Social Networking Access from CCBC

As reported in a previous posting I submitted a question to today's Informal Council meeting.

Prior to the meeting it was explained that Chief Executuiive would be contacting me direct with a response to my question.

Cllr Linda Groom had also sent a similar question to the Chief Executive.

So during the meeting it was a case of just explaining the I had asked a question and the Corporate Directors indicated that a response would be provide today.

My question is repeated here:

Internet Access to Social Networking Sites has recently been blocked via the Council’s IT equipment. In the past these sites where monitored and warning messages where shown prior to accessing the sites indicating that employees should only access these sites during their own time.
I understand that some of these sites can be controversial and some of the local sites can criticise the council, its policies, officers or members. But these sites also provide methods for obtaining information on local and national issues. A lot of Members of Parliament, Assembly Ministers, Media People and others have “blogs”.

The following recommendation is taken from the recently published WAG Councillors’ Commission Expert Panel Report:

Recommendation 13; Councillors should be actively encouraged to embrace the digital age in communication with their communities. In line with the WLGA Charter, local authorities should provide all elected members with training opportunities on using appropriate IT packages and communicating through digital media (such as developing websites and blogging), as well as ongoing IT support. Wherever possible, such training should be opened up to community and town councillors.

My questions are:

1. Why did the Chief Executive make the decision to block access to these sites?

2. Would the Chief Executive consider reviewing the decision for Councillors?

3. Would the Chief Executive consider reviewing access to these sites for Staff with the relevant monitoring and controls (e.g. read-only) in place?

4. Are the Council looking at other forms of marketing/information/publicity techniques available from such sites? (E.g. the Youth Service have a Mobile Text service (TxtWise), this could be extended to use a Social Networking Site)

The Chief Executive response we received today was:

Cllr Weyman / Cllr Groom

I write with reference to your recent e mail and representation to Informal Council regarding access to blog sites. You are correct in that I have blocked access to blog sites in order to speed up legitimate access to facilitate the business of the Council.

I have been concerned with regard to staff and elected members bringing to my attention (instead of focusing on the job), slights, inaccuracies, innuendo and froth regarding staff and councillors which has been published on blog sites.

Any officer or councillor can, in their own time and using their own equipment, have access to the internet and blog sites as they see fit however, I do not see why Council facilities and resources should be misused and wasted on these matters.

If there is a specific site for the legitimate business of the Council then councillors and officers should discuss access further with the Internal Audit Department.

For your information I have discussed this matter informally with the Leader, Cabinet and the Staff Council and have received their support in relation to my action.

I hope that the above is helpful.

Byron