The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation said the new Social Media and General Media Policy sets expectations for how its members, CISRS centres and those publicly associated with NASC should behave online and in wider public-facing media.
The policy, published today, applies to NASC contractors, suppliers and individuals who represent or are publicly linked to NASC or CISRS.
It covers social media platforms including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as company websites, blogs, press statements and public comments made at events.
NASC said the policy is intended to protect the reputation of the organisation, CISRS and the wider scaffolding and access industry.
The move comes as more firms, individuals and industry figures use social media to comment on training, safety, standards and sector issues. NASC said members are encouraged to use media channels positively to promote good practice, celebrate achievements, support events and contribute constructively to industry debate.
However, the policy also sets clear limits on unacceptable behaviour.
Members must not publish, share or endorse content that is technically incorrect, outside industry guidance, defamatory, misleading, abusive, discriminatory or likely to bring NASC, its members or the wider industry into disrepute.
The policy also rules out content involving hate speech, harassment, extremist views or divisive material.
Where breaches occur, NASC said it may take action ranging from guidance and support to informal warnings. In serious cases, disciplinary action or expulsion from membership may follow.
Member organisations will also be responsible for ensuring compliance across employees, representatives and subcontractors.
Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC and CISRS, said the policy was not designed to restrict free expression.
“This is not about policing social media or telling our members what they can and cannot say,” he said.
“It is about upholding the standards that NASC membership stands for and ensuring that the way our members present themselves online reflects the professionalism and integrity of the industry we are all proud to be part of.
“NASC members want the scaffolding and access sector to be represented positively and NASC believe the vast majority of our members already do exactly that.
“This policy simply sets out our expectations clearly for the first time so we can help members and non-members represent the best of scaffolding and access.”
NASC said the policy will be reviewed regularly to make sure it remains aligned with member needs and industry developments.
Members with their own social media policies have been advised to check that they cover the same standards outlined in the NASC document.
