Policy On Use of Personal Websites, Weblogs and Social Networking sites

Introduction

The Nursery recognises that some staff  use the internet for personal purposes and participate in social networking on websites such as Facebook, Myspace etc.  In addition some staff may set up personal weblogs or “blogs” on the internet.

Whilst staff are free to use the internet in this way, they must ensure that they do not breach the law or disclose Nursery confidential information, breach copyright, defame the Nursery, or its suppliers, partners, parents or staff, or disclose personal data of information about individual that could breach the Data Protection Act 1998.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the responsibilities of staff setting up personal websites and blogs and using social networking websites. The policy relates to material posted on public areas and those restricted to certain individuals.

Websites and blog

The Nursery does not encourage staff to write about their work in any way and would prefer them not to do so.  If individuals choose to so then they should follow the rules below.  Staff who have a weblog or website should not disclose the name of the Nursery on it or allow it to be identified by any details at all.  This includes posting photographs of Nursery premises or events with work colleagues.

The guidelines :

• Staff must not disclose any information that is confidential to the Nursery or any third party that has disclosed information to the Nursery.  The Nursery’s confidentiality and Data Protection policies provide guidance about what constitutes confidential information.
• If staff choose to write about their work even without identifying the precise Nursery name it may still be possible for people to work out the employer’s identity.  Individuals should always be conscious of their duty as employees to act in good faith and in the best interests of their employer under law.  This is a very strong legal obligation.
• The Nursery will not tolerate criticisms in weblogs.  Even when they are true and not defamatory, they will amount to a breach of employee duties and could lead to disciplinary action. 

Social Networking Sites

The Nursery respects an employee’s right to a private life.  However, the Nursery must also ensure that confidentiality and its reputation are protected.  Staff using social networking websites are required to :

• Refrain from identifying themselves as working for the Nursery
• Ensure that they do not conduct themselves in a way that is detrimental to the Nursery
• Take care not to allow their interaction on these websites to damage working relationships between members of staff and clients of the Nursery.

Important considerations

When writing a weblog and placing information on social networking sites staff should be careful not to :

• Include material that breaches copyright, and should link to other material rather than cutting and pasting it
• Defame anyone, staff who makes a defamatory statement that is published on the internet may be legally liable for any damage to the reputation of the individual concerned
• Include personal information about an individual without his/her consent, otherwise they risk breaching the Data Protection Act 1998 which is a criminal offence.
• Include material that is abusive, defamatory, sexist, racist or that could be interpreted as harassment or bullying or bring the Nursery into disrepute.

Cyber bullying

The Nursery is committed to ensuring that all staff are treated with dignity and respect at work.  Bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in the work place.
Cyber bullying methods could include using text messages, mobile phone calls, instant messenger services, by circulating photos or video clips or by posting comments on websites, blogs or in chat rooms.  Personal blogs that refer to colleagues without their consent is also unacceptable.  Staff who cyber-bully a colleague could also face criminal prosecution under various laws, including the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

Security and identity Theft

Staff should be aware that social networking websites are a public forum, particularly if the staff is part of a “network”.  Staff should not assume that their entries on any websites will remain private.

Staff must also be security conscious and should take steps to protect themselves from identity theft, for example by restricting the amount of personal information that they give out.  Social networking websites allow people to post detailed personal information such as date of birth, place of birth and favourite football team, which can form the basis of security questions and passwords.