participants.
The content is uploaded, moderated, and deleted by one Trustee with the appropriate skills and knowledge. All Trustees can access the account to verify the content at any time.
The Friends of St Mary take safeguarding seriously and the social media involvement is fully compliant with the safeguarding policy. If a complaint is made about any of the content on the social media platforms the issues raised would be considered by the whole of the Trustee board. Should it be judged that responses are threatening or discriminatory to anybody but particularly vulnerable people, reports would be made to external regulators such as the Charity Commissioners or the police.