Noticeboards and Social Media Policy

Hellesdon Parish Council

Policy for the Promotion of Community Events on Parish
Council Noticeboards and Social Media
Purpose: This policy sets out the criteria by which Hellesdon Parish Council will
consider requests to promote events, activities and notices using the Council’s
noticeboards and social media channels.
Policy aim: The Council wishes to support community engagement by helping non-
commercial local societies, organisations, charities, clubs and groups promote events
and activities that are of benefit or interest to residents of Hellesdon.

1. Eligible notices and events

   •   Events organised by local non-commercial societies, organisations, charities, clubs,
       schools, faith groups, voluntary bodies or community groups.
   •   Events that are open to the public or to a clearly defined section of the local
       community.
   •   Activities that promote community wellbeing, social inclusion, education,
       volunteering, culture, recreation, local heritage, public services or charitable
       fundraising.
   •   Notices from statutory bodies, emergency services, local authorities or recognised
       public service providers where the information is relevant to Hellesdon residents.

2. Excluded notices and events

   •   Commercial advertising, including promotion of trades, businesses, paid services,
       private enterprises or commercial events.
   •   Events or activities from which an individual or business derives income for personal
       gain, whether directly or indirectly.
   •   Sales, promotions, discounts, product launches, private lessons, courses or activities
       operated primarily for profit.
   •   Party political material, election campaigning, petitions or lobbying material unless
       required or permitted by law as official public information.
   •   Material that is offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, misleading, unlawful,
       inappropriate for a general audience, or contrary to the Council’s policies and duties.

3. Criteria for approval

   •   The event or notice must have a clear local connection to Hellesdon or be likely to
       benefit Hellesdon residents.
   •   The organiser must be clearly identified and provide contact details for verification.
   •   Any fundraising purpose must be clearly stated, including the charity, good cause or
       community organisation that will benefit.
   •   The Council must be satisfied that the notice is accurate, appropriate and relevant to
       the community.

4. Submission requirements

Requests should be submitted to the Parish Clerk with reasonable notice and should
include the name of the organisation, event details, date, time, venue, contact
information and confirmation that the event is non-commercial and not for personal
financial gain. Posters for noticeboards should normally be no larger than A4 and
must be clear and legible.
5. Display and publication
Approved notices may be displayed or shared subject to available space, relevance,
timing and administrative capacity. Publication by the Council does not imply
endorsement, sponsorship or responsibility for the event. The Council may edit
wording for clarity, remove outdated notices, and decline or remove material at its
discretion.

6. Review and decision making

The Parish Clerk, or other authorised officer, may determine routine requests in
accordance with this policy. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it
remains suitable and effective.

Hellesdon Parish Council
Policy adopted 29 June 2026
Policy review date 29 Dec 2026