Social Media
Policy
2025-28

Purpose

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust (“the Trust”) recognises that social media is an effective way to share information about its work, raise awareness of grantees, and demonstrate the impact of charitable giving. This policy sets out how the Trust will use social media responsibly and how Trustees and representatives should conduct themselves online when representing, or associated with, the Trust.

Scope

This policy applies to all Trustees of the Trust, the Clerk, and any outsourced administrators or advisers acting on behalf of the Trust.

It covers the Trust’s official social media activity (currently LinkedIn) and personal use of social media when acting, or appearing to act, in a capacity connected to the Trust. The Trust does not maintain other social media accounts. Any future expansion will be approved by the Board before launch.

Objectives

Through responsible use of social media, the Trust aims to:

• Celebrate and promote the work of its grantees.
• Increase awareness of the Trust’s charitable purpose and impact.
• Strengthen transparency and accountability.
• Protect and enhance the Trust’s reputation.

Principles

All social media use by, or on behalf of, the Trust must be:

• Accurate – information shared should be factual and verified.
• Respectful – posts must not include material that could be considered offensive, discriminatory, or political.
• Non-partisan – as a registered charity, the Trust must remain politically neutral.
• Confidential – grant or applicant information should not be disclosed without permission.
• Compliant – with UK data protection, copyright, and safeguarding law.

Official Trust Social Media (LinkedIn)

The Trust’s LinkedIn page is administered by the Clerk, under oversight of the Chair of Trustees. Drafts may be reviewed by the Chair prior to posting. Comments and engagement will be monitored periodically. Official posts will focus on highlights from grantee activity, Trust milestones, and relevant sector insights.

The Trust will not publicly comment on grant decisions, endorse political or commercial activities, or engage in debates that could bring the Trust into disrepute.

Images of individuals (particularly children or vulnerable adults) may only be shared if written consent has been obtained by the grantee or host organisation, and this must be confirmed before reposting or tagging content.

Personal Use of Social Media

Trustees or representatives attending grantee events or sector meetings may wish to post on their personal social media. They should:

• Make clear when posting in a personal capacity.
• Ensure posts reflect the Trust’s values and charitable purpose.
• Avoid commenting on individual funding decisions or internal matters.
• Respect confidentiality and data protection.
• Avoid using the Trust’s logo on personal accounts without permission.

Trustees are free to express personal opinions but must ensure these cannot reasonably be interpreted as representing the Trust’s views. A disclaimer such as “Views are my own” should be used where appropriate.

Risks and Safeguards

The Trust recognises reputational risks associated with social media. Trustees and representatives should act with care when engaging online. If a post or interaction could be construed as controversial, Trustees are advised to consult the Chair before posting.

Any negative or inappropriate comment on the Trust’s LinkedIn page should be reported to the Clerk for moderation or removal. The Chair will review any significant reputational issues and report to the Board where necessary.

Breaches of this Policy

If a Trustee or representative breaches this policy, the matter will be addressed by the Chair of Trustees. Depending on severity, it may result in a formal warning, requirement to remove content, or, in serious cases, removal from Trustee office under the Trust’s governing document. Where a breach raises safeguarding or data protection concerns, it may be reported to the Charity Commission.

Monitoring and Review

The Clerk will maintain oversight of the Trust’s LinkedIn activity and report annually to the Board. This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if additional social media channels are introduced.

Contact

Chair of Trustees: Andrew Wimble
Clerk to the Trustees: Johanna Tompsett
Email: [email protected]

Adopted: November 2025

Review Date: November 2028