PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 72 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: Policies 27, 26, 13, 39; WHO risk-communication principles; UN social-media guidelines (reference)
1. Purpose and scope
To define who speaks for PHIG, how PHIG’s social-media presence is run, and how PHIG communicates in a crisis. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- Spokespersons: the Chair, the Director and persons the Director designates for a topic; others do not make statements in PHIG’s name; experts and reviewers speak in their own name and do not disclose confidential matters.
- Official accounts are registered to PHIG, managed by designated persons with two-factor authentication, and follow the Public Health Communication Policy: sourced, accurate, non-partisan, no personal attacks, no engagement with abuse; comments moderated under published rules.
- Personal accounts: persons acting for PHIG may state their affiliation but must make clear that views are their own; they do not share confidential information or bring PHIG into disrepute; they do not use PHIG’s name in political campaigning.
- Crisis communication: on a reputational, safety or integrity crisis, the Director activates a small response team; facts are established before statements; a holding statement is issued within hours; one spokesperson; affected persons and donors informed before the public where possible; a record kept; the Board informed.
- Misinformation targeting PHIG or its platforms is corrected with evidence, calmly, once; disputes are not conducted on social media.
3. Procedures
- Account register; moderation rules; crisis communication plan.
Responsibilities
Director; communications function; Chair.
Review
Every two years and when donor rules change.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).