Town and parish councils are being urged to ensure their councillors are following guidance on the responsible use of social media following a standards investigation.

Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Town and Parish Councils’ Standards Sub-Committee considered a report arising from a complaint made under the Members’ Code of Conduct, which highlighted wider issues around the use of social media by town and parish councillors.

The complaint, received in November 2024, related to the alleged conduct of a local councillor in connection with posts made on social media.

In line with the district council’s complaints procedure, TDC’s Monitoring Officer – who oversees efforts to maintain high standards of conduct across the district’s town and parish councils – determined that the matter merited investigation and an internal investigator was appointed.

Following the investigation, the investigator’s report found there was sufficient evidence to indicate potential breaches of the Members’ Code of Conduct — specifically in relation to respect, bringing the office into disrepute, and misuse of position — arising from the councillor’s use of social media.

All parties were given the opportunity to comment, and the report was finalised in October 2025.

However, prior to a scheduled hearing of the Sub-Committee on Thursday, 12 February, the councillor concerned resigned from office.

As a result, they are no longer bound by the Members’ Code of Conduct and a hearing was therefore not required. In accordance with the council’s procedures, no determination has been made as to whether the code was breached.

The Sub-Committee instead considered the broader learning arising from the case, particularly in relation to the use of social media by town and parish councillors – and the need for some town and parish councils to take ownership of the issue and adopt their own policies.

Councillor Dan Casey, Chairman of the Town and Parish Councils’ Standards Sub-Committee, said: “While this particular case did not proceed to a hearing, it has highlighted the challenges that social media can present for councillors at all levels of local government.

“The committee noted that social media can raise complex issues for those holding public office, balancing the right to freedom of expression with the need to maintain high standards of conduct and public confidence in local democracy.

“Our focus is on advising town and parish councils to maintain high standards of conduct by ensuring their councillors are properly equipped with clear and current guidance when engaging online in their role as elected representatives.”

Following a debate, the Sub-Committee agreed a series of recommendations aimed at helping town and parish councils to support their councillors in maintaining high standards of conduct. These include encouraging councils to provide a more comprehensive education programme on the use of social media with regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Town and parish councils are being advised to familiarise themselves with existing social media guidance — such as the national guidance published by the Local Government Association — and to ensure they have appropriate, up-to-date policies and procedures in place for social media use.

Councils are further urged to deliver suitable training so that the requirements of relevant guidance and policies remain at the forefront of councillors’ minds, helping them fully understand and uphold their responsibilities.

Additionally, town and parish councils will be advised of the range of tools available to support them, and encouraged to take ownership of implementing the right policies for their councils.