Social media refers to any platforms and applications which enable users to connect, communicate and engage or participate in content or information sharing. These include:
NSW Health supports the responsible use of digital mediums.
When done well, social media can build meaningful connections, enhance trust, address misinformation, change behaviour, and strengthen communities.
Yes. NSW Health supports the responsible, respectful use of social media, and the right of all people to express their views, support causes or engage in public debate, including advocating in relation to their roles.
Like any other community member, our staff have the right to enter public debates and comment on political, social or other issues in their capacity as private citizens.
It’s also a great way for staff to learn, connect and engage. When used responsibly and respectfully social media helps build meaningful connections, enhance trust, address misinformation, change behaviour, and strengthen communities.
However, it’s important to know your obligations, and follow our policies and procedures:
No. There is no such thing as ‘private’ social media – regardless of privacy settings.
Posting information online is the same as publishing it in a newspaper. All comment should be considered public comment.
Please also remember that any content you believe to be confidential can be copied or recorded and posted by someone else.
As NSW Health employees it is important we don’t behave in ways that could cause the community to lose trust in our commitment to provide safe care to all people.
Inappropriate conduct online can have far reaching impacts and damage public trust, our reputation, and yours.
The words you use and views you express can have an impact on the trust of the community in our public health services.
It is vital we maintain that trust as people of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs must feel welcome, respected and safe for us to be able to provide care to anyone who needs it.
The conduct of a NSW Health employee can reflect on the entire NSW Health system, including your colleagues and your hospital, health facility or agency.
Prior authorisation is required before making comments on social media in your capacity as a NSW Health staff member.
Authorised spokespeople are responsible for representing NSW Health externally to ensure clear and consistent provision of advice to the public on important matters.
NSW Health supports the responsible, respectful use of social media, and the right of all people to express their views, support causes or engage in public debate, including advocating in relation to their roles.
When engaging in debate or comment on any political, social or other issues in their capacity as private citizens, staff should remain mindful of their obligations under the NSW Health Code of Conduct. Any personal comments must not be seen to represent the views of any NSW Health organisation.
Yes. The NSW Health Code of Conduct applies to all NSW Health staff, whether on a permanent, casual or temporary basis, and contractors working in NSW Health. It also includes students, researchers or educators in NSW Health.
People in a leadership role also have responsibility for making sure their team members understand their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures.
The NSW Health Public Communication Procedures supports staff and contractors to manage all communication activities including social media
The Public Service Commission has also published a Code of Ethics and Conduct for all NSW Government Sector Employees which contains information on making public comment and the use of social media.
You can report posts that are not okay to your local communications and media team.
Simply copy and paste the link to the post and email it through.
Do not engage with or share the post.
Staff should limit accessing personal social media on work devices and during work hours.
For information on appropriate usage please refer to:
Government sector employees are not allowed to use TikTok on corporate issued devices or personal devices where they also access corporate information, including Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Refer to the Cyber Security NSW directive to remove the TikTok app from all NSW Government devices for more information.
You may however see some Government agencies use Tik Tok to reach certain demographics or target audiences that use the platform.
For example – Tik Tok helps NSW Health engage youth audiences for anti-vaping public health campaigns.
In these instances, special IT protocols are in place, so it is accessed in a secure and controlled manner by authorised NSW Health Communications staff.