Social Media Policy

This document outlines the agreed approach to managing the Hucknall Business Club (HBC) Facebook and LinkedIn pages. These pages are public-facing platforms to promote and connect local small businesses, and this code of conduct ensures they reflect the club’s values and objectives while being easy to manage.

1. Announcements and Communication

No important announcements or updates about HBC activities will be posted on the Facebook or LinkedIn pages without first notifying members through the club’s WhatsApp group.

This ensures all members are kept informed through the primary communication channel before the wider public is notified.

2. Respect and Professionalism

We encourage members to comment on posts and participate in public discussions to support and engage with the community. However, all comments must remain respectful, constructive, and friendly.

If any member has feedback or concerns, they should raise these directly in a 1-to-1 conversation whenever possible. If necessary, use the WhatsApp group, but avoid discussing sensitive matters publicly.

3. Content Sharing Guidelines

Members should first post any content they wish to share on the HBC Facebook or LinkedIn pages on their personal or business social media account.

Once posted, members should contact an admin to request that their content be re-shared on the relevant HBC page.

This approach benefits the member’s personal or business page by increasing its visibility while also supporting the club’s community presence.

Posts shared on the HBC Facebook or LinkedIn pages should focus on:

• Business news, events, or relevant offers.
• Community updates that are relevant to local businesses.

Direct selling posts are allowed, but discouraged. Instead, aim to share content that informs, engages, or benefits the local community or other businesses.

There is no formal limit to the number of posts that can be shared, but please respect that these pages are a forum for all members. This will be re-addressed if it becomes an issue.

4. Admin Responsibilities

The Facebook and LinkedIn pages are managed by volunteer admins: Steve Bissett and Stephanie Cooper.

Admins are responsible for maintaining the pages, sharing appropriate content, and ensuring the pages align with HBC’s goals.

Admins will serve until they choose to step down or are asked to step down by a majority vote at a monthly HBC meeting. Any new admin volunteers will be nominated and selected during monthly meetings.

5. Disciplinary Actions

Minor infringements of this code, such as inappropriate behaviour or comments, will be addressed quietly and informally by one of the admins or the chairperson.

Larger infringements, such as actions that damage the public perception or reputation of HBC, will result in immediate suspension from the Facebook and/or LinkedIn pages. The issue will then be discussed by the members present at the next monthly meeting to decide on appropriate action.

Admins are not immune from these measures and will be held to the same standard as all members.