A picture can express a thousand words, they say. However, it’s important to be aware of the copyright laws when choosing images and photographs for use on social media, websites and any other marketing material. Photographs, illustrations and other images are generally protected by copyright. Images that are copied or shared must have the correct permissions. Substantial fees or fines can be payable if an unlicensed image is used. When searching for suitable images on the internet, it can be hard to know whether an image is subject to copyright. Even if you think you have downloaded a copyright-free image, it may need to be credited to the original owner – and finding the original source can sometimes be difficult.
 
To minimise the risk of breaching copyright, groups are advised to:

• Use photographs and images supplied to the group or taken on behalf of the group, where the individual photographer / image creator has given copyright permission to the group.
• Ensure those who appear in photographs for publicity and promotions know the purpose for which the image will be used and have given written consent to that use. This needs to be kept on file.
• Source stock images from a reputable image library service, such as Shutterstock, iStock or Getty Images which all provide access to royalty free images at affordable prices.

If you’d like to know more about copyright and how it may affect your choice of picture or image, the Intellectual Property Office has produced a helpful guide to copyright. To read the guide, please click here.

As mentioned in Issue 268 of Inform we are looking for new members of the Local Group Engagement Committee, previously known as the Strategy Group. If you’re interested, please email Amanda.Smith@iam.org.uk for the terms of reference and application form. The closing date is Monday 4 November, with interviews scheduled for the end of November/early December.

We are seeking to appoint a trustee as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee to lead the committee in all aspects of its work and to effectively manage the affairs of the Finance and Audit Committee and ensure that it is properly organised and functions efficiently. We welcome applications from individuals with senior management and leadership experience ideally with expertise in finance, accounting and auditing and experience of committee work and chairing meetings. Previous experience as a trustee and/or company director will be an advantage. This role is required to commit to regular board meetings held at our office in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire or in London. It is unremunerated, although expenses will be paid for attendance at meetings. Candidates are invited to submit their CV and covering letter to Nicola.Smith@iam.org.uk by Friday 15 November. Interviews will be held at end November.

Do you have something you want to include in a future Inform: Weekly News? Please email it to Liv Payne at the IAM RoadSmart Press Office at Olivia.Payne@iam.org.uk or call her on 020 8996 9615. Please include an image with your article. Also if you have missed a previous edition, she will be happy to send it to you. Please send your item by 5pm on Friday. We will try to include all articles in the following Wednesday's edition, but we cannot guarantee this due to the amount of submissions we receive. Please keep your submissions to under 150 words please, and we reserve the right to edit and condense all posts.

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