The use of the internet and social media has become an integral part of everyday life. We must embrace this for its opportunities, but also carefully manage its use to ensure appropriate protection for all users.

Used well, the internet and social media can improve the way information is shared, empowering service users and team members and improving openness and transparency. Companies have an obligation to ensure those using the internet and social media while working at or for the them, or in relation to their activities are absolutely clear of the expectations regarding professional behaviour, protecting service users confidentiality and safeguarding.

The social media ethos is all about engagement, participation and relationship building. Every platform encourages its users to take part by commenting on what they see and getting involved in conversations with others. This makes it a particularly useful vehicle both for informing service users and for gaining their feedback. Used well, social media can be part of collaborative working and co-production.