Council social media policy updated to include 'influencers'
A separate protocol is in place for employees who have access to council-owned social media accounts
ANTRIM and Newtownabbey Borough Council is set to update its' social media policy for employees to cover 'influencing'.
A report before the Community Development Committee this week said that the policy is intended to provide guidelines on how the council regulates and manages the use of social media by employees, casual and agency workers of the council. The Marketing, Communications and PR Section of the Community and Culture Directorate is responsible for all aspects of managing social media for the council.
The report said: “The vast majority of employees of the council are regular users of social media as is the case for wider society. This policy reinforces the effective and responsible use of social media so as not to expose the council or individuals to risks to reputation, security of information or to jeopardise compliance with legal obligations. By providing this guidance, the council is offering a safeguard to employees, casual and agency workers.
“This policy applies to employees’ personal use of social media. A separate protocol is in place for employees who have access to council-owned social media accounts. The policy aligns with the Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees.”
The policy was approved at the December 2025 Community Development Committee. The aim of this policy is to ensure that employees are fully aware of their responsibilities to the council when using social media in a personal capacity and follow the Code of Conduct and all other related policies, that council information remains secure and is not compromised through the use of social media and that employees and the council are protected from any risk to reputational damage as a result of employees’ use of social media.
The policy covers social networking, blogging, multi-media sharing, information sharing, review and opinion sites, messaging apps and forums.
The report continued: “Following a recent review of the policy it has been updated to address the evolution of the operating environment relating to social media specifically in relation to influencing activity. There are no financial implications arising from the development or implementation of the Social Media Policy for Employees.
“The Director of Community and Culture and the Director of People and Organisational Transformation have responsibility for reviewing this policy regularly to ensure that it meets legal requirements and reflects best practice. The Marketing, Communications and PR Section of the Community and Culture Directorate monitor social media use continually as part of their remit, provide alerts in relation to any and all issues of concern. The policy will continue to be kept under review with any updates or changes to be brought back to the committee.”