Coventry Parent Carer Forum
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
1.0 PURPOSE
Coventry Parent Carer Forum (PCF) recognises that using digital technology, including networking sites and social media, provides many opportunities to improve how we communicate, reach out, and interact with people and other groups.
This policy provides guidelines for acceptable use, not only for Coventry PCF’s social networking platforms, but for any online interactive communication tool as it relates to Coventry PCF, including (but not limited to):
● Blogs
● Wikis
● Discussion forums and message boards
● Comments on web articles
● X (formerly Twitter)
● YouTube
● Flickr
● TikTok
2.0 POLICY
Coventry PCF uses Facebook to interact with parent carers living in Coventry. Our Facebook Group is active, but it is closed and not visible to the general public.
2.1 Administration & Moderation Rules
● We do not pre-moderate user-generated content before it is published. However, our closed Facebook group is regularly monitored.
● We will delete any comments or messages that do not meet our posting guidelines.
● Coventry PCF is not liable for user-generated content and does not commit to responding to every comment, message, post or tweet.
● Messages posted on the Coventry PCF closed Facebook group are for general informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice.
● Our Facebook page and groups are managed by two administrators, ensuring that someone is always available to oversee and address any issues that may arise.
3.0 Group Expectations
We want our Facebook group and other Coventry PCF social networking spaces to feel open, respectful and supportive.
Please keep in mind:
● You are responsible for what you write.
● Avoid making assumptions about other people’s experiences – everyone has different coping mechanisms and tolerance levels.
● Speak your mind, but be sensitive to the feelings and opinions of others.
● Don’t share confidential or personal information about yourself or others.
● Do not post photos of other people, especially children, even if taken at Coventry PCF events, unless you are a Forum Officer who has gained specific, individual consent.
● If you want to go off topic, please message the person privately.
● Comply with current legislation.
● Do not create unnecessary risk to Coventry PCF by misusing social media.
● Do not present personal views as those of Coventry PCF.
We reserve the right to delete posts that include:
● Personal information like telephone numbers or addresses
● Violent, pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, hateful or discriminatory content
● Threats or defamatory remarks about any named individual, professional, or organisation
● Advertisements for personal business or requests for money/donations
● Comments that encourage illegal activity
● False or derogatory statements
● Comments that are off-topic or repetitive
● Bullying or harassment
● Impersonation or misrepresentation
● Party political statements or active campaigning
● Copyright-infringing content
● Links to chain letters, junk mail, gambling, or extremist groups
● Any other content likely to cause liability or reputational risk to individuals or the organisation
4.0 Unacceptable Behaviour
The following behaviour is not permitted:
● Using Coventry PCF’s name, logo, or email address (e.g. covpf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk) for personal use
● Using Coventry PCF systems to set up personal businesses or send chain letters
● Forwarding Coventry PCF confidential messages externally
● Distributing, disseminating, or storing content that could be considered indecent, pornographic, obscene, offensive, discriminatory, or illegal
● Sharing material that constitutes bullying, harassment, or personal attacks
● Accessing or copying copyrighted content without permission
● Tampering with Coventry PCF laptops and systems or accessing an unauthorised account.
5.0 Safeguarding Concerns
Where there appears to be a clear need to safeguard the welfare of a poster and/or their family, Coventry PCF will contact the relevant authorities.
Please refer to the Coventry PCF Data Protection and Confidentiality Policies for more details.
6.0 Code of Conduct & Complaints
All behaviour should comply with the Coventry PCF Code of Conduct. Complaints about social media misuse will be dealt with by the Chair of Coventry PCF. Please also refer to Coventry PCF Compliments and Complaints Policy.
A Final Note
While Coventry PCF will always do its best to encourage a supportive, inclusive online environment, please remember that anything posted online — including in closed groups — can potentially be shared outside of the Forum’s control.
Thank you for helping to keep our online spaces safe, welcoming, and respectful for all.
Questions or comments about this policy? covpf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk
Approved: May 2025
Responsibility of: Coventry Parent Carer Forum Committee
Next review date: May 2027