Colleagues may be aware of the growing trend in which self-proclaimed auditors or social media vloggers visit public sites, offices and buildings and carrying out overt and recorded ‘public interest audits’ of site businesses. Whilst this trend is far from new, colleagues should be aware that Cemex UK has experienced two such ‘audits’ at separate sites in recent times.

The ‘Vlogger/Auditor’ will often be intrusive in demeanour and ask provocative questions about the site’s business and the role of staff. They may wear masks and overtly film the site, employees and their reactions. They may use mobile phones, cameras and/or drones to record their experience.

Their aim is to provoke a response with a view to posting the audit on social media sites, sometimes by way of live feed. In the main, their activities are banal in nature and do not in their own right constitute any offence or wrongdoing. Almost without exception, the filming is undertaken to provoke a reaction, which in itself creates the public interest.

Any colleague faced with a visit from an Auditor/Vlogger should follow the following points of guidance:

• Limit any engagement to an absolute minimum.
• Think ‘disengage and de-escalate’ throughout.
• Be polite and always retain your professionalism and dignity. Be calm and peaceful in your demeanour and do not challenge their right to film/record.
• Do not get drawn into unnecessary conversation. Consider referring enquiries to the company website for further details of our business.
• Maintain a focus on Health & Safety, including that of the Vlogger. Discourage entry onto the site or any act of trespass for Health & Safety purposes.
• Filming from a public area does not constituent an offence and need not be challenged. Remember, your challenge is what they’re hoping for.
• Know your site boundaries so you are able to offer constructive advice on where safe observations can take place, outside of site boundaries and away from danger. Ensure signage on the gate and surrounding fences advises the site is private and includes the DPIA compliant sign where CCTV is in use.
• Provided the individual(s) remain in a safe and public area, acknowledge their right to watch; “There is no harm in looking as long as you’re safe”.
• Report such incidents to your Site Manager and Cemex Security for further advice.

Remember, provided no encroachment is made on to the site, no offences are likely to have been committed. Without a reaction from you, no matter how provocative the vlogger’s questioning, their platform for public interest rapidly diminishes. This ‘trend’ in behaviour is not routinely a matter for police intervention and police should only be advised if staff are threatened, alarmed or otherwise harassed. It is better from the outset, to limit engagement and disengage totally prior to any confrontation.

The guidelines poster can be found on the UK News download page: here

Note to Site Managers: please ensure that you bring these guidelines to all our employees’ attention and that the communication/poster is shared on site/plant notice boards where appropriate so that those who aren’t online also have access to this message.