Decision details

Purpose of the Report

To seek approval of the proposed new Social Media Policy, along with the Yammer Policy, which incorporated aspects such as the council accounts available for use, employee wellbeing, the best use of social media, personal accounts, councillor use of social media and the use of a new social media networking tool for staff.

Decision

That the proposed Social Media Policy and the Yammer Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None were considered.

Reasons for the Decision

The proposed Social Media Policy set out how the City of Lincoln Council would use social media, outline responsibility for channels, set out procedure and assist employees and councillors to manage risk. 

The Yammer Policy was to be used in conjunction with the Social Media Policy by employees. Yammer was being introduced by the Council in September 2022 and would be used by employees to connect and engage with colleagues across the organisation. 

Staff use of Yammer would be governed by the Social Media Policy, along with associated IT policies.

The Social Media Policy had been considered and supported by the Ethics and Engagement Committee on 10 November 2021.

It was reported that the Mayor had recently introduced a TikTok account, which was supported by the Council’s Communications team.  A suggestion of introducing a corporate TikTok account would be considered, along with a suggestion to copyright future material produced by the Council.  The revised Policy would be shared with all councillors and officers.