COUNCILLORS today will discuss guidance on social media use by elected members. 

This afternoon cabinet was due to be presented with an item on 'ICT Proposal and Protocol on Guidance and use of Social Media for Elected Members' expected to be recommended to council for approval.

The guidance includes a lst of do's and don'ts on social media use for councillors, which includes:

Do's 

- Talk to residents, staff and others. And do answer their questions (quickly and honestly)

-Be responsible at all times

-Be respectful at all times, too

-Innovate – different approaches work for different people

-Have a personality – corporate speak or just issuing press releases won't work well on social media

-Share other people's helpful content and links

-Credit other people's work, ideas and links Listen (social media is designed to be a two-way channel, just like any good conversation)

-Ask your own questions.

-Seek feedback from your residents (but make sure you share the results with them)

-Learn from others – there is rich learning of good practice social media use across local government via organisations such as the LGA.

-And more than anything, do use social media in the spirit in which it is intended – to engage, openly and honestly

Dont's

- Talk at people.

-Try to cover up mistakes, be honest and you will get more respect for it in the long run

- Build accounts and just hope people will participate – sometimes it is best to go to the places where your audiences are already having conversations

-Assume that social media will look after itself – you will need to invest time, enthusiasm and energy to make it work.

-And don't leave your accounts unattended for long spells

-Post inappropriate comments or tweets

-Post content which will embarrass your council or yourself

-Engage in protracted debates that could be perceived as inflaming sensitive council business.

-Know when to stop posting comments or tweeting etc.

-Ignore legal advice, it is there to help you T

-hink that a disclaimer in your bio will save you from potential legal action, it won't

-Share your passwords

-Forget that social media is 24/7 – just because you leave at 5pm doesn't mean the world stops or that residents won't be active 

The Members’ ICT Protocol was last revised and approved by the Standards Committee in January 2015.