Social Media Policy

Scope and purpose

Social media refers to online platforms that facilitate the creation, communication, and dissemination of information to online audiences and networks. We are committed to responsible usage of social media channels; this policy explains how and why Vivace Chorus uses social media channels, and who to contact with queries or concerns.

1 – Use of social media channels

• Social media channels in use by Vivace Chorus encompass the public-facing platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube; and internal use of WhatsApp (choir members only).
• Vivace Chorus’ public-facing social media channels are:
  • used by Vivace Chorus for purposes including promotion and marketing of Vivace Chorus concerts and events, recruitment of prospective members and communicating about other activities of the choir as relevant;
  • indicated as official channels of the choir through the use of the full name of the choir, the Vivace Chorus logo, registered charity number, and links to the Vivace Chorus website. Additionally, Vivace Chorus social media channels can be identified and accessed from the Vivace Chorus website www.VivaceChorus.org.
  • administered by a designated Vivace Chorus committee member with responsibility for Social Media, and/or by another nominated committee member(s) as required.
• Vivace Chorus uses WhatsApp as an internal social communication channel among choir members. Vivace Chorus group chats are administered by a committee member(s) and upholds the standards of appropriate usage as set out in this policy.
• Use of all social media channels is undertaken in accordance with other Vivace Chorus policies including: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Child Protection Policy, Safeguarding Policy and Data Protection Policy.

2 – Content and consent to feature

• Content on public-facing social media channels is posted by a designated Vivace Chorus committee member with responsibility for social media, and/or by another nominated committee member(s) where required. Content may be amended, updated, or deleted where required. 
• Use of any audio and/or visual material on social media channels is undertaken in adherence with copyright laws where relevant.
• On joining Vivace Chorus, members sign a form indicating whether they consent to be photographed for use in choir materials, including on public-facing social media channels. This consent may be revoked at any time either verbally or in writing via the Social Media committee member or another committee member.
• Individuals attending or participating in a Vivace Chorus events will be notified of any photography/filming to be undertaken and informed of how to opt-out of appearing in any such materials. 
• All Vivace Chorus social media channels are regularly monitored for comments. Any comments that are offensive, spam, indicative of fraudulent selling activity, or otherwise deemed inappropriate or in violation of Vivace Chorus policies will be removed, reported via the reporting mechanisms on the social media platform, and the account will be blocked from further interaction with Vivace Chorus channels.
• Any abusive messages received via Vivace Chorus social media channels, including direct messages to Vivace Chorus accounts, will be reported via the reporting mechanisms on the social media platform, and the account will be blocked from further interaction with Vivace Chorus channels. Any individual in receipt of abusive messages will be supported by the Committee following the procedures set out in the Safeguarding Policy.
• Any complaints received via social media channels will be reported to the Committee; a response, including any action taken where required, will be fed back to the complainant in a timely manner.
• No confidential communication should take place via publicly accessible social media channels.

3 – Contact for queries, complaints or concerns

• Queries, complaints or concerns about the use of Vivace Chorus social media channels, or any content/activity appearing on our channels, can be raised at any time either verbally or in writing to the Social Media email address socialmedia@vivacechorus.org or another committee member.