Clarification of Scottish Government's social media policy: FOI release

Information requested

As you may be aware, using social media to denigrate your employer is treated as "gross misconduct" and usually results in dismissal. Does this apply to employees of the Scottish Government? I regularly see a member of your management "trolling" any post from the Scottish Government/SNP MPs and MSPs, First Minister. As a taxpayer I find it offensive that this guy is being paid a substantial salary from my taxes and getting away with this seemingly without consequence. I would be obliged if you could clarify YOUR policy regarding this behaviour.

Response

The answer to your question is:

The Scottish Government’s social media policy is publicly available on the Scottish Government website, providing the policy and guidance covering the use of social media by Scottish Government employees. You can access this via the following link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-media policy/

The policy sets out the principles and standards that employees must follow when using social media. These apply whether an employee is acting in a personal or professional capacity. It confirms that Scottish Government employees should be aware that posting information or views about the Scottish Government cannot be isolated from their working life and to follow the Civil Service Code of Conduct - in particular the core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Employees must comply with the Scottish Government's conduct rules while using social media. Failure to meet these standards may result in disciplinary action.

If you have concerns about the conduct or attitude of a member of staff, you can raise this through the Scottish Government’s complaints handling procedure: Make a complaint - gov.scot

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.