Social Media Policy
Scope
This policy sets out guidelines on how social media should be used to promote Frome Third Age. It sets out what members need to be aware of when interacting in online spaces and how and what they can post, while protecting Frome Third Age and its reputation and preventing any legal issues.
Why do we need a social media policy?
Members using any Frome Third Age social media should observe the standards laid out in this document. Publication and commentary on social media carries similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary in the public domain.
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, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram. Social media can be used as a tool to complement the Frome Third Age website and newsletter, enabling the sharing of information about activities.
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 Frome Third Age Code of Conduct and respond to any differences of opinion respectfully and politely.
Frome Third Age 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 Frome Third Age, members are also expected to remain neutral and to not comment on such matters.
Members should not set up other social media sites on behalf of Frome Third Age, nor should they post Frome Third Age material to other existing social media sites. This could confuse messaging and brand awareness. By having an official outlet, Frome Third Age can ensure consistency and focus on building a strong following.
Content of posts or comments
Posts can include, for example, informing users of upcoming meetings, visits, changes to times and dates, details of new interest groups, meeting reports and photos.
Personal details and photos should not be shared without the permission of the person concerned. When taking group photos for publication, Group Leaders should ensure that participants are offered the chance to opt out of appearing in the photo.
Posts and comments should not be used for complaints about Frome Third Age. Refer to Frome Third Age’s Complaints Procedure.
Posts must not be libellous. 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 Frome Third Age into disrepute by making defamatory or contentious comments about individuals or other organisations or groups.
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.
Which social media channels do we use?
Frome Third Age has a Facebook page and Instagram account. We do not currently have a presence on any other social media channels.
Facebook and Instagram Guidelines
Purpose of Frome Third Age's Facebook Page
To inform members and also non-members of Frome Third Age activities and the benefits of
membership.
Point of contact for Facebook and Instagram
Our Facebook and Instagram Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day publishing, monitoring and management of our Facebook page.
How is content of the Facebook Page/ Instagram account controlled and monitored?
Only those members authorised to do so by the Facebook/Instagram Administrator will be able to post directly on the Frome Third Age Facebook Page. This is currently the Facebook & Instagram Administrator, who may authorise one or two Frome Third Age members to post on the Pages.
This is to ensure that all social media content reflects Frome Third Age principles and to avoid irrelevant or inappropriate messages being posted.
Any other member can send material to the Facebook/Instagram Administrator for approval and posting.
Any Facebook user can add a comment under a post. These comments are monitored by the Facebook Administrator and can be deleted and/or the user blocked from the page if they fail to follow the guidelines above.
How do I submit a post for publication on the page?
Contents to be posted on Facebook should be emailed to the Facebook Administrator at socialmedia@fromethirdage.com . Provided it follows our guidelines, it will be posted on Facebook and Instagram for you. We reserve the right to correct spelling and grammar if required.
A) By Group Leaders
Group leaders (or a nominated group member who will communicate on behalf of the interest group) are encouraged to publicise information relevant to Frome 3A, for example details of forthcoming or past events or meetings. If you wish to supply a photo (although photos aren’t essential) please ensure that you have the participants’ permission.
B) By Individual Frome Third Age Members
There may be occasions when individual members wish to post on the page, for example if wishing to gauge interest in starting a new interest group.
How do I comment on a post?
To comment on a post or to respond to a previous comment, click in the box below the comment and type your comment.
Members who are unsure about whether something they propose to do on Facebook might breach this policy, should seek advice from the Facebook Administrator.
Procedure approved: 9th September, 2025 Signed: Chair
Review Date: January 2027