Why does WPV have a social media policy?
The Charity Commission require registered charities to have a social media policy in place. West Pennine Villages u3a (WPV u3a) believes it is good practice to both follow Charity Commission guidelines and to develop WPV u3a’s own social media policy.
2. Scope
This policy sets out guidelines on how social media may or should be used to promote WPV u3a. It sets out what members need to be aware of when interacting in online spaces and how and what they can post, while protecting WPV u3a and its reputation and preventing any legal issues.
3. Why do we need a social media policy?
Members using any social media connected to WPV u3a matters or business should observe the standards laid out in this document. Publication and commentary on social media carry similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary in the public domain.
4. What is social media?
Social media is the term given to web-based tools and applications which enable users to create and share content (words, images, and video content), and network with each other through the sharing of information, opinions, knowledge, and common interests. Examples of social media include Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), WhatsApp, Messenger, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
5. General Guidelines
Be careful with your privacy online and be cautious when sharing personal information. What you publish is widely accessible, so consider the content carefully. It is important to abide by the WPV u3a Code of Conduct for members and respond to any differences of opinion respectfully and politely.
WPV u3a does not hold a view on, or have links with, political, religious, or other ideological groups as its ethos is to remain neutral at all times. When representing WPV u3a, members are expected to remain neutral and to not comment on such matters.
Members should not set up social media sites on behalf of WPV u3a, nor should they post WPV u3a material to other existing social media sites without permission from the WPV committee. This could confuse messaging and brand awareness. By having an official outlet, the WPV u3a website, WPV u3a can ensure consistency and focus on building a strong following.
6. Content of posts or comments
Posts can include, for example, informing users of upcoming meetings, visits, changes to times and dates, national u3a initiatives, details of new interest groups, meeting reports, and photos. Posts from national u3a and other u3as can also be shared if they are of interest to members. All posts or comments should observe WPV u3a’s Code of Conduct for members.
Personal details and photos should not be shared without the permission of the person concerned. When taking group photos for publication, Group Convenors should ensure that participants are offered the chance to opt out of appearing in the photo. Please refer to the WPV u3a Privacy and Data Protection Policy. Posts and comments should not be used for complaints about WPV u3a. All concerns should be referred to WPV u3a’s Complaints Policy and Procedure.
7.Posts must not be libelous
Libel is when a false written statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation is published online or in print. When members are posting content on social media in a personal capacity, they should not bring WPV u3a into disrepute by making defamatory or contentious comments about individuals or other organisations or groups.
8. Posts must not break copyright laws
Members should abide by the laws governing copyright under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Do not use or adapt someone else’s images or written content without permission. Failing to acknowledge the source, author, or resource citation, when permission has been given, is also considered a breach of copyright. WPV u3a’s logos may not be used without written permission from the WPV u3a committee.
9. Which social media channels do we use?
WPV u3a does not currently have a presence on any public, for example Facebook, social media channels other than its website.
10. Private messaging apps
There may be occasions when a Group Convenor and the members of the group find it appropriate to use private messaging apps, for example WhatsApp and Messenger. Use of such apps is outside of the official WPV u3a communication channels. WPV u3a feels it appropriate to remind members that WPV u3a policies should be followed at all times. When using such apps members should be aware the use of private messaging apps can result in private and personal information, for example phone numbers, being available to all members of the group. Group Convenors should ensure group members are only added to the messaging app after gaining the member’s permission and explaining that personal information may be visible to others. Any personal information used in such groups is outside of the WPV Privacy and Data Protection Policy
All members using messaging apps should ensure the WPV u3a policies linked below are followed. Particular attention is drawn to inclusion. A member who chooses not to or is unable to join a messaging group must be kept informed of group activities through official WPV u3a channels. It is the Group Convenor’s responsibility to ensure all group members have equal access to group information.
Equality, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy
Safeguarding Policy and Procedure
11. How do I complain if I am uncomfortable with a post or message?
If a member is unhappy or uncomfortable with content in a messaging app this can be raised by following the WPV u3a Complaints Policy and Procedure. If the complaint relates to unofficial social media, for example a WhatsApp group, WPV u3a may conclude it cannot give a ruling on the complaint. WPV u3a will investigate all complaints, whether involving official social media or not, and always try to reach an amicable resolution to such matters.
| Date approved | 11/02/2026 | Date of review | |
| Reviewer | Paul Brooking | Date of next review | 01/11/2026 |