The social media acceptable use policy is about how we monitor and moderate our corporate social media channels and our guidelines for people that engage with our channels and content.
This policy sets out the expectations for behaviour for those that use or engage with our channels and helps make sure that our platforms are safe, inclusive, and constructive spaces for everyone.
At Stockport Council, we’re proud of our inclusive, respectful workplace culture, underpinned by our values, and we’re committed to protecting it.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination or abuse – from anyone, including colleagues, customers and the public. We have publicly committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation and are equally opposed to all other forms of discrimination.
Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, age, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
In the digital age, social media is essential for open, two-way communication with our residents. As a council, it’s important that we create a respectful, informative, and supportive online environment.
We will use this policy to guide our moderation practices including:
- monitoring content
- responding during active hours
- removing harmful or inappropriate content where necessary
This policy forms part of our ‘Belong here’ work and supports our Dignity at work and Zero tolerance policy.
Our social media channels
Stockport Council uses social media to engage with our community, share important updates, and provide support. We encourage open and respectful conversations.
Our active hours
Our social media pages are monitored between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We're unable to respond to questions or complaints outside these hours, even if we post updates.
We monitor our social media during critical incidents, adverse weather, and major events to provide updates and support.
Our guidelines
To maintain a positive and safe environment, we ask all users to follow these guidelines when interacting with our channels. Your cooperation helps keep our online spaces welcoming and constructive for everyone.
Be respectful
Treat others with kindness and respect.
Do not post abusive, hateful, discriminatory, or offensive comments.
Avoid personal attacks, harassment, or threats against individuals or groups.
No hate speech or illegal content
We do not tolerate content that is racist, sexist, homophobic, or discriminatory.
Do not post anything that promotes violence, illegal activity, or harm.
Stay on topic
Keep discussions relevant to the post or topic.
Avoid spamming, repetitive comments, or excessive self-promotion.
Misinformation and false claims may be removed.
Protect privacy
Do not share personal or confidential information; your own or others'.
For personal issues, please contact us privately via direct message or email.
Moderation and enforcement
We reserve the right to hide or remove comments that violate these guidelines.
Repeated breaches may result in users being blocked or reported.
We aim to respond to queries as quickly as possible during business hours.
Actions we will take if we find these guidelines are not being followed:
Deleting comments
We reserve the right to delete comments that include:
- defamatory, slanderous, misleading, or false information
- abusive, threatening, or intimidating language
- hate speech or discrimination
- promotion of illegal activity
- spamming or excessive self-promotion
- obscene, profane, or sexually explicit content
- irrelevant or trolling comments
- political nature or content which could be interpreted as supporting or opposing a party or candidate
- any other content deemed unacceptable by our officers
In extreme cases, we may screenshot comments and report them to the police.
Blocking individuals
If you repeatedly violate our policy, you will be blocked immediately.
After 6 months, we'll review the block and may reinstate access if you follow this policy.
Turning off comments
We reserve the right to turn off comments on sensitive posts or those we cannot monitor consistently for example over weekends.
If comments are disabled, any related comments on other posts may be deleted.
Managed contacts list
If you're placed on our ‘managed contacts list,’ you'll be blocked from our social media, along with any alias accounts.
Allegations against council staff and elected members
We have a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption.
Allegations must be reported via our online complaints form.
False accusations or misleading information about the council or its staff will be removed and maybe subject to further action.
Safeguarding allegations or disclosures
Safeguarding concerns posted on social media will be passed to the relevant organisations. It is better to report these concerns directly:
- if a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm call the police on 999
- safeguarding children
- safeguarding adults
Complaints
We're committed to high-quality service and take complaints seriously.
If you have a complaint, use our online complaints form.
If you're blocked, you can appeal the decision through our complaints procedure. The grounds for exclusion will be reviewed and reinstated if found unjustified.
No Excuse for Abuse: Zero tolerance policy
In line with our values, Stockport Council is dedicated to ensuring a safe and respectful working environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abuse, whether from colleagues or the public.
We take abuse or aggression towards our staff seriously, whether in person, over the phone, or online.
Our staff are encouraged to report all instances of abuse.
If frustration escalates into aggression, we will take action.
For concerns or questions about this policy, email [communications@stockport.gov.uk](communications@stockport.gov.uk.
Working together with respect
We promise to work with you and treat you with dignity, respect and kindness, even when things get challenging. We expect you to treat our colleagues with respect too.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence, aggression, and abuse towards our colleagues. This means we will always challenge any abuse and take appropriate action against anyone acting in this way towards our team.
Find out more about how we work together with respect.