The Charity Commission has published updated guidance on the use of social media for charities, following a consultation earlier this year.   

Recognising that social media is becoming an increasingly powerful communication tool in the sector, the guidance encourages charities to have clear policies in place around the use of social media and includes a helpful checklist with some prompts to consider.

The guidance also acknowledges trustees' roles and responsibilities for the governance of social media use. To help demonstrate compliance with this updated guidance it would be a good time for charities to review their existing policies and how they might interact with their social media policy, think about any new risks arising from social media use when risk registers are refreshed, as well as considering what training might be required for both management and trustees.