Guidance for Using WhatsApp Communities within Branches and Constituencies


WhatsApp communities are an excellent tool for staying connected with members in your branch or constituency. However, there are important considerations regarding data protection and safeguarding that must be followed to ensure compliance and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all participants.


Top Tips for WhatsApp Groups

  • Keep the tone constructive and focused on the job at hand
  • Push people to stay on topic and only share relevant posts
  • Be mindful of personal information yourself and users might be sharing
  • Post the group's purpose and some do's and don'ts and the social media code of conduct in the group description - https://labour.org.uk/resources/labours-social-media-policy/
  • Posting regularly with useful information will keep your members engaged
  • Read and understand the guidance on Safeguarding and the handing and use of personal data



Formal Labour Party Guidance on the use of personal Data and Safeguarding


Personal Data

  1. Limit Sharing of Personal Information:
    • Only share personal information that you are comfortable with others, or potentially the general public, knowing. Once shared in the group, this information may be more widely accessible than intended.
  2. Do Not Share Others’ Personal Information:
    • You cannot share the personal information of any other person. Respect their privacy at all times.
  3. Consider Group Content in Party Meetings or Investigations:
    • Be aware that anything posted in the WhatsApp group could be used as part of Labour Party meetings or investigations. Post only content that is appropriate and in line with Party standards.
  4. Use of Personal Data:
    • You are not allowed to use or distribute any individual’s personal data from the group for purposes outside of Labour Party business. Personal data should remain within the group unless used strictly for Party-related activities.
  5. Handling of Subject Access Requests (SARs):
    • Any Subject Access Requests (SARs) made to the National Labour Party will not include data from this WhatsApp group. To obtain data from the group, individuals must contact the local Labour Party managing the group directly.


Safeguarding


To ensure the safety and well-being of all group members, especially younger members, please observe the following safeguarding practices:

  1. WhatsApp Age Limit:
    • WhatsApp requires users to be at least 13 years old. While Labour Party membership starts at 14, it’s important to be aware of this restriction and ensure no underage individuals are added to the group.
  2. Appropriate Use of Social Media:
    • Public group chats are acceptable, but do not use social media platforms, including WhatsApp, to privately message young people. Additionally, WhatsApp groups should not be used to collect young people’s contact details for personal communication.
  3. Tone and Content for Under-18 Members:
    • Be mindful of the tone and content shared in groups with members under 18. Ensure all communications are age-appropriate and aligned with what a parent or carer would be comfortable with their child being exposed to.
  4. Safeguarding Code of Conduct:
    • The Labour Party Safeguarding Code of Conduct outlines specific guidelines for online communication:
      • Work Purpose: Ensure that all communications in the group have a clear, professional purpose related to Labour Party activities.
      • Avoid Informal Language: Refrain from using text-speak, abbreviations, symbols, or emoticons, even if they are part of your personal communication style. All communications should be professional and clear.


By following these data protection and safeguarding guidelines, you can ensure that your use of WhatsApp communities fosters a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all members.

Guidance on how to create WhatsApp Groups can be found here