Social Media (SoMe) Policy
This is a comprehensive guide for social media use for BAUS channels and for individuals using social media in a personal capacity as a representative of BAUS. The policy will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, at least once a year. BAUS will amend this policy, following consultations with trustees, staff and members where appropriate.
This policy is intended for all staff, trustees and member representatives of the charity, particularly those with communications responsibilities within their sections and regions. Before engaging in social media activity, you must read this policy, which contains guidance that will help you adhere to our standards.
Why we need a SoMe policy
Social media is a fast-moving online world, where nuance and context can be easily lost. While social media brings the charity to a wide audience, it can also present risks. We want to ensure that all staff, Trustees and members using social media represent and reflect BAUS in the best way possible. It is also important to mitigate risks (such as reputational or legal issues) associated with the use of social media to protect our staff and members, work and reputation.
Following guidance from the Charity Commission, it is important to note that Trustees are responsible for agreeing and putting in place a social media policy, so that BAUS has internal controls that are appropriate and proportionate for our own specific needs and which are clear to everyone within BAUS – staff, Trustees and members - using social media.
Read the Charity Commission guidance
While we encourage the use of social media to support our communications strategy or plans, we have important standards, outlined in this policy, which we require everyone to observe and adhere to. The Charity Commission sates that ‘it is important to think about how your charity can use social media effectively to benefit your charity, the risks it may bring, and how you can manage those risks, including by acting reasonably and responsibly to protect your charity.’
The difference between a personal and professional opinion can also be blurred on social media, particularly if you're discussing issues relating to BAUS's work. Publication and commentary on social media carries similar obligations and is subject to the same laws as other kinds of publication or commentary in the public domain.
Failure to comply with this policy could expose BAUS to reputational damage as well as putting staff, trustees and members at risk.
Application of the SoMe policy
This policy applies to all social media platforms used by staff (including consultants, and freelancers), Trustees and members in a professional and personal capacity.
This policy also applies to online blogs, podcasts, forums, and messaging based apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger etc.
Social media can be accessed in various ways, including from a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone. This policy applies to the use of all such devices.
View the BAUS social media policy
Date of last review: April 2025