This document provides guidance for councillors at Kirklees Council on using social media for communication, engagement, and collaboration. It discusses how social media has evolved from one-way communication to open conversations and the importance of listening to communities, participating in online discussions, and being open to new ways of working together using these tools. The guidelines encourage councillors to think about how social media can help achieve outcomes, improve public services, and work better with partners and residents.

1. Social media for councillors
Communication
Engagement
Collaboration
Diane Sims
Kirklees Council

2. A very brief introduction to the Internet…
Lots and lots and
lots of computers
across the world.
Web addresses are
front doors to help
people find stuff.
Content providers
Graphic: Visualising the Internet [BBC News] and an audience.

3. The first version of the web…
Broadcast,
one-way content.
Promotional.
Reaching many
people, but
getting no reply.

4. Over time, the web has evolved…
It has become a place for conversations…

5. The second version of the web is social…
Open conversations
and collaboration.
Everyone can be
a content provider.
Not just one-to-one,
but one-to-many or
many-to-one or
many-to-many.
Graphic: Creating Connections [VAK]

6. The social web is about sharing
We can each be
our own front door.
Information can
flow around easily.
Fewer barriers,
more opportunities.
Photos by: InAweofGod’sCreation, Kevin Grocki

7. Graphic: Social Media Mess [Tom Cunniff]

8. Feeling all at sea?
The good news is,
you already know
what’s relevant
for you and your
community – that’s
the important bit.
Everyone gets something different from using social media…

14. Our approach…
1. It’s about the outcomes, not the technology.
We want our councillors, staff and partners to think about how social
media can help us to achieve specific outcomes, work together better,
improve public services and contribute to the aims of Kirklees Council.
2. We use a very broad definition of social media.
3. Our guidelines are available online…
…so everyone can find out what we’re doing.
http://socialmedia.kirklees.gov.uk

16. We’ve adopted the Young Foundation’s social media framework.

17. Listen…
Find out what people are talking about – and where.
Are there already some online spaces where you can connect with residents?
Is there local content that you can link to, share or re-use?
Newsome Ward sharing = twitter accounts, text messages, calendars, blogs, videos, photos…

18. Participate…
Join the conversation.
There are lots of different ways to join in:
Comment on local news
Share useful links
Create your own blog
Respond to questions and comments
Encourage others to share
You decide how much
you want to share, but
it’s definitely ok to be a
human being. Honest.

19. Transform…
Be open to finding new ways of doing things.
“I am interested in the community
reporting workshop how can I get
involved?”
Here’s Christine interviewing the
Leader of the Council 6 weeks later:
New spaces are emerging where people can
debate, collaborate and share. Be part of it.

20. diane.sims@kirklees.gov.uk
social.media@kirklees.gov.uk
http://socialmedia.kirklees.gov.uk
Remember - it's the way you use it that makes it social.