Issue - meetings

That the Social Media Protocol be approved.

The Chief Executive presented the proposed Social Media Protocol and emphasised the importance of embracing social media such as Twitter and Facebook, the use of which would make the Council’s meetings more accessible and would show the Council as a modern and open organisation.

In explaining the background to the report, the Chief Executive said there had been a lot of discussion in the press recently about whether the use of social media such as tweeting should be permitted at meetings.  It had therefore been agreed that all North Wales authorities would consider the adoption of a social media protocol at their annual general meetings.

The Protocol was intended to cover social media such as Twitter and Facebook where communication was to an open audience.  In response to a question from Councillor C.S. Carver, the Chief Executive explained that it was not intended to cover sending emails or texts, which, by their nature, were to a “closed” or pre-selected group of recipients.  It was agreed that a paragraph would be included in the Protocol on texting.

The Protocol did not cover the broadcasting or recording of meetings which at present was at the discretion of the Chair, though it was not normally allowed.

A grant had been received from the Welsh Government (WG) in order to web cast meetings and work was underway on the most cost effective way to achieve that.  Should the Council start web casting meetings, then supplementary rules, over and above those already in the Constitution, would be needed.

Councillor J.B. Attridge moved approval of the Social Media Protocol which was seconded by Councillor A.P. Shotton and on being put to the vote, was carried. 

            RESOLVED:

That the Social Media Protocol be approved.