Complete Communications Policy

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This is a complete communications policy for the use of Internet, email, fax and telephone by all workers within an organisation. The use of this policy will guard against the loss of productivity where resources are used for personal purposes. It will also minimise the risk of employers' liability for discrimination claims where, for example inappropriate emails are sent to other workers or third parties.

The policy allows the employer organisation to monitor employees' use of the Internet, email, PCs, office network and intranet (as applicable).

The policy is drafted so that a named individual within the organisation has overall control of the policy and serves as a point of reference. This should either be the head of IT or another member of senior management with some technical experience.

This policy is drafted to comply with the following relevant Acts and Codes:

The Data Protection Act 1998

The Employment Practices Data Protection Code, Part 3: Monitoring at Work

The Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 (TICR)

Key clauses in this agreement include:

Action taken for minor breaches of these guidelines.

Action taken for serious breaches of these guidelines.

Correct use and storage of usernames and passwords.

Internet, email, fax and telephone usage.

Detailed email etiquette.

Proper deletion of emails.

Restriction on use of third party products and software.

List of file formats that should not be accessed or downloaded, unless work related.

Sending of faxes, including confidential information sent via fax.

Acceptable use of landlines, mobile phones and conference calls.