The Alpha Plus Group of Schools & Colleges
Social Media Policy
Introduction
The Alpha Plus Group recognises that the internet provides unique opportunities
to participate in interactive discussions and to share information on particular
topics using a wide variety of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs,
media sharing services and wikis. However, employees' use of social media can
pose risks to the Company’s confidential and proprietary information and to its
reputation; it can also jeopardise its compliance with legal obligations. To
minimise these risks, to avoid loss of productivity and to ensure that the
Company’s IT resources and communications systems are used only for
appropriate business purposes, we expect employees to adhere to this policy.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is:
 To support innovation, encourage continued professional development and
provide a framework of good practice for the use of social networks and
the development of Personal Learning Networks;
 To ensure that the Group is not exposed to legal risk;
 To ensure that the integrity of the Group’s IT systems is not compromised;
 To ensure that the reputation of the Group is not adversely affected;
 To ensure that there is clarity about where information provided via social
networking sites is legitimately representative of Schools/Colleges in the
Group;
 To protect staff and advise Senior Leaders on how to deal with potential
inappropriate use of social networking sites.
Scope
This policy covers all individuals working at all levels, including Governors,
employees, agency workers and pupils. Third parties who have access to the
Company’s electronic communication systems and equipment are also required
to comply with this policy.
This policy deals with the use of all forms of social media, including Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter, Wikipedia, all other social networking sites, and all other
internet postings, including blogs.
It applies to the use of social media for both business and personal purposes,
whether during office hours or otherwise. The policy applies regardless of
whether the social media is accessed using the Company’s IT facilities and
equipment or equipment belonging to individual Employees.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Group’s Safeguarding Policy,
Continuing Professional Development Guidelines and ICT User Policy.
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Responsibility for Compliance with Policy
All managers have a specific responsibility for operating within the boundaries of
this policy, ensuring that Employees understand the standards of behaviour
expected of them and taking action when behaviour falls below its requirements
Employees have a responsibility to comply with this policy and should ensure
that they take the time to read and understand it. Any misuse of social media
should be reported to Head Teacher / Line Manager in line with the Groups
Malpractice Disclosure (Whistle Blowing Policy). Questions regarding the content
or application of this policy should be directed to the Head of HR.
Terms of Use in all Circumstances
Social Media should never be used in a way that breaches any of the Company’s
other policies. Employees are personally responsible for the content they publish
online. The Group’s employees must adhere to the following Terms of Use, which
apply to all uses of social networking sites by all individuals. This includes, but is
not limited to, public facing applications such as open discussion forums, e.g.
Facebook and Twitter, and internally-facing uses, such as discussions held in LP+
virtual learning environments, regardless of whether they are hosted by the
Group or not. For example, employees are prohibited from using social media
to:
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breach the Company’s IT & Communications policy;
share information that is subject to copyright, data protection and
Freedom of Information legislation;
breach any obligations they may have relating to confidentiality;
breach the Company’s Disciplinary Policy;
defame or disparage the organisation or its affiliates, customers, clients,
business partners, suppliers, vendors or other stakeholders;
harass or bully other Employees in any way or breach the Company’s Antiharassment and bullying policy;
unlawfully discriminate against other Employees or third parties or breach
the Company’s Equal opportunities policy;
breach the Company’s Data Protection policy (for example, never disclose
personal information about a colleague online);
breach any other laws or ethical standards (for example, never use social
media in a false or misleading way, such as by claiming to be someone
other than yourself or by making misleading statements).
Employees should never provide references for other individuals on social or
professional networking sites, as such references, positive and negative, can be
attributed to the organisation and create legal liability for both the author of the
reference and the organisation.
Compliance with these policies is mandatory. Employees who breach any of the
above policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including
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termination of employment. These terms of use should be considered in
connection with Appendix 1: Social Media Protocols
Business Use of Social Media
If an Employee’s duties require them to speak on behalf of the organisation in a
social media environment, the Employee must still seek approval for such
communication from their Head, Principal or Line Manager who may impose
certain requirements and restrictions with regard to their activities.
Alpha Plus employees may be encouraged to set up a ‘professional’ social media
account, with the aim of developing a Personal Learning Network and as a
communication and marketing tool. School & College specific guidelines see
Appendix 2.
The use of social media for business purposes is subject to the remainder of this
policy.
Personal Use of Social Media
Alpha Plus Group recognises that employees may work long hours and
occasionally may desire to use social media for personal activities at the office or
by means of the Company’s computers, networks and other IT resources and
communications systems. The Company authorise such occasional use so long as
it does not involve unprofessional or inappropriate content and does not interfere
with employment responsibilities or productivity, and subject to the following
restrictions:
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The circulation of chain letters or other unsolicited email (‘spam’) is
prohibited
The circulation of any commercial, personal, religious or political
solicitation or promotion is prohibited
It is prohibited to carry out promotion of external organizations unreleated
to Alpha Plus Group’s business
Recruitment
We may use internet searches to perform due diligence on candidates in the
course of recruitment. Where we do this, we will act in accordance with our data
protection and equal opportunities obligations.
Responsible Use of Social Media
The following sections of the policy provide Employees with common-sense
guidelines and recommendations for using social media responsibly and safely.
Employees must not post disparaging or defamatory statements about:
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the Company’s organisation;
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clients;
suppliers and vendors; and
other affiliates and stakeholders.
Employees should also avoid social media communications that might be
misconstrued in a way that could damage our business reputation, even
indirectly.
Employees should make it clear in social media postings when they are speaking
on their own behalf, write in the first person and use a personal e-mail address
when communicating via social media.
Employees are personally responsible for what they communicate in social
media. Employees should remember that what they publish might be available
to be read by the masses (including the organisation itself, future employers and
social acquaintances) for a long time. This should be kept in mind before any
content is posted.
If Employees disclose their affiliation as an employee of the Company’s
organisation, they must also state that their views do not represent those of the
Company. See Appendix 1: Media Protocol for an example.
Avoid posting comments about sensitive business-related topics, such as the
Company’s performance. Even if Employees make it clear that their views on
such topics do not represent those of the organisation, their comments could still
damage the Company’s reputation.
If an Employee is uncertain or concerned about the appropriateness of any
statement or posting, they should refrain from making the communication until
they have discussed it with their Line Manager.
If an Employee sees content in social media that disparages or reflects poorly on
the Company or its stakeholders, they should contact their Head, Principal or
Line Manager. Employees are responsible for protecting the Company’s business
reputation.
Safeguarding
 No employee should interact with any pupil on social networking sites;
 No employee should interact with any former pupil who is under the age of 18
on social networking sites;
 No employee should accept a pupil or former pupil under the age of 18 as a
‘friend’/’follower;
 If any member of staff suspects that an adult employed by the school is using
a social networking site in an inappropriate manner, they should follow the
procedure outlined in their school’s Safeguarding policy.
Any failure on the part of an employee of the Group to comply with these Terms
of Use may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Group. Depending
upon the severity of the offence, a breach of the Terms of Use may be
considered gross misconduct, which could result in dismissal.
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Requests for Social Media Sites
The Group understands that web sites that are currently blocked by the Group’s
internet filter may have pedagogical significance.
Requests for a blocked site to made available for use of teaching and learning
should be made in the first instance to the Group’s ICT Coordinator. A description
should be provided of the intended use of the site. If required, the ICT
Coordinator will discuss such requests with school management.
Interpretation
This policy applies within the following companies, which are wholly owned
subsidiaries of Alpha Plus Holdings plc, a company registered in England,
registered number 4418776, that is to say:
Alpha Plus Group Limited, registered number 438111
Alpha Plus Education Limited, registered number 05290340
A.W. & P. Patton Ltd, registered number 507496
Alpha Plus Schools Limited, registered number 3867464,
and the terms “Group” and “Company” should be interpreted accordingly,
dependent on the employing company.
The registered office of all companies is 50 Queen Anne Street, London W1G 8HJ.
Any enquiries regarding the application of this policy should be addressed to the
Head of HR at that address.
Appendix 1: Social Media Protocols
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Remember that all messages and conversations on any form of social
media are public conversations;
Be friendly, respectful and open;
Use a high standard of written English;
Exemplify the Group’s professional standards in your contributions;
Employees must select avatars / profile pictures that are company, school
or college appropriate;
Listen to what critics are saying, and pass any relevant information onto
your Senior Leadership Team;
Do not respond to specific parental/client concerns through any social
media; follow your School’s communication procedures;
Be careful about blurring personal opinion with the company school or
college policy; consider carefully how your words could be (mis)interpreted
or (mis)represented.
Disclaimer
If expressing a personal opinion in a business or perceived business context then
you must include a disclaimer in that your views are your own and do not reflect
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on your employer, Alpha Plus e.g. Hiba Saleem is Year Four teacher at St. Cake's
School. The views expressed by the author are hers alone, and do not
necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of either the Alpha
Plus Group or St. Cake’s School.
This standard disclaimer does not by itself exempt employees from responsibility.
Appendix 2: Guidelines for Schools & Colleges
Schools & Colleges may be encouraged to use social networking as a marketing
and communication tool by establishing ‘official’ accounts, e.g.
https://twitter.com/falconsgirls
By maintaining an 'official' social media presence, Schools can market
themselves and communicate with current and prospective parents by:
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Sharing up-to-the-minute news, including ‘live blogging’ events;
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Sharing learning outcomes;
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Sharing photographs, videos and podcasts from assemblies, events and
trips;
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Reminding parents of key dates and times;
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'Retweeting' messages posted by School staff or other Twitter users;
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Linking to other content shared online, e.g. video created by a pupil;
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Connecting with classes across the world.
A member of the Senior Leadership Team (or a member of staff nominated by
the Headteacher) should control and monitor the official school account. A high
standard of written English should be used for all posts
A member of the Senior Leadership Team (or a member of staff nominated by
the Headteacher) should keep a record of ‘professional’ social networking
accounts maintained by the School’s employees.
Alpha Plus employees are encouraged to set up a ‘professional’ Twitter account,
with the aim of developing a Personal Learning Network (sometimes known as a
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PLN), to:
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Communicate with other educational professionals;
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Learn about classroom resources, e.g. free websites;
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Access lesson plans from advanced skills teachers;
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Discover emerging technology and how to integrate it into their teaching;
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Find collaborative solutions;
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Share and celebrate learning outcomes;
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Connect with educators and classes across the world and encourage
collaborative learning.
Employee tweets may be retweeted through the official company or school
account.
Employee Twitter accounts should be maintained in line with Terms of Use found
in the Group’s Social Media Policy.
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