LERA information protocol

LERA INFORMATION PROTOCOL

This Protocol provides for a code of practice for members of the Links Estate Residents’ Association (LERA) to ensure that appropriate behaviour and standards are applied to all communications and information published to and among members through LERA’s Facebook group, Website, Newsletter and ad hoc communications.

It complements the rules governing the use of Facebook that members of the group are required to comply with. The Protocol is designed to help avoid the risk of members communicating any information that could cause personal offence and potentially provoke adverse actions taken by or against other members and residents of the Estate (either individually or collectively), or other parties. 

Examples of such adverse actions include:

·        verbal or physical abuse
·      damage to residents’ property
·       injury to residents' pets
·       tensions and disputes between neighbours
·       complaints, including those that may require publication of retraction or apology
·       unfair or illegal action against businesses or other organisations operating legitimately
·       damage to LERA’s reputation.

Before publishing written information, photographs or other graphics, members should give careful consideration to whether anything contained within the material may potentially cause offence.  This includes:

·       factual information

·       opinions and other comments

·       the way such information is expressed.

It is not possible to be specific but examples of the type of communications that might cause offence include: 

adverse comments about individuals, not necessarily named but identifiable, or their behaviour or opinions

• ·       presenting residents’ houses or gardens in an unfavourable light
• ·       adverse comments about identifiable cars
• ·       adverse comments about identifiable pets
• ·       comments that may be potentially damaging to an organisation’s business interests
• ·       comments of a party political nature
• ·       comments that might be interpreted as socially biased.

If members have any doubt that any comments or information they plan to publish might cause offence, they should obtain advice from LERA’s Chair – refer to the Newsletter for contact details.

Any postings on Facebook or comments posted on the Website that contravene this Protocol will be deleted by the LERA Administrator.