Policy on Social Media

Section 1: Introduction, Purpose, Definition, and Scope

Social media platforms offer powerful new ways to express and share ideas. Their use presents Direct Medics and its staff with new and exciting opportunities; but it also introduces potential risks that must be managed.
The purpose of this policy is to protect the Agencies candidates, staff, reputation, and values while supporting the effective use of social media to benefit the work of the Agency.
In this policy, the term social media is used to describe a broad range of technology platforms, which allow the creation, and sharing of content across a virtual community. Examples include well known services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat; as well as smaller services such as personal blogs and discussion forums.
This policy applies to all staff, including individuals who have an honorary contract with Direct Medics, temporary workers, agency staff, and individuals engaged with the agency on a self-employed contract basis

Section 2: General principles

Staff must never use their personal social media to engage with patients. For example, staff should never send a “friend” request to a student on Facebook, nor accept such a request from a patient, and staff should never chat with patients over WhatsApp or via Twitter direct message (DM).
Use of social media must at all times be consistent with other Direct Medics policies, such as the Data Protection policy.
In order to protect the University’s students, staff, reputation, and values, care must be taken:

Not to breach confidentiality
Not to do anything that could be considered discriminatory against, or bullying or harassment of any individual
Not to breach copyright or other intellectual property laws
Not to bring Direct Medics into disrepute

Section 3: Official Direct Medics social media accounts

When contributing to Direct medics social media activities you are representing the agency and must at all times follow the guidelines for use of official agency social media.

Section 4: Using personal social media accounts

Social Media can be an effective way for candidates to connect with peers in Hospitals and in the wider world, to develop and improve their professional profile, and to support their work by providing opportunities for reflection, discovery, and collaboration. Candidates are encouraged to do this, and to state and celebrate their connection with the Direct Medics.
As a member of staff your activity on social media is likely to be associated with the Agency, regardless of whether you are acting in a professional or personal capacity, and whether you are using a using an official Direct Medics social media account or a personal one.
Therefore when using a personal account in a professional capacity it is important to make it clear that you are acting on behalf of yourself and not the Agency. In particular:

Do NOT use account names that suggest the account is an official Direct Medics Account
Do NOT use the Direct Medics Logo without official authorisation.
Where your personal social media account indicates your association with Direct Medics, consider using a disclaimer.
Staff should ensure there is always a clear separation between work use and social use of their social media accounts.

Section 5: Online Safety

Limit the personal information you post on social media.
Publish as little personal information as you can.
Remember that it is often possible to link your individual social media accounts and so build up a wider picture of your social media footprint. So as well as considering how much personal information you publish on any single site, consider how much personal information you have published across all sites
Never publish your address or financial details on social media.
Be aware of location services accidentally giving away personal information. Some social media platforms include your location with every new post. Posting from a mobile phone, in particular may include a precise GPS location. Smartphones and many cameras may also embed location data in digital photographs.
Avoid allowing social media apps access to your contacts list or address book – in general, don’t give them information they don’t need.
Watch out for Fraud
Use the same caution when clicking links or opening documents from social media that you would for emails - social media is increasingly being targeted by phishers and other fraudsters.

Section 6: Social Media and the Law

Any illegal or unlawful acts that can be committed using words or images can equally be committed using social media.
Posts on social media that violate the general principles listed in section 3 of this document could potentially be in breach of legislation such as:

Section 7: Disciplinary action over Social Media use

All employees are required to adhere to this policy. Any breaches may lead to disciplinary action. Serious breaches of this policy, for example incidents of bullying of colleagues or social media activity causing serious damage to the organisation, may constitute gross misconduct and lead to summary dismissal.