Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy

Social media is a very public way of enabling us as Christians to live out our calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ. One of its many joys is that it is immediate, interactive, conversational and open-ended. This opportunity comes with a few downsides if users do not apply the same common sense, kindness and sound judgement that we would use in a face-to-face encounter.

They are a resource for Christians, people of other faiths and people of no faith. Dioceses and local churches across the Church of England are welcome and encouraged to adopt them.

By engaging with the Church of England and Archbishops’ social media accounts, you agree to:

Be safe. The safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults must be maintained. If you have any concerns about this please speak with our Parish Safeguarding officer or Deputy Parish safeguarding officer. (Details below)
Be respectful. Do not post or share content that is sexually explicit, inflammatory, hateful, abusive, threatening or otherwise disrespectful.
Be kind. Treat others how you would wish to be treated and assume the best in people. If you have a criticism or critique to make, consider not just whether you would say it in person, but the tone you would use.
Be honest. Don’t mislead people about who you are.
Take responsibility. You are accountable for the things you do, say and write. Text and images shared can be public and permanent, even with privacy settings in place. If you’re not sure, don’t post it.
Be a good ambassador. Personal and professional life can easily become blurred online so think before you post.
Disagree well. Some conversations can be places of robust disagreement and it’s important we apply our values in the way we express them.
Credit others. Acknowledge the work of others. Respect copyright and always credit where it is due. Be careful not to release sensitive or confidential information and always question the source of any content you are considering amplifying.
Follow the rules. Abide by the terms and conditions of the various social media platforms themselves. If you see a comment that you believe breaks their policies, then please report it to Rev’d Alan Bradford, Anne Bradford or Nikki Bell.
Monitoring of the Social Media Accounts at St. John’s. Alan, Anne and Nikki monitor the accounts regularly and remove or report any instances of misuse on the social media platforms. However, some things can slip through so it’s important to flag this to us as soon as possible.
Protect yourself against fraud by scammers. Never click on a link from someone you think you know check the email address before opening or check the social media post. Never give money to someone via Facebook saying they are in trouble. Beware of fraudsters who are giving you a chance to purchase high priced goods for a very cheap price. Check with Nikki, Anne or Alan before parting with any money, even if the post seems urgent.

How will we respond to people who breach our social media guidelines?

We will remove the post and block users who breach our guidelines as set out above. Alan, Anne or Nikki will speak individually to those who misuse St. John’s social media. We may report such users which will mean their accounts will be blocked.

Who do I speak to for further advice?

Rev’d Alan Bradford. Email: alan.bradford@stjohnshillingdon.org.uk
Nikki Bell Church Administrator. Email: admin@stjohnshillingdon.org.uk Telephone: 07972618584

If you have a safeguarding concern:

Debbie Smith, St. John’s PSO or Richard Bell, St. John’s Deputy Safeguarding Officer. Email: safeguarding@stjohnshillingdon.org.uk Phone: 07508 429009
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Email: safeguarding@London.anglican.org Phone: 0207 932 1224