Introduction
The term social media refers to the online web technologies and practices that are used to share information, opinions and build relationships. It can involve a variety of formats, including text, pictures, video, audio and real-time dialogues. It includes, but is not exclusive to, such things as social networks, discussion forums, blogs, wikis and podcasts.With the wide-spread application of social media, the company recognises the need to have a policy which ensures that employees who use social media either as part of their job, or in a personal capacity, have guidance as to the company’s expectations. This is particularly important where the social media engagement is about PCI Pal or related topics.
The company’s guidelines on social media engagement are therefore designed to protect the interests of both employees and the company.
Everything you type into a social networking site is stored forever, even if you delete it. Don’t post anything, anywhere that you wouldn’t be comfortable with the whole world reading every single day. Have no expectation that anything you say or do is private. Anything you post online can – and probably will – be kept forever and may be displayed to others, on purpose or by accident.
In brief, when engaging in social media either on behalf of the company or in a personal capacity, you must be clear about who you are representing, you must take responsibility for ensuring that any references you make to PCI Pal are factually correct and accurate, do not breach confidentiality, and that you show respect for the individuals and communities with which you interact.
It is important to note that this policy does not apply to employees’ personal use of social media platforms where the employee makes no reference to company related issues.
Personal use
Personal everyday use of social media is your own personal choice, but you are not allowed to mention or discuss, directly or indirectly, any confidential company information. This includes customer names, products and services. If in doubt – don’t post it! If you require clarification about aspects of this policy and how it applies to your own circumstances, please contact your line manager or the marketing team.
When using social media on your own behalf, you are required to:
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ensure others know that personal account or statements don’t represent our company. i.e. that your views are your own and do not represent that of the business.
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ensure you do not knowingly use the identity of another PCI Pal employee or an employee of a business partner, customer or competitor (including name or variation of a name).
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disclose only publicly available information. You must not comment on or disclose confidential PCI Pal information (such as financial information, customers or business names, future business performance, business plans, imminent departure of key executives).
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Whilst you have a right to a private life and to express your opinions, comments and posts can form the basis for harassment claims.
Respect
You are required to:
• be respectful of all individuals and communities with which you interact online
• be polite and respectful of other opinions, even in times of heated discussion and debate
• adhere to each sites Terms of Use, and seek to conform to the cultural and behavioural norms, of the social media platform being used
• respect copyright, privacy, financial disclosure and other applicable laws when publishing on social media platforms.
Company Policy – Representation, Responsibility & Respect
This section outlines how the company’s policy should be applied if you choose to make references to PCI Pal, its people, products, services, and/or other business-related individuals or organisations when you are using a social media platform in a personal capacity.
It is important in these circumstances that readers of your posts do not misconstrue your personal comments as representing an official PCI Pal position.
If you require clarification about what PCI Pal information is in the public domain, you should refer to material such as
www.pcipal.com and PCI Pal’s annual report.
Representing our Company
Some employees represent our company by handling corporate social media accounts or speak on our company’s behalf. We expect them to act carefully and responsibly to protect our company’s image and reputation. Employees should:
• Be respectful, polite and patient, when engaging in conversations on our company’s behalf. Be extra careful when making declarations or statements towards customers and stakeholders
• Avoid speaking on matters outside your field of expertise. Everyone should be careful not to answer questions or make statements that fall under somebody else’s responsibility
• Inform the marketing department and seek approval before sharing any major-impact content
• Correct or remove any misleading or false content as quickly as possible
• Only reference or publish publicly available information, unless specifically authorised to do otherwise
In general
You are personally responsible for the content of your posts online. In this context, you have a responsibility to ensure that:
• any information about PCI Pal products and services that you provide is informed and factually accurate. If you wish to express your opinions, please state they are your personal opinions.
• if you are offering your personal perspective on a matter related to PCI Pal, be mindful that your commentary and opinion does not cause damage to PCI Pal or its commercial interests.
• you do not post material that is obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, libellous or hateful to another person or entity, including about PCI Pal, its employees, its contractors, its partners, its competitors and/or other business-related individuals or organisations.
• you do not bring PCI Pal or any entity associated with PCI Pal into disrepute.
Non-compliance with this policy may lead to
disciplinary action as set out in your contracts of employment including, in serious cases, dismissal.
