Guidelines for the Taking and Use of Photographs on behalf of the Association and the Use of Social Media
Reviewed May 2023
Photographs
Many of us like to record our ringing by taking individual or group photographs. Sometimes we might photograph a ringer receiving an award or certificate, ringing a bell, or at a social event. It is important to make people aware that photographs might be used and published in any of the media owned or used by the Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers. This can include the Association Website, District Websites, and Association Annual Report. It also applies to local or national media such as TV or newspapers, your own tower or church website, or social media such as Facebook.
Here are some suggestions how to make sure everyone knows what is being recorded.
There may be good reason why individuals do not want a photo taken, displayed or published, so, for individual or small group photographs make sure you have everyone’s permission, including parents and carers if appropriate. This permission can be included in any registration documents, or during the event itself.
For general “roving” informal pictures it is impossible to get everyone’s permission, so where possible include a written note on any advance publicity of events such as open days, or young ringers’ events. For example:
Photographs might be taken during this event for publication on the Association/District/Church website.
A general note should also be included on each District website to this effect.
Make sure people know how the photographs will be used and that you stick to what you say. Don’t widen the audience from say the church notice board, and then publish on a website.
When publishing photographs, particularly with children, first names may be used, but full names or other means of fully identifying them should be avoided unless express permission has been given by parents/carers.
Those taking pictures for the Association must be clear that the resulting pictures are not to be duplicated or stored for personal use. Any photographs should be stored securely and exclusively for Association / church purposes.
Images of children must never be used out of context.
Further information and guidance can be found on the Diocese of Ely website at http://www.elydiocese.org/safeguarding
Social Media
Some of the Districts use Facebook to communicate ringing and social activities to members. These are closed groups. The moderators of these groups should ensure that all posts are relevant to the purpose of the group and should not allow inappropriate language or innuendo which could be seen by younger members of the group, or lead to potentially inappropriate relationships being developed through that media.
Membership should be vetted to ensure that applicants have legitimate reason to become members.
Email
If you are called to account for your communications with children or other vulnerable people, you will need to show that you have maintained the highest standards of care.
Do not use email to carry on private conversations with under 18s, and when communicating with them about ringing events always copy in their parents/guardians. (Remember to get these details when you gather email information about young ringers)
Further information can be found at Diocese of Ely Guidelines