Social Media Policy 2025–2028

About this item

Overview

The Social Media Policy 2025–2028 explains how Kesgrave Town Council uses its official social media accounts to share information with residents, businesses, and community partners. It ensures that all online communication is respectful, lawful, non-political, and aligned with the Council’s values of openness and transparency.

Purpose

The policy sets out the standards expected when publishing, monitoring, and responding through Council social media channels. It supports the Malicious Communications Act 1988, Data Protection legislation, and the Complaints Policy. Its purpose is to protect the Council, its employees, and the public from misuse or misrepresentation online.

Use of Social Media Accounts

• Used to share news, publications, events, meeting dates, consultations, and service updates.
• Accounts are managed by Council Officers during normal working hours.
• Political posts or party-political debate are not permitted and will be removed.
• Inappropriate or unlawful posts (libel, defamation, copyright, or data protection breaches) are deleted.
• Confidential information must never be published online.

Public Engagement

Residents are welcome to follow Council channels, share feedback, and participate in online discussions. While all comments are monitored, the Council may not be able to respond individually. Suggestions and emerging community themes are reported to the relevant committee or officer for consideration.

Complaints and Reporting

• Concerns about social media content should be reported to the Council Office.
• Formal complaints must follow the Complaints Policy and not be made through social media.
• Any messages that are threatening, obscene, or knowingly false may constitute an offence under the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

Availability and Responsibility

Social media platforms may occasionally be unavailable. Kesgrave Town Council accepts no responsibility for interruptions in service. Council strives to share accurate, fact-checked information and protect the privacy of users in line with its Privacy Policy.

Download

Download Social Media Policy 2025–2028 (PDF)

Contact: For questions about the Council’s social media use, email enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.gov.uk .