Thomas Bridge 06 July 2015

Don’t Tweet when boozing or grumpy, councillors to be advised

New advice for councillors set to be launched in a South West borough could urge members not to use Twitter when feeling upset or drinking alcohol.

Draft social media protocol to be discussed by Cheltenham BC’s standards committee this morning calls on councillors to ‘treat others with respect’ and avoid posting ‘personal attacks or offensive comments’.

A lengthy list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ urges councillors not to upload comments ‘in haste’ particularly ‘when feeling angry, tired or having consumed alcohol’.

If adopted, the document would ban members from ‘bullying any person’ or using their position ‘improperly’ on social media.

It also warns that while tweeting during a public meeting may be a ‘useful’ way to provide updates on progress, it might give the impression ‘that a councillor is not concentrating on the business being conducted or is relying on guidance from outside the meeting’.

The draft guidance calls on councillors not to publish false statements or confidential information on service users, contractors, fellow staff or town hall data.

However it does acknowledge that social media can support members to perform their local leadership roles, keep in touch with communities or campaign on regional issues.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner