1. Policy Statement

St Stephen’s and St Mark’s Parish Churches affirm the value of using livestreaming, recording, and social media platforms as tools to extend the mission of the Church, to share the Gospel, and to deepen engagement with the wider community. These platforms must be used responsibly, with full regard for safeguarding, data protection, and the dignity of all individuals.

This policy sets out clear guidelines for the livestreaming and recording of services and the publication of content via digital platforms, including church websites and social media accounts.

2. Key Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
PCC	Approves and reviews the policy, monitors implementation and associated risk assessments.
Incumbent	Oversees day-to-day application during services and events.
Safeguarding Officer	Ensures safeguarding aspects are reviewed and complied with.
Data Protection Officer	Ensures compliance with data protection laws and practices.
Designated Consent Officer	Manages consents for defined roles and updates records.
Social Media Moderator	Oversees official church social media platforms and ensures appropriate content moderation.

3. Definitions

• Ordinary Services: Regular weekly worship including Family Services and major Christian festivals.
• Special Services: Events such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and confirmations.
• Defined Roles: Individuals presiding, preaching, leading worship, reading, or interceding. These individuals may appear on camera and must give consent.
• Designated Consent Officer: Responsible for collecting and maintaining written consents.
• Intercessions Sponsor: Ensures permission is obtained to name individuals in public prayers.
• Social Media Moderator: Manages and monitors content on all official digital platforms.

4. Livestreaming and Recording Protocols

For Ordinary Services:

• Cameras will be positioned to film only those in defined roles. Filming will not take place during the giving of communion or at other times when there is general movement in or around the Church
• A designated seating area will be clearly marked as a "no filming zone."
• Signage will indicate that recording or live-streaming may be taking place.
• Stewards will guide worshippers appropriately and with sensitivity.
• Written consent must be obtained for all participating in defined roles. Parental consent is required for under-18s.
• Intercessions Sponsors must secure verbal or written consent before names are used in public prayer.
• Appropriate CCLI licenses will be maintained.
• Recordings will be archived for no more than 3 years.

Photography by Congregants:

• Only permitted after the service and not within non-filming zones.
• Consent must be sought before taking any photos or video, especially for under-18s.
• Images must not be shared on personal social media without explicit permission.

5. Special Services

In addition to the above:

• The incumbent will inform participants and photographers of the recording/photo guidelines.
• Photography/videography must be discreet and pre-approved by the incumbent.
• Consent must be obtained from anyone who may appear in images or footage.
• Parental consent is mandatory for under-18s.
• No sharing of media on personal social accounts without prior consent.

6. Use of Church Website and Social Media Platforms

Platforms used include, but are not limited to, the church website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and similar services. These are used to:

• Share service recordings and livestreams.
• Announce events and activities.
• Post devotionals, reflections, and community updates.
• Share authorised images or testimonies.

Content Guidelines:

• Content must reflect Christian values and comply with safeguarding and data protection regulations.
• Consent is required before publishing identifiable images or recordings.
• The Social Media Moderator ensures:
  • Password and access security.
  • Appropriate tone and message.
  • Monitoring and moderation of comments.
• Individuals may request content removal at any time.

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed by the PCC every three years or earlier as needed to reflect legislative, pastoral, or technological changes.

8. Approval and Sign-Off

This policy was adopted by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Stephen’s and St Mark’s on:

Date: ___________________________

Signed: ___________________________________________
Chair of the PCC (on behalf of the PCC Members)

Name: ___________________________________________