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Policy on press and social media

The Royal Statistical Society’s vision is for data to be at the heart of understanding and decision-making. To achieve this vision, the RSS communicates externally, including through the press and social media. The Society recognises and encourages this. This policy is intended for all members of the Society*.

*RSS staff should refer to the version of this document in the staff handbook.

Contents of this document:
 
Definition of social media  
 
Social media refers to websites, applications and online communities that enable users to create and share content or to take part in social networking.  

RSS social media channels include:  
 
  • Facebook  
  • X  
  • YouTube  
  • LinkedIn  
  • Bluesky

Why we use social media 
 
The RSS is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages free expression and the exchange of ideas.  
 
Social media platforms are powerful and effective mechanisms for the RSS to promote its core activities and communicate with the ever-growing statistical community.
 
 
The RSS social media accounts 
 
Following emerging conventions, the RSS social media accounts are purely corporate. Access to the RSS social media accounts is restricted to the digital content editor, the head of communications, the head of policy, the RSS digital team and the chief executive. 

Behaviour online

We actively encourage all members to behave responsibly in any social media activity and be respectful of others.

Any members participating in social media or media activity should make sure they are following the RSS Code of Conduct.
 

 
Using personal social media accounts 
 
It is recognised that social media accounts blur the lines between personal and professional commentary. This is in part recognised in the wider world. Individuals associated with the RSS (including the president, other trustees and staff) may use personal social media accounts, and are encouraged to link to RSS related material, but they should be clear that these are not RSS corporate accounts, and they should be mindful of how their conduct reflects on the Society.  Those wishing to raise concerns with the Society should do so via private channels such as email or direct messaging rather than via social media.
 
 
Using other affiliated social media accounts 

Society sections, local groups and other RSS groups and committees can use RSS-branded social media accounts to promote the work of the group, such as events. Profile bios should include the disclaimer: ‘The views expressed are those of X group and do not necessarily represent those of the RSS’     
 
The RSS will aim to share affiliated accounts posts if the RSS account is tagged. Alternatively, groups can email the digital content editor to request a share/retweet of posts or send a direct message to the RSS corporate account.  

RSS groups setting up social media accounts should inform the head of communications prior to them being set up. It is worth bearing in mind when thinking about setting up an account, the time commitment involved. Accounts need to be regularly posted to in order to achieve the best reach and engagement.

RSS affiliated accounts should have the agreement of the group’s committee prior to posting. For advice on how to best to use your group’s social media accounts, please contact the head of communications. Please do also make the RSS aware if you are no longer using your account as dormant profiles can be damaging for the RSS brand.

Affiliated groups wishing to raise concerns with the Society are expected to use appropriate private channels, such as direct messaging or email, rather than publicly on social media. 

Branding (for RSS-branded accounts)

  • The RSS logo should appear in a prominent position and be used in its entirety – this includes the “Data | Evidence | Decisions” tagline 
  • The logo should not be cropped or transformed in any way (logos in a variety of sizes and formats, including a responsive logo for social media, are available on request from the RSS director of commercial) 
  • No added text or graphics should be added to the logo unless this has been agreed with the director of training and commercial

Security   
 
  • Friends should be verified to ensure they are not coming from fake spam accounts 
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) must be enabled on all accounts
  • Passwords should be at least twelve characters and a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. Passwords should never be the same as a previous password or used on multiple accounts
  • Ensure that connections from PCs and mobile devices are secure to prevent account details from being stolen. Always avoid using unencrypted public WIFI networks when entering passwords or other sensitive data. Using a VPN will help prevent hackers stealing your login credentials
  • Enable automatic updates from your operating system (OS) and plug-ins 
  • Make sure your firewall is turned on 
  • Install anti-virus software and set the scans to run daily 
  • Clear cookies from your browser cache on a regular basis or set them to auto delete on exit
  • Never use a work account for personal use or vice versa as a hacker could learn enough about you to steal your identity.

Data protection and legal considerations  
 
  • Never post anyone else’s personal data and keep any information about yourself to an absolute minimum 
  • Never show any confidential RSS data or information from a private conversation 
  • Do not breach an embargo or non-disclosure agreement 
  • Consent must be gained from the copyright holder prior to posting images, video, or audio 
  • Engage in debate but be careful not to defame an individual or organisation 
  • Do not give out advice that you are not qualified to give. 
 
Speaking to the press: who can speak on behalf of the Society?
  
Key RSS personnel are authorised to speak externally on behalf of the Society, including:  
 
  • RSS president  
  • RSS vice presidents  
  • RSS chief executive  
Certain honorary officers will also be entitled to speak on behalf of the Society in their area of expertise.  
 
The president and the chief executive can also authorise other people to speak on behalf of the Society where appropriate.  
 
There are other roles in the Society who may from time to time be able to issue comment to the media. For example:   
 
  • The head of of communications may request a fellow to provide comment on an issue in their capacity as a member of the RSS.
  • Statistical ambassadors may comment on something which comes to them via the RSS comms team in their role as an RSS ambassador. Ambassadors’ interaction with the media will usually be providing statistical expertise rather than giving the RSS line on a policy issue. Ambassadors and other spokespeople should mention their association with the RSS when providing media comments.
For clarity, RSS fellows (including those who are in committee positions – e.g. chair of a section) should not issue statements on behalf of the Society (e.g. in their role as a fellow of the RSS) without approval from the chief executive. We are aware you may want to mention your membership of the RSS in any media activity, please just make clear you are not speaking on behalf of the Society.
 
Knowing what to do in a crisis

Sometimes issues can arise on social media or in the press which can escalate into a crisis situation because they are sensitive or risk serious damage to an organisation’s reputation. For example, an RSS fellow or member of the public could decide to publicly raise a grievance with us or we may be criticised in the media.

The nature of social media and press means that complaints are visible and can escalate quickly. Not acting can be detrimental. Our communications team regularly monitors our social media and press for mentions of us so we can catch any issues or problems early. If there is an issue that could develop or has already developed into a crisis situation, the communications team will alert the chief executive, who will raise the issue with our Audit and Risk Committee and other senior trustees when appropriate and a plan of action will be agreed.

If any trustees become aware of any comments online that they think have the potential to escalate into a crisis, they should speak to the chief executive immediately. It is the responsibility of all staff and trustees to report complaints or comments that could escalate into a crisis or have serious implications for us.

Updated October 2024