1. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and NTUC-U Care Fund (“Fund”) and its Board of Trustees and the Care & Share department of NTUC-ARU (collectively known as “the Organisation”) recognise the use of traditional media (print, radio and television), social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, websites) as an increasingly popular way to engage with supporters, communicate with the general public and its stakeholders.
2. The objective of this policy is that all staff of the Organisation and the Fund Board must strictly adhere to in the area of communications with the media, both traditional and online media platforms.
3. It is important that all personnel associated with the Organisation are able to communicate to each other, media and the public at large effectively and positively. No one should attempt to tarnish the Organisation’s reputation, or the profile of beneficiaries, in the communication of any content.
4. This policy covers all forms of communication and media, including, but not limited to,
activities such as social media postings, updating of statuses, posting of photographs,
video and audio material onto social media and made accessible to the public.
5. Do not make any public statement or comment, or respond in any way that may be construed to be negative, offensive or derogatory towards others, its personnel, sponsors or stakeholders. This includes using subtle references such as tagging, or liking or retweeting negative comments or posts, which indicates your approval for the content.
6. Inform and obtain approval from the Organisation before engaging in or undertaking any media or press activity that communicates you as an athlete, volunteer, official or employee of the Organisation. Only provide insight, expertise and relevant and accurate comment.
7. Approach all communications in a positive manner. Be respectful, professional and courteous. Any “personal attack”, name-calling, abuse of defamation will not be tolerated.
8. Communications with the media on the Organisation related matters will be undertaken solely by the Care & Share department’s Director, in consultation with the Fund’s Board Chairman when required.
9. No staff shall provide any quotes in any capacity unless authorised by the Care & Share department’s Director or the Fund’s Board. This will ensure that the Organisation's communication processes and key messages are coherent and consistent across the board at all times.
10. No staff shall reveal any information pertaining to the Organisation, including but not limited to business plans, marketing strategy, and beneficiary information, to external parties including the media, both traditional and online.
11. Do not reproduce or use in any way any name(s) and/or logo(s) and/or initiative(s) owned by the Organisation, without prior written consent from the Organisation.
12. Do not use any profane, obscene or inappropriate language.
13. The Organisation will regularly monitor online activity in relation to the Organisation, the programmes and initiatives overseen by the Organisation, and other relevant topics. Detected breaches of this policy should be reported to the Organisation.
14. When you choose to go public with any comments or material in any way, including on social media, you are solely responsible for such comments and materials. You should be aware that you can be held personally liable for any comments and material that may be deemed to be defamatory, obscene or proprietary.
15. In any situation, you should not post information which you have been asked not to, or not been provided consent for, especially those governed by intellectual property rights or the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
16. It is important for you to understand the need to exercise care in setting boundaries between your personal and public communications, and to understand that what may seem private, especially in the digital world, can often become public, even without knowledge or consent. In no circumstance would a privacy setting be foolproof nor can it be used as an excuse for ignorance or non-conformance to this policy.
17. The Organisation reserves its right to take any appropriate measure with respect to infringements of this policy, including disciplinary or legal actions. It also reserves the right to act on information provided by third parties, to investigate possible infringements of this policy, and to take appropriate actions.
18. To seek approval for interviews, outreach requests or clarity on the suitability of content, please contact:
Ms Ang Bee Ping
Deputy Director, Care & Share Department
angbp@ntuc.org.sg
