Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy

  1. Purpose

    This policy governs the use and management by David Jones’ and Country Road Group (together the Group) employees, partners, contractors and supplier use of social media and company social media accounts (Group Social Media Accounts), as applies to all brands (David Jones, Country Road, Mimco, Politix, Trenery, Witchery)

    The objective of the policy is to encourage and foster conduct that encourages online engagement with employees, customers, suppliers and contractors that promotes positive relationship building and superior customer service.

    This policy is to provide you with guidelines when you engage in social networking to assist you in ensuring you do not compromise yourself or the Group.

    The Group recognises and appreciates the value of social media for both the business and our employees and appreciates employees’ personal engagement in social networking as a way to communicate, learn, share and drive innovation.

    While we encourage positive social networking, it is important to provide guidance on the expectations of the Group to ensure that online conduct is in accordance with the Group Code of Conduct.

  2. Scope

    This policy applies to all Group directors, employees, concession employees, contractors, temps and consultants, and any other individuals who use the Group’s computer network by any means (Users).

    Given the dynamic and evolving nature of social networking and media, this policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects and is relevant to emerging online technologies and social networking trends.

  3. Definitions

    Definitions of terms associated with this policy are as follows:

    • "Confidential Information" includes but is not limited to trade secrets of the Group, non-public information, patents (actual or pending), formulas, information concerning accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, prospects, research, management, financing, products, inventions, designs, patterns, samples, suppliers, distributors, customers, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, customer lists, supplier lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software, information which is personal information for the purposes of privacy law; and all other information obtained from the Group or obtained in the course of working or providing services to the Group that is confidential by nature.
    • "Computer network" includes the Group’s internet, email and computer facilities which are used by users inside and outside working hours, in a Group workplace or at any other place while performing work for the Group. It includes, but is not limited to, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile and electronic devices and any other means of accessing Group’s email, internet and computer facilities, (including, but not limited to, a personal computer or device which has access to Group’s information technology systems).
    • “Content” includes but is not limited to comments, images, feedback, reviews, ratings, enquiries, messages, posts, status updates, blog posts, tweets, articles, references, opinions, responses and other written or visual electronic material.
    • "Intellectual Property" includes any ideas, designs, samples, patterns, inventions, discoveries, patents, patent applications, copyright, derivative works, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, improvements, trade secrets, know how, technical information, specification, product marketing and costing information and the like.
    • "Social Media” described as platforms that let people interact, chat, connect or collaborate online. These channels offer individuals the opportunity to connect with people and create and share information and ideas through online communities and includes but is not limited to:
      • social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Yammer, Workplace)
      • video and photo sharing websites (e.g. Flickr, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat)
      • blogs, including corporate blogs, personal blogs, media hosted blogs (e.g. ‘comments’ or ‘your say’ features on theage.com.au) and micro-blog sites (e.g. Twitter)
      • wikis and online collaborations (e.g. Wikipedia)
      • forums, discussion boards and groups (e.g. Vogue Forum, Google groups)
      • vod and podcasting
      • online multiplayer gaming platforms
      • instant messaging
    • a "direct” breach includes but is not limited to: Engaging in online activity that specifically names The Group or has the intent to cause reputational damage or harm to The Group and/or its customers, suppliers or employees
    • an “indirect” breach includes but is not limited to: Engaging in online activity without specifically naming The Group or has the intent to; however adversely causing reputational damage or harm to The Group and/or its customers, suppliers or employees

  4. Usage

    Users are permitted to use The Group’s computer network for limited and reasonable personal use. Personal use must not impact on individual’s work performance or interfere with the efficient business operations of the Group. Personal use must not contravene this policy or any other Group policy.

  5. Professional use of Social Media

    The key principles which apply when online or engaging in social networking relate to both your practical use of such sites and your overarching responsibilities as an employee of the Group. The key principles act as a guide to assist you in determining appropriate use of social networking. These key principles include:

    • Sharing of content is encouraged so long as it relates to your employment by or role at the Group and is in line with what our the Group stands for. The aim should be to inspire our team, inspire our customers and to inspire the community.
    • Always maintain confidentiality of the Group Confidential Information and respect the privacy and reputation of others.
    • Always seek written consent prior to using other people’s information (such as logos, images, photographs or trademarks etc.).
    • Remember that only authorised spokespeople can represent the Group on external sites, this is because such spokespeople are the source of fact based information and have been nominated to provide this information to the public on behalf of the Group.
    • Remember that only authorised the Group spokespeople can respond to complaints or criticisms about the Group on a public site, because they will be informed of the background and will ensure a fact based response. Users must not respond on behalf of the Group. Employees can only speak on behalf of the organisation if they have the authority to do so.
    • While you may have a personal opinion, your opinion does not represent the Group’s and this should be made clear. Equally, while you may have a grievance or issue, your line manager and/or our employee internal and external hotlines are the appropriate channels for addressing these.
    • At all times ensure your online activities do not interfere with your work or our commitment to customers.
    • Be positive, constructive, courteous and respectful in your social media interactions and when you are referring to David Jones and its employees or customers.
    • Comply with the Group Code of Conduct at all times.
    • Before engaging in social media as a representative of the Group, employees must obtain consent from the relevant Marketing / PR representative of the relevant Brand.
    • Users must not respond on behalf of the Group. Employees can only speak on behalf of the organisation if they have the authority to do so.
    • If you see any content which you believe is inappropriate in relation to the Group or its employees in the social media you may escalate the matter to your line manager or the relevant contacts detailed below.

  6. Personal use of Social Media

    This policy does not intend to discourage nor unduly limit the personal expression of Group employees. Employees should however, recognise the potential damage which maybe caused (either directly or indirectly) to the Group in certain circumstances via personal use of social media when individuals can be identified as employees of the Group.

    Users must not post material, comment or engage in dialogue which:

    • gives the impression of, or is representing the Group without the express authority of the Group. This includes engaging in dialogue with individuals (e.g. customers) and providing information relating to any aspect of the Group, including, but not limited to, product information, promotional information, employment information, financial results and in-store activities. Employees can only speak on behalf of the organisation if they have the express authority to do so;
    • is offensive, derogatory, obscene or inappropriate;
    • causes (or could cause) insult, offence, intimidation or humiliation;
    • is used to unlawfully discriminate, harass, vilify or bully a customer, supplier or employee of The Group;
    • may be defamatory, incur liability or could adversely impact the image or reputation of The Group;
    • is illegal, unlawful or unethical;
    • is unwelcome or uninvited behaviour that subjects employees, customers, shareholders or suppliers to conduct that intimidates, humiliates or offends them;
    • subjects any person or people to less favourable treatment due to their race, gender, religion, sexual preference or any other perceived difference;
    • could breach copyright, privacy and intellectual property laws;
    • uses any Group logos or trademarks without express pre-approval;
    • discusses or discloses personal information of customers, employees or suppliers;
    • violates confidentiality, or any other contractual obligation;
    • causes or may cause reputational damage to any or all of the Group companies.

    When using social media, please keep in mind:

    • users are personally responsible for what you say online and be mindful what you publish may be public for a long time.
    • users are permitted to share/like/interact with David Jones, Trenery, Country Road, Mimco, Witchery and Politix social media materials, providing individuals do not give the impression of representing the Group.
    • identifying The Group and its brands as their place of work in their social media biography/personal information as their ‘likes’, ‘shares’, ‘tags’ and comments may be an indirect breach of this policy.
    • respect in your interactions with others whether they are employees, customers, suppliers or shareholders and also towards non customers or competitors.
    • under no circumstances should offensive or derogatory comments be made about the Group, colleagues, customers or third parties on the Internet. This may amount to cyber-bullying and could be deemed a disciplinary or criminal offence.

  7. Breach of the Social Media Policy

    Users must comply with this policy at all times, including outside of work hours or usage. The Group reserves the right to investigate potential breaches and request and/or instruct you to remove a post that is in breach of this policy. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action which may include termination of employment (or for persons other than employees, the termination or non-renewal of contractual arrangements), pr criminal liability.

  8. Related Resources, Tools and Links

    • Code of Conduct
    • Workplace Behaviour and EEO Policy

  9. Contact & Further Information

    For further assistance please contact your HR representative.

  10. Policy Owner

    Human Resources

Country Road Group reserves the right to review and amend this policy at any time.

Social Media Policy reviewed and updated on 4 December 2018

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