Social Media Guidelines

The Western Front Association

Social Media Guidelines

The Western Front Association (WFA) encourages the use of social media by both members and officers of the WFA users and visitors to further interest, and educate the public in, the history of the Great War. Social media can help us raise our profile, engage with a wider audience and provide information. It is WFA policy that use of WFA social media platforms by members, officers users or visitors is conducted in accordance with the WFA`s Social Media Guidelines. These Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the WFA`s other policies.

Social Media Guidelines

Guidance for members, officers and visitors on using social media in relation to the WFA

Introduction

Definitions

Digital Editor – an appointee of the EC with responsibility for managing the WFA`s social media 

EC - means the Executive Committee of the WFA

Members - all members of the WFA

Officers - all trustees, appointees and employees of the WFA

Social media - web-based tools and applications which enable users to create and share content (words, images and video content), and network with each other through the sharing of information, opinions, knowledge and common interests. Examples of social media include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Social Media Manager – the Digital Editor and any other Member or individual with responsibility from time to time for any aspect of the WFA`s social media

Visitors - non-Members who use social media in relation to the WFA, by posting on the WFA`s Twitter, Facebook or other accounts or platforms.

WFA Users - Members and Officers who use social media in relation to the WFA.

Why does the WFA use social media?

Social media helps in communicating the WFA's work and engaging with our audience (members and non-members), participating in relevant conversations and raising the profile of the WFA. We have a Digital Editor and other Social Media Managers who act with the authority of the EC to assist in this.

Why does the WFA need social media guidelines?

While we encourage the use of social media by (i) WFA Users and (ii) Visitors interested in the work of the WFA, we have certain standards, outlined in these Guidelines, which we request both WFA Users and Visitors to observe. Publication and commentary on social media carries similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary in the public domain.

Point of contact for social media

Our Social Media Managers are responsible for the day-to-day publishing, monitoring and management of our social media channels. If you have specific questions about any aspect of these channels, please contact to the Digital Editor or any other Social Media Manager.

The social media guidelines

These guidelines can be updated from time to time by the EC, as it sees appropriate. 

Guidelines

Using the WFA's social media channels — appropriate conduct

1. The Social Media Managers are responsible for managing and supervising the WFA's social media channels.

2. The Social Media Managers regularly monitor our social media spaces for mentions of the WFA so we can follow what is being posted about the WFA, and to catch and identify issues or problems. If WFA Users become aware of any comments online that they think should be brought to the attention of the WFA, whether on WFA's social media channels or elsewhere, they should contact the Digital Editor (who may also liaise with the most appropriate Social Media Manager).

3. WFA Users are encouraged to be ambassadors for the WFA and ensure they reflect WFA values in terms of what and how they post. WFA Users and Visitors should be aware that any information they post online could affect how people perceive the WFA, and should use common sense and good judgement in their use of social media in a WFA context.

4. These Guidelines do not intend to inhibit personal use of social media, and constructive criticism is welcomed, but when using the WFA's social media channels, WFA Users are expected to (and Visitors are requested to) abide by the following:

• not to make offensive or derogatory comments relating to sex, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief;

• not to abuse, bully or harass another individual;

• not to use foul or obscene language or make threats, or be malicious or offensive;

• not to post images that are discriminatory or offensive or links to such content;

• not to libel anybody (when a false written statement that is damaging to a person's reputation is published online or in print);

• not to disclose personal information relating to other WFA Users and Visitors unless expressly authorised to do so;

• to express opinions and deal with differences of opinion respectfully, and not insult or demean people or treat them badly; and

• to be respectful of others and their opinions, and not be abusive;

• to behave appropriately, and in ways that are consistent with WFA's values, policies and reputation.

Members and Visitors are reminded that the trustees are all unpaid volunteers.

5. In the event that the Guidelines are not complied with by WFA Users or Visitors using the WFA`s social media accounts, the Digital Editor (after consultation with any other relevant Social Media Manager) has a discretion to mute, block, ban or delete (depending on the particular social media channel) WFA Users or Visitors on or from the WFA's social media channels, for such period as the Digital Editor sees fit.

6. A WFA User who feels he/she has been unfairly incorrectly muted, blocked, banned or deleted on or from the WFA's social media channels (depending on the particular social media channel) can register a written complaint with the Chairman which will be adjudicated by a delegated sub-committee of the EC after consultation with the Digital Editor and any other relevant Social Media Manager. Their decision is final. 

Use of personal social media accounts — appropriate conduct

1. The Guidelines set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 above apply to the use of personal social media accounts in respect of matters related to the WFA. 

2. In the event that the Guidelines are not complied with by WFA Users or Visitors using personal social media accounts in respect of matters related to the WFA, the Digital Editor (after consultation with any other relevant Social Media Manager) has a discretion to mute or block WFA Users or Visitors on or from the WFA's social media channels, for such period as the Digital Editor (after consultation with any other relevant Social Media Manager) sees fit.

3. A WFA User who feels he/she has been unfairly or incorrectly muted, blocked, banned or deleted (depending on the particular social media channel) on or from the WFA's social media channels because of the use of personal social media accounts can register a written complaint with the Chairman which will be adjudicated by the Chairman and one other member of the EC after consultation with the Digital Editor and any other relevant Social Media Manager. Their decision is final. 

4. Officers using social media channels must make it clear when they are speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the WFA. 

The Executive Committee

The Western Front Association 

February 2021