As an organisation dedicated to children, teenagers and young adults, it is critical that at, all times, personal and online behaviour demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person. In keeping with the Child Protection Act 1999[1] current at 1 January 2014, the GCYO Policy asserts that the welfare and best interests of children are paramount and that all children have a right to protection from harm.
GCYO has a policy on private, out-of-GCYO activities, where these activities reflect on GCYO’s reputation. Any private activity of our members that detracts or calls into question GCYO ethos or values which form the foundation of GCYO, will attract a swift and clear response from GCYO. This response may include disciplinary action such as verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and/ or termination of membership.
This policy includes any web-based or online activity. It includes misuse of mobile phones and other similar devices or services. It may be read to include other activities not specifically mentioned in this policy, but which could reasonably fall within its scope. The policy applies even if the activity is out of GCYO hours, off GCYO’s premises, on weekends or during holidays and particularly if it occurs immediately following or preceding a GCYO-organised event.
The Gold Coast Youth Orchestra is committed to encouraging a safe, supportive, welcoming, respectful and productive environment for all. To this end, GCYO and its members must uphold the following:
Providing a safe and welcoming environment can only occur when everyone cooperates and agrees to reasonable, expectable and suitable standards of conduct. The following are acts which GCYO considers unacceptable. Any GCYO member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and/ or termination of membership:
Any breach of policies will result in prompt administrative action. Any GCYO member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and or termination of membership and or services. GCYO members may also be personally liable for offences under Commonwealth and, or State and Territory legislation.
Updated November 2017
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The GCYO recognises the importance of social media as a powerful communication tool and recognises that participation in online communities is a basic individual right. Social Networking Sites (SNS) as defined in this Policy includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Linkedin. It also includes instant messaging (SMS), geospatial tagging capable sites such as Instagram and video or photo sharing websites such as YouTube.
The GCYO has a responsibility to manage its reputation and protect its members. The official online presence of the GCYO is carefully managed by authorized and selected persons with the appropriate skill, knowledge and training to properly and effectively participate in social media online for the purpose of managing the online presence of the GCYO. Only persons authorized by the Management Committee are permitted to cause official information to be published on the internet, including through social media sites.
The GCYO recognises that members may participate in social media in their personal time and respects that what its members do in their personal time is their own affair. However, if during their participation in social media activity, a GCYO member reference their association with the GCYO, or make comments or include content about the GCYO, or any affiliated person or any of their affairs, they are required to adhere to the GCYO Code of Conduct.
In support of the Code of Conduct, the purpose of this social media policy is to provide direction on the acceptable use of social media as defined by the GCYO. The policy differentiates between online community sites and personal SNS sites and focuses on the latter.
The principles of this policy are:
Where members do not apply this policy, members may be held responsible for online conduct where conduct harms or has the potential to harm the reputation or interests of the GCYO and its members or its affiliates. The GCYO appreciates that when members participate in online communities they may witness a suspected breach of this policy or negative, disparaging or inaccurate content about a GCYO member or its affiliates. These matters are to be brought to the attention of the GCYO Management Committee immediately via email enquiry@gcyo.com.au or telephone 07 5597 2640.
The GCYO or its affiliates or delegates may audit its networks and systems and review social media platforms periodically to monitor compliance with this policy. The GCYO stipulates that members should recognise the potential for damage to be caused (either directly or indirectly) to the GCYO and possibly other client groups in certain circumstances through personal use of social media, particularly where that person can be identified as a GCYO member. Therefore, it is critical that users of social media be aware of the risks and ensure that any risk of damage or detriment is minimised. Individuals are responsible for the content published on personal social media platforms and should operate within heightened privacy and security settings.
Therefore, GCYO employees, independent contractors, Management Committee, Conductors, Group Volunteers/Administrators, tutors and Members should not:
Any breach of policies will result in prompt administrative action. Any GCYO member found engaging in these acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include verbal or written reprimand, caution, warning, suspension, refusal of entry to GCYO premises and or termination of membership and or services. GCYO members may also be personally liable for offences under Commonwealth and, or State and Territory legislation.
Updated November 2017