Accrington Web - View Single Post - HBC Blogging and Social Networking

gynn · 05-02-2011, 17:20

Let's have a look at the relevant part of the policy, which can be viewed in full at:-

http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa...ment_V4_1_.pdf

"Care must be taken when using any personal websites, blogs or social networking to ensure that your personal use and your official capacity as a Councillor do not merge. If you do not make the distinction clear, your personal website and any views it contains, could be viewed by
others as an extension of your official duties as a Councillor and therefore indirectly the collective views of the Council. When using such sites you should consider whether you are acting in your capacity as a councillor or not. If you give the impression that you are (for example, by referring to information you received in your capacity as a councillor), then you will be subject to the Council’s code of conduct. You should also avoid criticising named individuals online, as the laws of libel will apply to what you say."

All sounds like common sense to me. The internet is another arm of the media, like the newspapers, radio and TV. It doesn't gag councillors, merely reminds them of their responsibilities in how they behave as representatives of the Council. Broadly speaking, and leaving aside the odd personal dig at the beloved Leader, that's how they have always behaved on this site!

05-02-2011, 17:20	#16
gynn Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,136 Liked: 10 times Rep Power: 4983	Re: HBC Blogging and Social Networking - Banned? Let's have a look at the relevant part of the policy, which can be viewed in full at:- http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa...ment_V4_1_.pdf "Care must be taken when using any personal websites, blogs or social networking to ensure that your personal use and your official capacity as a Councillor do not merge. If you do not make the distinction clear, your personal website and any views it contains, could be viewed by others as an extension of your official duties as a Councillor and therefore indirectly the collective views of the Council. When using such sites you should consider whether you are acting in your capacity as a councillor or not. If you give the impression that you are (for example, by referring to information you received in your capacity as a councillor), then you will be subject to the Council’s code of conduct. You should also avoid criticising named individuals online, as the laws of libel will apply to what you say." All sounds like common sense to me. The internet is another arm of the media, like the newspapers, radio and TV. It doesn't gag councillors, merely reminds them of their responsibilities in how they behave as representatives of the Council. Broadly speaking, and leaving aside the odd personal dig at the beloved Leader, that's how they have always behaved on this site!