The document provides an introduction to how and why the UK government department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) uses social media. It discusses that BIS uses major social media channels like Twitter, YouTube and Flickr to engage with the public. It also explains how individuals within BIS are already using social media to monitor policy discussions, find research, build relationships and more. The document outlines guidelines for civil servants on personal social media use and adhering to the civil service code.