We acknowledge that social networking has become part of everyday life with many people of all ages using social networking sites daily.

 

Staff need to be aware that ‘posting’ anything on these social networking sites about themselves, others or their place of work must be prepared for the possibility that anyone could gain access to it. This has been a major factor in identity theft.

 

In terms of SEN Space staff’s use of social networking and the web, they must be careful what information is posted due to potential security risks.

 

Staff should use social networking sites wisely and cautiously and if necessary, bearing in mind they should not jeopardise themselves, others or their place of work.  SEN Space will monitor its social media channels for inappropriate usage and will take the necessary disciplinary measures if need be.

 

We believe the following recommendations should be considered if staff use social networking websites:

 

• Use only your name for the profile.

• Do not put your date of birth on the profile.

• Be wary of what photographs you put online of yourself, family or friends.

• Make your profiles ‘invite’ only and thus only allow people you trust with certainty to view your information.

• Do not post your occupation.

• Do not discuss your work or place of work.

• Do not place derogatory, defamatory, discriminatory, or offensive remarks about SEN Space, work colleagues, parents, children, board of directors or anyone else connected with the organisation.

• Do not divulge confidential information of any form.

• Do not publish photographs taken at your work.

• Do not discuss your political or religious views.

• Be careful what viewpoints you express.

• If you do post anything online be mindful of the fact you could lose total control of it.

• Be careful of what other people post on your profile. You might be careful but are your friends?

 

 

SEN Space staff must not use the organisation’s iPhone or iPad to access social networking sites for their own personal use.

 

We believe Facebook is a useful tool for marketing the organisation by promoting and explaining our values, aims and work. All staff are reminded that when using this social media platform for SEN Space, they must contribute to it mindful of our protocol and that they are not derogatory of the organisation, or anyone connected with it.

 

We support our staff and will ensure that any abusive comments made about them on social media by other staff or parents brought to our attention will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with appropriately.

 

We as an organisation, have a commitment to promote equality. Therefore, an equality impact assessment has been undertaken and we believe this policy is in line with the Equality Act 2010.

 

We all have a responsibility to ensure equality permeates into all aspects of SEN Space life and that everyone is treated equally irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We want everyone connected with this organisation to feel safe, secure, valued and of equal worth.

 

We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.

 

The Manager will:

 

• Work in conjunction with the other management staff including the CEO to ensure all staff are aware of and comply with this policy.

• Ensure risk assessments are:

 

• in place and cover all aspects of this policy;

• accurate and suitable;

• reviewed annually;

• easily available for all staff

 

• Provide guidance, support, and training to all staff on this topic.

• Periodically discuss social networking with all SEN Space staff.

• Answer all queries raised at these periodic meetings.

• Regularly monitor the SEN Space website and social networking website.

• Take disciplinary action in accordance with the organisation’s disciplinary policy if any employee breaches this policy.

• Support all staff that are subjected to abusive comments made about them on social media by pupils or parents.

• Report to the appropriate authorities any abusive comments made on social media to and about SEN Space staff.

• Explore the educational benefits of the use of social media.

• Work closely with and report any concerns to the CEO.

• Provide leadership and vision in respect of equality.

• Monitor the effectiveness of this policy.

• Regularly report to the CEO who will report to the Board of Directors on the success and development of this policy.

 

SEN Space staff will:

 

•  Be aware of and comply with all aspects of this policy;

• Be aware that the CEO and Board of Directors will take the necessary disciplinary action if any member of staff breaches this policy

• Not access social networking sites during their working hours for their personal use

• not, when using social media, at any time

 

• Place a child at risk.

• Post confidential SEN Space information or information about any member of the staff, child, or family on any social networking site.

• Refer to the organisation or anyone connected to it when using any social networking site.

• Bring SEN Space into disrepute by making any derogatory, defamatory, discriminatory, or offensive comments on any social networking site.

• Make discriminatory or offensive comments about any member of SEN Space personnel, child, parents, Directors, or the wider community on any social networking site.

• Contact parents or children via social networking websites.

• Contribute or access any social media content which is illegal, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive when linked in any way to the organisation.

• Harass, bully, or intimidate any child, parents, member of SEN Space staff, Director, or any member of the local or wider community.

• Reveal any private or confidential SEN Space matter.

 

 

Parents/carers will:

 

• Be aware of and comply with this policy.

• Not contact SEN Space staff via social networking websites.

• Not make abusive comments about any member of staff on social media.

•  Work in partnership with the organisation.

•  Comply with this policy for the benefit of their children.

• Support the organisation’s Code of Conduct and guidance necessary to ensure smooth running of SEN Space.

 

 

We believe this policy:

 

• Is an essential part of the organisation.

• Supports staff in managing certain situations.

• Forms an important framework that will ensure consistency in applying values and principles throughout the establishment.

• Provides guidance, consistency, accountability, efficiency, and clarity on how the SEN Space operates.

• Provides a roadmap for day-to-day operations.

• Ensures compliance with laws and regulations, gives guidance for decision-making, and streamlining internal processes.

• Is designed to influence and determine all major decisions, actions and all activities taking place within the boundaries set by them.

• Stems from the organisation’s vision and objectives which are formed in strategic management meetings.

 

 

 

 

Written by Vikki Benton 30/9/23

To be reviewed 30/9/24