Given the dreadful ongoing events in the Middle East, Napo has understandably been contacted by a number of our members in relation to their use of social media to express personal opinions about the conflict.
Napo policy as stated at our recent AGM
At the opening of Conference at Nottingham the General Secretary read out a statement that had previously been issued by the Trade Union Congress General Council.
Read here: TUC statement on Gaza and Israel
At the Officers meeting on the morning of AGM, it was agreed to endorse the General Secretary’s recommendation that the TUC statement presented the most appropriate position for Napo to adopt.
Use of social media
Given that Napo has endorsed the TUC statement above, the advice to Napo members who hold representative positions and use Napo’s name as part of their social media tags is that any postings about the conflict should simply directly reference the statement above.
Personal postings on Social Media
In the main we are asking members to be mindful of what they are posting on their personal social media accounts. A posting from which you can be identified as being employed by Cafcass. Probation Board Northern Ireland or Probation England and Wales, may be perceived as bringing the service into disrepute depending on its content. This equally applies to ‘likes’ and reposts of opinions from third parties.
Postings which mirror the Napo policy position as above should not have any negative consequences but in the event of any difficulties contact should be made with ilawrence@napo.org.uk
Below is a reminder of the Civil Service Code
– The Civil Service code – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Napo policy going forward
As members would expect, Napo will review our policy position in light of developments, and any further statements that may be issued by the TUC General Council of which our General Secretary is a member.
The General Secretary will also be reporting back on this issue at the next meeting of the Napo Executive Committee later this month.
Helen Banner National Chair
Ian Lawrence General Secretary
