by Aimee Cartwright
Did you know? 69% of charities have received donations via social media (1).
In today’s digital age, a charity’s online reputation carries more weight than ever. Public trust – the foundation of supportive communities and generous donations – depends on online behaviours that echo the organisation’s values.
SP Index Social Media Checks offer a compliant solution that helps charity leaders to prioritise risk mitigation, culture and value alignment, and reputation management.
Overview of Social Media Checks for the Charity Sector
Social Media Checks on charities ensure each member’s online behaviours align with the culture and values of the charity, as well as safeguarding principles, to preserve the charity’s reputation.
Covering 200+ social and professional sites, and an online history of 5+ years, SP Index Premium Social Media Checks for charities promote transparency and trust.
Charity leaders can take pride in proactively vetting all members of the organisation, transforming their digital platforms into a verified ‘safe space’ for all users.
3 Reasons Charity Leaders Should Consider Social Media Checks
Safeguarding & Risk Mitigation
The Charity Commission’s official guidance on social media recommends that trustees “consider what action to take to protect the charity” when online content is negatively affecting the organisation.
Why not take this specialist advice one step further and act before any damage is done?
Social Media Checks have consistently identified risks within organisations (such as public criticism of employers or colleagues), as well as external risks (including discrimination against particular groups), with employers using this vital information to strengthen safeguarding measures.
Culture & Value Alignment
Non-profit workers are representatives by default, and their social media may be someone’s first introduction to the organisation.
Comprehensive social media screening helps ensure these first introductions align with the charity’s culture and values, showcasing the genuine passion behind their mission.
Charities can even express their values through their online background checks, by selecting an accredited provider (a PBSA member) that is objective, compliant, and efficient – and therefore a champion of UK GDPR, data protection (Data Protection Act 2018) and anti-discrimination laws (Equality Act 2010).
Reputation Management
The charity sector is no stranger to media scrutiny, and a long history of a positive reputation does not necessarily protect non-profits from this eventuality.
On the topic of allegations, Sam Younger, former Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, advised trustees to “ask [themselves] how [they] will explain [their] decision to beneficiaries, the public, or a journalist.”
Implementing Social Media Checks is a proactive decision that many trustees would be proud to explain if faced with an allegation. It is an action that represents the highest of ethical standards, increasing donor confidence and reducing the risk of future allegations.
Conclusion
Our leading Social Media Checks not only mitigate risks but also promote value alignment and strengthen donor confidence, fostering a proactive approach to risks in the charity sector.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us to learn more about our expert Social Media Checks:
Telephone: +44 333 210 1688
Email: info@sp-index.com
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