Social network policies (FOI)

​Request

A

What are the States social networking policies?

B

Have these policies been broken?

C

How long are States members spending on Social media websites while working? 

D

How many hours are spend on social media sites by States staff? 

Response

A 

The States of Jersey has a Social Media Policy which all staff are expected to follow. It sets out guidance on the use of official social media sites run by government departments and for the professional use of other social media sites by staff on behalf of their employer.

B

It is for managers to monitor their staff’s use of time while at work.

C

States Members are politicians elected by islanders and not members of staff employed by the government. It is for States Members themselves to determine how to use their time for the benefit of the electorate.

D

This depends on the roles being fulfilled by particular members of staff. Some public sector staff are in roles that require the use of social media channels as part of their job, for instance various civil servants are responsible for updating the States of Jersey Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook sites. Other staff might be required to use other social media channels in a professional capacity, while others will have no access to official government sites and no requirement to use social media as part of their work. 

For those staff who do have access, this is a relevant excerpt from the States of Jersey Social Media Policy: 

Employees may use social media: - 

• to communicate States’ interests, work programmes and policies 

• to demonstrate professional expertise and to network with other professionals for the benefit of the employer eg on LinkedIn

• employees may not use social media for their own personal interests while at work.