Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Breach of Social Media Policy

16 replies

HettyMagda · 24/08/2021 09:42

I have a formal 'fact finding and investigative' meeting schedule as there has been an anonymous allegation that I have breached Company social media policy.

I had a brief chat with my line manager yesterday (who will conduct the meeting) and I asked on which platform was it breached and they suggested it was Facebook.

It's not based on using social media on company time, but likely on something that was posted, commented on, liked, shared etc. I know that there is another person who has had the same allegations made against them.

I have been through my FB activity log with a fine tooth comb and the date the alleged breach doesn't exist, so whatever it was has been deleted/blocked. It wasn't something I've directly posted/shared. I am very careful about mentioning my job on social media, because I know there are policies but mainly because mi friends list isn't interested (and neither am I most of the time!)

Anyway, I will have Union representation and I'm fully upto speed with the company social media policy.

My Union Rep said she's dealt with very minor breaches, such as someone 'liking' a post that breached policy.

The details will be presented at the meeting and we will adjourn the meeting to discuss (me and rep)

Has anybody breached their Company social media policy? What kind of questions do I need to ask, what replies do they want to hear?

I'm a bit worried, naturally, as there is a possibility it could go to a disciplinary hearing but I'm hoping it will eat resolved without that.

OP posts:
HettyMagda · 24/08/2021 09:43

Sorry for the typos.

OP posts:
CoRhona · 24/08/2021 12:06

So you have no idea at all what it is?!

HettyMagda · 24/08/2021 12:36

Genuinely no idea.

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 24/08/2021 12:37

Hopefully it's very straightforward and easy to resolve. Good luck!

HettyMagda · 24/08/2021 13:25

Thank you, I hope so too!

OP posts:
worrybutterfly · 24/08/2021 13:45

Hope it goes well. It's good that you have a union representative with you.

I believe they may need to share any evidence they have with you prior to the meeting. Although, someone here with more knowledge than me may be able to give you a definite answer on that.

MrsRockAndRoll · 24/08/2021 21:19

No advice but bumping and wishing you luck

HasaDigaEebowai · 24/08/2021 21:23

I’m an employment solicitor. Does your Facebook profile link you to your employer in any way? Are you Facebook friends with work colleagues or business contacts?

HasaDigaEebowai · 24/08/2021 21:24

+believe they may need to share any evidence they have with you prior to the meeting*

Not prior to an investigation meeting but yes they should share this prior to a full dusciplinary meeting.

Kitkat151 · 24/08/2021 21:38

Yes...good luck

HettyMagda · 24/08/2021 22:03

@HasaDigaEebowai
My profile doesn't link me to my employer but I am Facebook friends with lots of people at work.

My line manager said full details will be discussed at the investigative meeting, and my union rep said that we will pretty much immediately adjourn to discuss it alone.

OP posts:
HasaDigaEebowai · 24/08/2021 22:51

My profile doesn't link me to my employer but I am Facebook friends with lots of people at work

That’s really foolish I’m afraid if you actively use Facebook. Hopefully its something minor and will be easily resolved. Showing contrition will be your best bet.

NotAnotherPushyMum · 24/08/2021 22:58

@HasaDigaEebowai

My profile doesn't link me to my employer but I am Facebook friends with lots of people at work

That’s really foolish I’m afraid if you actively use Facebook. Hopefully its something minor and will be easily resolved. Showing contrition will be your best bet.

Can I ask why you think it’s foolish? Only asking because our SM policy says it applies if we identify ourselves as working for the organisation, but says nothing about colleagues as ‘friends’.
HasaDigaEebowai · 24/08/2021 23:05

Because if you say anything controversial or out of line with your employers views then you are potentially portraying your employer in a bad light or bringing them into disrepute or undermining your ability to manage your team effectively by your behaviour outside of work or various other things depending on the particular scenario. Plus it’s all so easy for things to be spotted and reported back. I’ve had no end of cases where people have been disciplined over things ranging from partying whilst “sick” to holding inappropriate or extreme political views.

If you really must use social media keep your “friends” group small and trusted and unconnected to work.

purpledagger · 25/08/2021 11:59

I agree with with the previous poster (the employment solicitor). I work in HR and would rather not get involved in things that happen outside of work, but these things often end up over spilling into work.

I don't use social media much, but when I do, I don't have current work colleagues on my account, for this very reason.

ChateauMargaux · 25/08/2021 13:47

Don't react, take as much time as you need.

Ask for the policy.

Ask for proof / evidence.

Take advice outside of the meeting if you need to.

Stay calm.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page