New University social media policy launches

The new policy covers both colleague and student use of social media, and is intended to encourage professional and respectful interactions.

The University’s new social media policy sets out clear guidance on the safe and effective use of social media platforms for both colleagues and students. Guided by our Values and Behaviours and our commitment to free expression and academic freedom, the policy outlines expectations for those engaging on social media.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube offer many benefits and opportunities to engage audiences with our work. They play an essential role in how we share information and successes, keep our colleagues and students informed on key developments, and promote academic freedom through healthy debate about research and matters of public interest.

We also need to mindful of the instantaneous and far-reaching impact of these platforms and the potentially harmful impact that inappropriate use can have on our colleagues and students, and the credibility and integrity of the University itself.

As a result, the policy applies to any professional activity on social media, and may also cover activity on a personal account if it identifies you as associated with the University. This could include activity that puts the University’s reputation at risk, such as content that is unlawful or discriminatory, constitutes harassment, or breaches University policy.

Other important points in the policy include:

• The policy supports freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law.
• Colleagues and students are responsible for what they communicate and share online.
• We should maintain a professional and respectful tone in our social media activity, particularly when using platforms for work purposes.
• We must be mindful of the copyright, data protection and intellectual property implications or any material we share.
• We should respect the rights and privacy of colleagues and students.
• Social media can be used to advertise vacant roles, but must not be used to recruit candidates.
• Where required, account holders must adhere to additional guidance of regulatory bodies like the Law Society or Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
• If an account identifies you as working for the University of Reading, you are advised to include an appropriate disclaimer such as “The views expressed here are my own and in no way reflect the views of the University of Reading.”

Read the full Social Media Policy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Head of Digital Campaigns and Engagement, Ian Wilmot at i.wilmot@reading.ac.uk