Online engagement is now pretty much the norm for everyone. The ground shifts so quickly, and the rules of engagement change with each channel and user community, so we have avoided being too prescriptive, instead setting out behaviours and indicative guidelines for best practice. The guidelines are consistent with who we are as PR and communications people, and are closely intertwined with our code of ethics. We need to keep pace with these technologies, and not be left behind. We need to have a sound digital strategy that includes listening. We need to behave well online, and be clear about who we are and why we are there. We also need to disclose our conflicts of interest, balance openness and privacy, and manage data responsibly.

We welcome any feedback on the guidelines.