The following guidance is based on advice from the NationalProtective Security Authority (NPSA) and has been adapted for Tendring DistrictCouncil staff. It is shared as best practice for colleagues who may encounterpeople filming or photographing council buildings, staff, vehicles orpublic-facing services.
There is a small but increasing number of reports within theUnited Kingdom involving individuals who attend premises and outside spaceswith the aim of filming staff, buildings, vehicles and other property. Thiscontent is often uploaded to social media and video platforms. They arereferred to as Auditors in this guidance, as this is the term most commonly associatedwith this activity online. Other terms include Social Media Auditors andCitizen Journalists.
Auditors take advantage of understandable concerns when councilpremises, staff or services are photographed or filmed. They may attempt toprovoke staff or contractors in order to encourage a heightened reaction,sometimes suggesting that staff are overstepping legal boundaries. They are oftenwell versed in their own rights and may cite legislation when challenged.
It is not an offence to be an Auditor or to film people andproperty from a place where the Auditor is allowed to be. This can includefilming private property with a drone where a drone is allowed to fly.
Auditing activity is mostly harmless, and the amount ofcompromising information gathered by filming vehicles, staff, equipment or councilbuildings is generally minimal. Issues typically arise when staff or securityengage in a hostile manner, quote legislation incorrectly, or give inaccuratestatements such as “You are not allowed to film here” when that may not be thecase.
While Auditors themselves may not have hostile intent, thecontent they create and post online could be viewed by others. A calm andprofessional response helps protect staff, the council’s reputation and publicconfidence, while avoiding unnecessary detail about security arrangements,internal processes or building procedures.
What to do if you find yourself in this situation?
When interacting with suspected Auditors, we recommenda CALM approach: Chat, Assess, Limit, Monitor.
It is important that all staff remain polite andprofessional if responding to a situation where someone is recording council premises,services, vehicles and/or staff. When engaging, remember that your first wordswill often set the tone of the interaction.
Remember - Auditors want their content to go viral!
The goal of auditing is often to generate controversialcontent. The best defence is to make their interactions with youforgettable.
Staff should read this guidance:
Ensure there is no confidential, operational, personal or sensitive information visible through windows, doorways, reception areas, desks or public-facing spaces.
There have been incidents elsewhere where unsuspecting staff have been approached when entering or leaving workplaces. Auditors or bloggers may also notice unintentional issues such as visible paperwork, staff ID, vehicle details, site access arrangements, untidy public areas or comments made in passing, all of which can be uploaded to their channels.
Staff should not use inappropriate, offensive or dismissive language when interacting with Auditors or bloggers. Assume that anything said may be recorded, edited and shared publicly.
Staff should report any incidents to their line manager and the relevant service manager so the council has a clear record of what happened and can identify any follow-up action required.
Line managers of any staff who are recorded should be informed so they can provide support, manage any welfare issues and advise on next steps where needed.
The Communications Team should also be notified of any incidents so they can advise on any media, social media or public confidence issues that may arise. If there are concerns about safety, threatening behaviour, unauthorised access, data protection, safeguarding or security, staff should escalate this through the appropriate council channels.
