The Service
Information Services Policies...
Acceptable use policyPlease note that as this policy is periodically reviewed and updated, if you print it from the website, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed for more than a 24 hour period following printing.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) believes in promoting and encouraging use of computers and the facilities they provide such as e-mail, Internet and the Intranet for the benefit of the community and its employees. To facilitate maximum use and development of the Service's computer facilities, whilst at the same time protecting its interests, all users of the Service’s computer hardware, software, systems and networks are required to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.
Where users are provided with computers for use at home it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that no unauthorised or inappropriate use (as defined in this policy) is made of that computer by them or any other person who has access to it.
Users may use HFRS provided computer equipment as well as Internet access and e-mail facilities for occasional personal purposes at the discretion of their manager, or for access to approved HFRS corporate benefits, provided that this never:
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the users of the e-mail system must make sure that any use of the system does not breach the Data Protection Act 1998.
Authenticated users are reminded that personal data is defined as including any expression of opinion or intentions towards the individual and should therefore avoid making any personal statements or opinions unless they can be substantiated with evidence.
Furthermore if any personal e-mail communication is created and sent which includes personal data (where an individual can be identified from the data) then HFRS gives full notice that it is a fundamental condition of the Acceptable Use Policy that arrangements allowing private use of HFRS internet and e-mail systems will mean that HFRS will only be the data processor for such data and the sender will assume full responsibility for the accuracy and entitlement to have obtained, created and/or transmitted such information.
To aid in the identification of non-Corporate email HFRS requires that any use of the e-mail system to send a personal e-mail (an e-mail sent for personal reasons or non HFRS business reasons) must be designated as Personal by selecting the “Personal” flag under the Options button on an e-mail. To do this please visit our Message Options web page.
Managers are responsible for monitoring time spent using HFRS provided computer equipment for private use, as they are for phones and photocopying. Users spending what their manager considers excessive time on private use may face disciplinary action.
It makes no difference how you watch TV - whether it's on your laptop, PC or mobile phone or through a digital box, DVD recorder or TV set - if you use any device to receive television programmes as they're being shown on TV, the law requires you to be covered by a TV Licence. HFRS does not hold a licence to enable any users to use the internet to view 'live' TV.
You will not need a TV Licence to view video clips on the internet, as long as what you are viewing is not being shown on TV at the same time as you are viewing it.
For further information on TV licensing please visit http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp or contact the Service Desk.
Managers are responsible for monitoring time spent using HFRS provided computer equipment for private use, as they are for phones and photocopying. Users spending what their manager considers excessive time on private use may face disciplinary action.
Like any form of communication, the Internet and electronic mail facilities must not be used for the creation, use, transmission or encouragement of material which:
or for:
Members of staff must report any suspected misuse, whether accidental or deliberate, as specified in the Incident Reporting guidelines. Where necessary, Internal Audit and the Employment Practice and Advice Centre (Human Resources department) will advise on the correct course of action and may further investigate sites, possibly consulting the police.
HFRS will not tolerate inappropriate materials such as pornographic, racist, defamatory or harassing files, pictures, videos or email messages that might cause offence or embarrassment. Staff shall not store, use, copy or circulate such material on laptops and steer clear of dubious websites. IS personnel routinely monitor the network and systems for such materials and track use of the Internet and serious/repeated offenders shall be reported to management which may lead to disciplinary processes being initiated where appropriate. If you receive inappropriate material by email or other means, delete it immediately. If you accidentally browse an offensive website, click ‘back’ or close the window straight away and report the incident to the Service Desk, who will investigate the site and have it blocked if appropriate.
Hantsfire and Hantsnet Pages are important parts of the HFRS external and internal communications and service provision. Managers shall encourage users to contribute material to both and to seek creative and innovative ways of using them to further improve our services and consultation.
HFRS's policy is to operate a single public Web site, www.hantsfire.gov.uk.
Any publication of illegal, obscene, libellous material may be considered gross misconduct.
Material published via the public Web site is subject to review and approval by the ICT Manager, who will resolve any queries.
Each item of information shall have its provider and date of publication identified.
Where public Web sites are developed in partnership with other organisations, users shall seek appropriate legal advice about Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's liability.
