PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for SCERS Board members and SCERS staff regarding interactions with the media and legislative bodies. The policy aims to ensure consistent messaging and maintain the organization’s reputation, while also recognizing the individual rights of Board members and staff to express personal opinions in their own capacity.

POLICY

1. Media Requests and Commenting on Behalf of the Organization

Board members and staff should refrain from commenting on matters related to SCERS or its activities with the media unless they have been formally designated to do so.

• ​In the event of a media request, board members and staff should promptly notify the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Public Information Officer (PIO). Board members and staff should defer to the organization’s leadership to deliver timely and appropriate messaging.​
• The CEO or PIO will coordinate, if appropriate, a statement on behalf of SCERS that is consistent with the organization’s objectives, policies, and positions.
• The CEO will notify and confer with the Board President on media requests that may necessitate timely and appropriate messaging.

​2. Legislative Relations and Public Policy Positions|

The Board recognizes the importance of SCERS providing open, honest, and timely feedback to stakeholders and the policymaking community regarding issues or legislation in which SCERS or an affiliated pension association may or may not have taken a formal position.

• The CEO is authorized to engage with legislators and stakeholders and participate in public policy discussions. This includes providing technical expertise, sharing organizational perspectives, and addressing issues that may require specialized knowledge or insight.
• While the CEO may provide input and technical expertise, only the Board is authorized to take formal positions on legislation that could impact the organization.

​3. Confidentiality and Organizational Information

Board members and staff must not disclose confidential or proprietary information regarding the organization in media interactions or legislative discussions. This includes, but is not limited to, financial information, internal strategies, personnel matters, and other sensitive data.

• If in doubt about whether information can be disclosed, Board members should consult with the CEO. Staff should consult with their SCERS supervisor.

4. Speaking in a Personal Capacity

Notwithstanding Section 1 of this policy, Board members and staff may participate in public forums in their personal capacity, provided that they make it clear they are speaking as individuals and not on behalf of SCERS, unless explicitly authorized to do so.

• When making public statements, Board members and staff should explicitly state that their views are personal and do not represent the official position of SCERS.
• Board members should notify the CEO when advocating for or against specific legislation or public policy matters affecting SCERS. Any such advocacy should be conscious of the organization’s strategic goals and priorities and respectful of the decisions, positions, and policies of the Board.
• The CEO shall keep the Board informed of legislative activity in which he or she is engaged on behalf of affiliated pension associations.
• Board members and staff should be mindful of the potential impact of their comments on the organization’s public perception and ensure their personal statements do not conflict with the organization’s mission, values, or objectives, or their fiduciary duty to all members of SCERS. It is important to remember that public statements, especially in relation to legislative or policy issues, can affect the organization’s public image, and Board members and staff should always act in a manner that upholds the integrity and professionalism of the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Owner:     Chief Executive Officer

POLICY HISTORY

SCERS Policy No. 046