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This policy outlines how the University manages its official social media channels. It sets out our approach to monitoring, moderation and responding to inappropriate content.
It supports our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for our community, including across digital platforms.
This policy applies to all official University social media accounts and to staff responsible for managing or contributing to those accounts.
It does not apply to personal social media use by staff or students, although other University policies may be relevant in those contexts.
We use social media to share information, promote our work and engage with our students, staff, partners and wider communities.
We aim to ensure our channels are welcoming, respectful and safe spaces for everyone.
We expect anyone engaging with our social media channels to do so in a respectful and constructive way.
Behaviour that may constitute harassment includes unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment, including through digital channels such as social media. This aligns with the University’s understanding of harassment under the Equality Act 2010.
We do not permit content that is abusive, offensive, discriminatory, defamatory or sexually inappropriate, or that targets individuals or groups.
We reserve the right to remove content that does not meet these expectations.
We recognise that social media can present risks, including harassment, inappropriate comments, direct messages and the potential for individuals to be targeted.
This may include abusive comments, offensive material, unwanted contact or the spreading of malicious rumours.
The University recognises that harassment and bullying can occur via digital platforms, including social media, and this forms part of our wider approach to preventing harassment and protecting our community.
Our social media channels are actively monitored by the Brand and Content team.
We review comments, mentions and messages regularly using approved social media management tools.
Where necessary, we will hide, remove or report content, and may block users who repeatedly breach our guidelines.
We take a proportionate approach to managing inappropriate content.
Where appropriate, issues may initially be addressed informally. However, serious or repeated incidents will be escalated in line with University procedures.
This may include removing content, reporting it to the platform, restricting users or escalating concerns internally.
Where there is a risk to individuals or a safeguarding concern, issues will be escalated appropriately.
The University encourages the timely reporting of concerns and will take appropriate action to protect individuals and prevent harm.
Staff managing social media accounts will be supported where they are exposed to inappropriate or harmful content as part of their role.
We have an established process for managing serious or high-risk incidents on social media.
This includes clear escalation routes and involvement of relevant teams such as Communications, HR and Student Services where appropriate.
We take steps to reduce risk by applying consistent moderation, supporting staff who manage social media and using preventative measures where appropriate.
We also promote clear expectations for behaviour across our channels.
We welcome discussion and engagement across our social media channels. To help keep these spaces safe and respectful for everyone, we ask that users follow these guidelines:
Behaviour that may constitute harassment includes unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment.
We may remove comments that do not follow these guidelines and may block users who repeatedly breach them.
This policy should be read alongside other relevant University policies and guidance, including:
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and aligned with relevant legislation and University practice.