2.10 Use of Company Telephones

1.	Executive Summary
2.	Telephones
	2.1	Personal Use
	2.2	Premium Rate Numbers
	2.3	Use of Voicemail
	2.4	Confidential Information
3.	Monitoring

1. Executive Summary

Throughout the company there are many different telephone messaging systems with different functionality. The aim of this policy is to provide the general guidelines for use of the phone systems by all Staff.

2. Telephones

There are no restrictions placed on calls for business purposes, where the business of the company is being carried out. Employees are not to use the company's telephone or voice mail systems in any way that may be disruptive or offensive to others, including, but not limited to, the transmission of sexually explicit messages, cartoons, common gossip, ethnic or racial slurs, or anything that may be construed as harassment or disparagement of others.

2.1 Personal Use

Personal telephone calls (received or dialled) are not permitted; exception to this is where there is a personal or family emergency.

2.2 Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate telephone services not directly connected with your work are not permitted. If such services are used the onus is on you to show that such calls are strictly for business purposes. The use of such services for non-business purposes shall constitute a disciplinary offence.

2.3 Use of Voicemail

If your telephone system is capable of voicemail you should ensure that your voicemail is working correctly. The message on the voicemail is correct and up to date and that the facility is used whenever you are unable to answer a call in person.

2.3 Confidential Information

If you intend to discuss confidential or sensitive information with another party over the telephone, it should take place in a separate room where the discussion cannot be overheard from an outside room. All parties to a conference call should be identified prior to commencement. If a party to the conversation leaves or a new party joins this should be announced to the other participants.

3. Monitoring

The company reserves the right to intercept or monitor any calls made of messages sent etc. using the telephones owned by the company in accordance with the telecommunications act 2000.

End