SSSC Publish New Social Media Guidelines for Care Workers in Scotland
For all the advantages that social media affords, it is certainly
not without its drawbacks, and for those working in particular industries the
use of such platforms can be nothing short of a minefield. One such industry is
social services; in fact, Code 5.8 of the Code of Practice for Social Workers
specifically states that “[Care providers] will not behave, while in or outside
of work, in a way which would bring [their] suitability to work in social
services into question.” And yes, that rule extends to social media platforms.
In an effort to help those working within the industry to
properly navigate the potential pitfalls which come with the use of social media,
the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
recently published an updated set of social media guidelines for care workers. The guidance provides
advice on using social media in accordance with the SSSC Code of Practice,
which sets out the expected behaviours and values of the workforce.
The guidelines cover common queries such as whether social
media should in fact be used at all by those in the industry, as well as
ethical questions relating to the ‘friending’ of clients on such platforms. The
guidelines also discuss the promotion of services and general industry
conversation on social media, and what to do if you should become concerned by
the comments and/or actions of a colleague.
SSSC chief executive Anna Fowlie commented, “I’m a keen twitter
user and it can be a great way to share information, connect with people and
promote what you do.
“Most people on our register will use social media
responsibly and in line with our standards. However, we know that they often
have questions or concerns. This updated guidance will help them use social
media in a way that doesn’t conflict with their professional social service
role by highlighting the Codes of Practice and the need to use careful
judgement when online.
“I hope it gives workers the confidence to use social media
appropriately and make the most of it to support their professional practice by
connecting with a huge range of people and organisations.”
Also included within the SSSC’s newly published guidelines
is an online ‘fitness to practice’ learning resource, which allows participants
to react to and make decisions regarding difficult situations which may arise over
the course of their career, all within a safe environment with no impact upon
the individuals making use of their service. By playing through these
hypothetical situations, the hope is that workers will be better able to
respond in an appropriate manner should the situation arise for real. Workers
are also able to view examples of previous investigations conducted by the SSSC
in regards to the social media use of their members in the hope that this will further
aid them in avoiding similar issues.
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers.
Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that
'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @Songbird_Sam
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SSSC Publish New Social Media Guidelines for Care Workers in Scotland
Reviewed by Unknown
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Tuesday, October 24, 2017
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Reviewed by Unknown
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Tuesday, October 24, 2017
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