Internet, e­‐mail and Social Media ­Policy and Procedures ‐ ALL REGIONS

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In a nut shell

At Bloom & Grow, we appreciate the value that the Internet, e-­‐mail and social media can add to us as a business. We also recognise that on a personal level, these technological platforms are very important to many employees.

The aim of this policy and procedures is to ensure that these platforms are used appropriately, confidentiality is not breached, our reputation is damaged or the productivity of employees is compromised.

Outlined below are Bloom & Grow’s expectations of all employees regarding the use of the Internet, e-mail, and social media.

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Usage

Internet, e-­mail, and social media usage during working hours should be for work-related purposes, and not for personal use.

Bloom & Grow Intellectual Property should not be used to open accounts with other email or instant messaging service providers.

We do understand that there are times when it is not always possible to send urgent personal emails or make essential use of the Internet outside of working hours. We do, however, expect this to be the exception rather than the rule and ask that all non-­‐essential/urgent personal Internet is kept to the outside of the working day.

Naturally at Bloom & Grow we respect all employees’ right to a private life, and to use the Internet in their own time. We do ask that regardless of whether accessed during working or private times, that all employees act responsibly, use good judgment and remember that what they write becomes permanent once posted. We also remind all employees to check their privacy settings to protect themselves and Bloom & Grow.

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Appropriate Written Content

The content of any e-­‐mail, or Internet posting must be polite and professional. It should not be discriminatory, or constitute harassment or bullying. Particular care should be taken with the tone of emails and online content as unintentional offence may be caused.

At no time should any employee claim or imply that their own personal expression of opinion is representative of company policy or thinking.

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Intellectual Property

When using the Internet, employees should seek permission before using the Bloom& Grow trademark, our name, the names of any of the brands we represent or any other Bloom & Grow Intellectual Property unless it is a specific requirement of their job role.

All Intellectual Property including trademarks must not be used for personal use.

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Pornography and Offensive or Illegal Materials

The viewing, downloading, or forwarding of any pornographic, offensive, unethical, or illegal materials is not permitted on any Bloom & Grow computer, or premises. Any clarification as to what constitutes the above definitions will be at the sole discretion of the Managing Director.

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Confidentiality

Employees should be extremely careful not to disclose confidential information via e‐mail or posting. Confidential information includes: business methods, financial information, trade secrets, customer details or any other information that is known to be, or reasonably ought to have been known to be confidential.

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Reputation

Any online conduct inside, or outside of working hours that reflects badly on Bloom& Grow, or damages the reputation of Bloom & Grow will be considered as in breach of this policy and procedures

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Downloading Software

Visits to certain Internet sites and downloading of software may lead to viruses and contamination of Bloom & Grow hardware. We seek the support of all employees in reducing the likelihood of this occurring by avoiding visiting and accessing dubious sites and content. Employees are encouraged to speak with their line manager if they require further clarification.

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Right to Monitor

Bloom & Grow reserves the right to, and will monitor all email accounts and Internet usage on Company-owned equipment. All e­‐mails sent via a Bloom & Grow e-mail account are considered company property and may be viewed at any time.

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Non­‐adherence to procedures

At Bloom & Grow we want to encourage all employees to support us in implementing this policy and procedures. However, any deliberate flaunting of these policies and procedures will be subject to disciplinary action and in the most serious of instances may lead to dismissal.

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Complaints and Grievances

Employees who have concerns, problems or complaints relating to this policy and procedures should speak to their line manager. It is Bloom & Grow’s policy to try and resolve all issues informally in the first instance. If this is not possible, all employees have the right to raise a formal grievance in line with the Bloom & Grow grievance procedures.

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Date of Issue –15 October 2012

Date of Review –15 October 2013
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