APSCA Social Media Guidance

Guidance Statement

Social Media has become a ubiquitous and dynamic method for communication. It is widely used both

professionally and personally, and enables interactive, rather than one-dimensional discourse

between its users. Social Media's ability to facilitate discussion has the potential to create

opportunities and risks for membership organizations such as APSCA. This policy intends to provide

guidance to all APSCA Members and encourages those to uphold our mission to enhance the

professionalism, consistency and credibility of the individuals and organizations performing

independent social compliance audits.

This guideline should be read in conjunction with the following documents which can be found on

APSCA Website:

APSCA Code and Standards of Professional Conduct (Code)

APSCA's Competency Framework (Competency Framework)

Use of APSCA Member Auditor Number Guide (Guide)

APSCA Glossary of Terms

APSCA Disciplinary Framework and Procedures (Disciplinary Procedures)

Social Media Guidelines

1. Members should adhere to APSCA's Code, Competency Framework, and Guides when using

social media in their capacity as an APSCA Member, or with reference to APSCA.

2. Members should be aware that APSCA, its Member Firms and their ultimate clients may

observe content and information made available through social media. Members should use

their best judgment to avoid posting material that is confidential, inappropriate, or

unduly harmful to APSCA, its employees, its Members or relevant clients associated

with APSCA.

Examples include:

2.1. Posting commentary, content, or images gathered whilst conducting a Social

Compliance audit or related services.

2.2. Posting false information regarding APSCA or its Members. This includes

information intended to defame or harass APSCA or its Members.

2.3. Posting in the public domain any information that is considered confidential. If there

are questions about what is deemed to be confidential, Members should refer to 4.2

Confidentiality in the Code or seek guidance from their supervisors/ management

or the APSCA Ethics Team.

Document Name:

Version & Date:

Replaces:

APSCA Social Media Guidance T-037

Version 1 – March 2022

Nil

Author/Owner: APSCA Code & Compliance Team

Authorized by: APSCA President & CEO

Date Printed: 17 March 2022

This document is no longer version controlled once printed.

Page 1 of 2.

2.4. The unauthorized use of APSCA’s brand, logo, or trademark. APSCA reserves

the right to remove permission where its brand, logo, or trademark are used

inappropriately.

3. Social media use shouldn’t interfere with Members’ responsibilities whilst participating in a

Social Compliance Audit or related services, including handling sensitive or confidential

information, auditor integrity, and competence.

4. Information published regarding membership status, employment status, and relevant

program accreditations should be accurate and kept current and comply with APSCA’s

Competency Framework and the Guide.

5. If a Member encounters a situation where an APSCA Member is using social media in a

professional context in a manner that threatens to become antagonistic, in that case, the

Member should disengage from the dialogue politely and seek the advice of a supervisor.

6. Members are discouraged from disclosing their APSCA Member Numbers on social media and

other public platforms.

7. If possible, Members should keep APSCA related professional social media accounts separate

from personal accounts.

8. Members should report any prohibited or unethical use of social media relating to

APSCA, to their Firm supervisor/ management or the APSCA Ethics Team.

Support

If you would like to report any behaviour that you believe violates APSCA's Social Media Guidelines or

the Code, Competency Framework , or Guide , contact the applicable Member Firm’s Management

and/ or email ethics@theapsca.org .

For any inquires or further guidance relating to social media or online platforms, please direct your

questions to ethics@theapsca.org .