Social Media & Mobile Phone Policy

1. Purpose 

Falcon Greencare is committed to ensuring the safe, professional, and appropriate use of social media and mobile devices. This policy protects the confidentiality, dignity, and safety of service users, staff, and clients, while ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and data protection laws. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All employees, agency workers, and contractors  
• Staff placed in care homes, supported living, and other care settings  
• Use of personal and company-issued mobile devices  
• All social media platforms  

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework 

Falcon Greencare operates in line with: 

• The UK GDPR  
• The Data Protection Act 2018  
• The Human Rights Act 1998  
• CQC Fundamental Standards (including dignity, respect, and confidentiality)  

4. Policy Statement 

Falcon Greencare expects all staff to: 

• Maintain professionalism at all times 
• Protect confidentiality and privacy 
• Use mobile phones and social media responsibly  
• Avoid behaviour that could damage the reputation of the company or clients  

5. Use of Mobile Phones in the Workplace 

5.1  General Rules 

Staff must: 

• Keep personal phone use to a minimum during working hours  
• Follow client policies regarding mobile phone use  
• Ensure phones are on silent or vibrate while on duty  

5.2 Prohibited Use 

Staff must NOT: 

• Use phones while providing direct care (unless authorised)  
• Take photos, videos, or audio recordings in care settings  
• Access inappropriate content during working hours  
• Use phones in a way that compromises safety or care quality  

6. Photography and Recording 

• Strictly no photos, videos, or recordings of service users, staff, or care environments  
• This includes use on personal or professional devices  
• Any authorised recording must follow client policies and obtain proper consent  

7. Social Media Use 

7.1  Acceptable Use 

Staff may: 

• Use social media in their personal time responsibly  
• Identify themselves as employees only where appropriate  

7.2 Unacceptable Use 

Staff must NOT: 

• Share confidential or sensitive information about service users or clients 
• Post images or information relating to care settings  
• Make discriminatory, offensive, or inappropriate comments  
• Engage in online behaviour that could damage Falcon Greencare’s reputation  

8. Professional Boundaries 

Staff must: 

• Not “friend,” follow, or engage with service users on social media  
• Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times  
• Avoid any online relationships that could compromise care  

9. Confidentiality 

All staff must comply with the company’s Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy. Any breach involving social media or mobile devices will be treated seriously. 

10. Reporting Concerns 

Staff must report: 

• Misuse of social media or mobile phones  
• Any suspected breaches of confidentiality  
• Inappropriate online behaviour involving colleagues or service users  Reports will be investigated promptly. 

11. Disciplinary Action 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in: 

• Disciplinary action  
• Removal from placement  
• Termination of employment or contract 
• Referral to professional bodies (where applicable)  

12. Training and Awareness 

Falcon Greencare ensures: 

• Staff receive training on appropriate use of social media and mobile devices  
• Regular reminders of responsibilities in care environments  

13. Monitoring and Review 

• This policy will be reviewed annually or in line with legal or CQC updates  
• Compliance will be monitored through supervision and feedback  

14. Zero Tolerance 

Falcon Greencare operates a zero-tolerance approach to: 

• Breaches of confidentiality via social media  
• Unauthorised photography or recording 
• Inappropriate or unprofessional online conduct 

Date written: 27/2/2026
To be reviewed: 27/02/2027