Following some recent visits to Cemex sites by ‘so called’ auditors or social media content creators, using drones or filming devices, we request that you remind yourselves of the following advice:

Social media content creators visit public sites, offices and buildings and carrying out overt and recorded ‘public interest audits’ of site businesses, using mobile phones, video cameras or drones to record their experience.

The ‘Blogger/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.

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/Blogger 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 Blogger. 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.

For further information please read this Government advice from the National Protective Security Authority HERE and watch this excellent video HERE. Both links can be found as QR codes on our poster.

To all Site Managers

Please ensure this topic is covered in an upcoming ‘tool box’ talks to ensure that everyone (contractors etc) without access Cemex email are briefed.

Please display the poster (which you can find on the UK News download page here) on all workplace notice boards.

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 bloggers 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.