Uniform & Social Media Policy
Due to the increasing hostility directed towards genuine medical professionals—including unfounded complaints to employers, abusive behaviour online and the growing number of social media pages highlighting individuals falsely claiming to be medics—First Response Scotland believes it is important to outline our approach to staff conduct, uniforms and social media use.
Our fire, medical & security personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect both while on duty and, where appropriate, when representing the organisation. All registered and qualified healthcare professionals and other personnel remain subject to their professional and ethical responsibilities, including their duty of care when responding to emergencies.
However, we also recognise that our staff are private individuals outside of work. They are entitled to a personal life, to use social media and to express themselves lawfully in their own time. First Response Scotland does not monitor or seek to restrict the lawful personal use of social media, nor do we expect staff to be "on duty" 24 hours a day simply because of their profession.
Where staff choose to identify themselves as employees, volunteers or representatives of First Response Scotland online or where they are wearing company uniform or displaying company branding, they are expected to conduct themselves professionally and in a manner that reflects the values of the organisation and our policy. Behaviour that could reasonably bring the company or the wider emergency care profession into disrepute may be investigated in accordance with our policies.
We are committed to supporting and protecting our staff from online abuse, harassment, false allegations and malicious complaints. Genuine concerns regarding staff conduct will always be investigated fairly, impartially and in line with our internal procedures. Equally, we will not tolerate the misuse of social media to target or harass our personnel.
Our aim is to strike a fair balance between maintaining public confidence in our organisation and respecting the privacy, wellbeing and personal freedoms of the dedicated professionals who work for, with and on behalf First Response Scotland.
Social Media & Uniform Policy
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the standards and expectations regarding the use of uniforms, company branding and references to the company on social media and in public settings. Its purpose is to protect both staff members and the company from reputational harm, harassment, defamation and misuse of company identity.
2. Personal Uniforms
Medical Personnel are permitted to wear personally purchased uniforms on social media and in public, provided that:
- The uniform does not contain company branding or identifiers.
- The medic's conduct does not bring the company into disrepute.
- The content shared remains professional and appropriate at all times.
As staff purchase their own uniforms directly from the company without branding, these uniforms are considered personal attire unless otherwise specified.
3. Company-Branded Uniforms
Uniforms displaying company branding, logos, insignia or identifiable markings must not be worn or displayed online or in public while off duty unless authorised by management.
Authorised use includes, but is not limited to:
- Approved company representation
- Authorised training activities
- Webinars
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Industry events
- Approved subcontract work
- Official media or promotional activities
Prior permission must be obtained before any company-branded uniform is displayed publicly while off duty.
4. Public References to the company
Employees, contractors and representatives must not publicly name, tag, identify or discuss the company online without authorisation.
This restriction is in place to:
- Protect staff from trolling, harassment and abuse.
- Prevent defamation, libel and slander.
- Safeguard company reputation and operational integrity.
- Reduce risk associated with targeted online hostility.
5. Online Abuse & Investigations
The company takes online harassment and false allegations against staff seriously. Where the company becomes aware of:
- Trolling
- Harassment
- Defamatory statements
- False accusations
- Malicious misinformation
an internal investigation may be conducted.
Where appropriate, the company reserves the right to pursue legal action against individuals or parties responsible for spreading knowingly false or defamatory information about staff or the company.
6. Breaches of Policy
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including the withdrawal of permissions relating to uniforms, branding and public representation of the company.