The General Purposes Committee of Redbridge Council was scheduled to convene on Thursday, 23 April 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the discussion and potential approval of an updated Social Media Policy for the Council.

Social Media Policy 2026

The committee was scheduled to consider the Social Media Policy 2026, which was presented as essential for ensuring consistent messaging, mitigating reputational risks, clarifying responsibilities, and preventing accidental data breaches. The report indicated that the policy, last reviewed in 2023, aimed to discourage inappropriate behaviour, support GDPR compliance, and promote safe and uniform online conduct. It was noted that any breaches of the policy could lead to disciplinary action.

The policy was designed to complement existing resources, including the Email, Internet and Social Media Policy 2015 and the Social Media Guidelines 2023. The report highlighted that advancements in technology and the expansion of social media usage necessitated the revision. The policy applies to all individuals representing or employed by the Council, including employees, workers, temporary and agency staff, contractors, interns, volunteers, and apprentices. It defines 'social media' broadly to encompass various internet-based applications and platforms, including internal communication tools like Microsoft Teams and Viva Engage.

Key aspects of the proposed policy included guidelines for the use of official Council accounts, stipulating that only authorised personnel could create, manage, or post content to ensure factual accuracy and adherence to branding. For work-related social media interactions, employees were to clearly identify themselves and use a disclaimer stating that their views did not necessarily reflect those of the Council. The policy also addressed the personal use of social media, emphasizing the need to distinguish official Council business from personal posts and to avoid any content that could negatively impact the Council's reputation. Employees were reminded that they must always adhere to the Council's Code of Conduct, which includes maintaining good working relationships, upholding political neutrality, and demonstrating a duty of confidence and trust.

The policy also outlined procedures for situations where employees are targeted via social media, and detailed specific rules for using social media during pre-election periods to maintain political neutrality. Cyber security best practices were also included, advising employees on how to protect personal and Council information when engaging with social media platforms. The report stated that breaches of the policy could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, and that in certain circumstances, such breaches could constitute a criminal offence. The committee was recommended to approve the Social Media Policy 2026 to ensure legal compliance and support transparency and accountability.

The report author for this item was Simon Cohen, Head of People Services. The policy was developed following consultation with various internal teams, including Communications, Trade Unions, Legal Service, Finance Service, Human Resources, and the Executive Leadership Team. The report also included an assessment of fairness implications, considering the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and the need to have 'due regard' to the elimination of discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, as well as advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between people who share protected characteristics.