The NSW Health Using Social Media Policy Directive defines social media as referring to websites, platforms and applications that enable users to connect, communicate and participate in content or information sharing, including through encrypted sites. This includes, but is not limited to:
NSW Health supports the responsible use of digital mediums.
When done well, social media can build meaningful connections, enhance trust, address misinformation, change behaviour, and strengthen communities.
Yes. NSW Health supports the responsible, respectful use of social media, and the right of all people to express their views, support causes or engage in public debate, including advocating in relation to their roles, provided this is done respectfully and in a way that does not breach their obligations under related NSW Government and NSW Health policies and procedures.
Like any other community member, our staff have the right to enter public debates and comment on political, social or other issues in their capacity as private citizens.
It’s also a great way for staff to learn, connect and engage. When used responsibly and respectfully, social media helps build meaningful connections, enhance trust, address misinformation, change behaviour, and strengthen communities.
However, it’s important to know your obligations and follow our policies and procedures:
There is no such thing as ‘private’ social media – regardless of privacy settings used on personal accounts or devices.
Posting information online is effectively the same as publishing it in a newspaper. All comments on social media should be considered public comment.
Please also remember that any content you believe to be confidential can be copied or recorded and posted by someone else.
As NSW Health staff, it is important we don’t behave in ways that could cause the community to lose trust in our commitment to provide safe care to all people.
Inappropriate conduct online can have far-reaching impacts and damage public trust, our reputation, and yours.
The words you use and views you express can have an impact on the trust of the community in our public health services.
It is vital we maintain that trust as people of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs must feel welcome, respected and safe for us to be able to provide care to anyone who needs it.
The conduct of NSW Health staff can reflect on the entire NSW Health system, including your colleagues and your hospital, health facility or agency.
Prior authorisation is required before making comments on personal social media in your capacity as a NSW Health staff member.
Authorised spokespeople are responsible for representing NSW Health externally to ensure clear and consistent provision of advice to the public on important matters.
NSW Health supports the responsible, respectful use of social media, and the right of all people to express their views, support causes or engage in public debate, including advocating in relation to their roles.
When engaging in debate or comment on any political, social or other issues in their capacity as private citizens, staff should remain mindful of their obligations, in particular under the NSW Health Code of Conduct and the NSW Health Using Social Media Policy Directive. Any personal comments must not be seen to represent the views of any NSW Health organisation.
Yes. The NSW Health Code of Conduct and the NSW Health Using Social Media Policy Directive apply to all NSW Health staff, whether on a permanent, casual or temporary basis, and contractors working in NSW Health. It also includes students, researchers or educators in NSW Health.
People in a leadership role also have responsibility for making sure their team members understand their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct and relevant policies and procedures.
The NSW Health Public Communication Procedures support staff and contractors to manage all communication activities, including social media
The Public Service Commission has also published a Code of Ethics and Conduct for all NSW Government Sector Employees, which contains information on making public comment and the use of social media, along with the NSW Government's Use of social media in a private capacity guide.
If staff have concerns about their own social media use or that of colleagues, they are encouraged to raise these concerns with their manager, or with a more senior manager or with their local human resources team (or equivalent team, as applicable to the NSW Health agency).
Staff should limit accessing personal social media on work devices and during work hours.
For information on appropriate usage please refer to:
No. Restricted applications, such as TikTok and DeepSeek must not be downloaded on devices that are used to access NSW Health systems and applications such as Microsoft 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, SharePoint), StaffLink or HealthRoster. A list of restricted applications published by the NSW Department of Customer Service can be found on the NSW Government Administrative Requirements portal.
NSW Health staff must comply with the Bring Your Own Device and NSW Health Smart Devices Policy Directive. Staff requiring access to sensitive official systems (e.g., HealthRoster, AFM Online) on a personal device must follow the approval process outlined in the BYOD Policy, including installation of the NSW Health Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform.
All staff are encouraged to enrol their personal devices in MDM. Devices enrolled in MDM, whether corporate or personal, receive compliance notifications when restricted applications are detected. These reminders reinforce that restricted applications, such as TikTok and DeepSeek, must not be downloaded on managed devices.