This policy relates to the NCHP and the NSTT concerning social media and electronic information.
As the world of technology is constantly changing, this policy is updated more regularly than others. Therefore, this document contains the last revision date, and the current version will always be available on our website.
Friending:
We no longer accept friend or contact requests from former or current students and members on any social networking site. Furthermore, we do not promote confidential matters or specifics on a person’s academic or professional matters, which compromises confidentiality. The NCHP and NSTT use social media for educative and informational purposes only.
Following:
The NCHP and NSTT tweet regularly on matters of interest. The officers of both the NCHP and NSTT seldom tweet or post as individuals. We would suggest following the NCHP rather than any one person individually in the management of the NCHP or the NSTT. The NCHP and NSTT will possibly follow individuals, but the officers rarely follow people associated with the NCHP or NSTT as individuals.
Interacting:
Please do not use social media, social media-related messaging systems or potentially public methods to contact officers of the NCHP or NSTT or the organisations themselves (for example, @replies or tagging). This caveat is because this can potentially compromise members’ confidentiality.
Use of Search Engines:
We do not routinely search for information about those in training or members online but reserve the right to do so. For example, we may do so if we have reason to be concerned about someone (for example, if a student missed a training weekend with no information sent). We may also do so if we are concerned that someone may be social media in contravention of our policies and procedures or revealing details that compromise confidentiality in any of our processes.
Business Review Sites:
NCHP and NSTT may appear on business review sites. We have not asked to be on any review sites. Students or members are free to post whatever they choose, and due to confidentiality, we cannot comment on anything posted.
Location-Based Services:
We do not use location-based services on mobile phones. These can compromise the confidentiality of students or members who may check-in at venues or addresses advertised as hosting our services. We request that students and members use sensitivity in considering the privacy of others.
Email:
Email is our preferred method of correspondence for environmental reasons. It is preferable to use email for all contact with the NCHP and NSTT for a record of the information given and received. Email addresses within The organisation take the form of fullfirstname.fullsurname@nchp.ac.uk.
Phone:
We provide a confidential answering service for when the telephone cannot be answered. Office hours differ for different roles within the NCHP and NSTT, but telephones are monitored and return calls will usually be within 24 hours. In addition, individual tutors may share mobile numbers with students for attendance messages and supervision.
Date of the last amendment to this document and ratification by The Academic Board – 16/5/22