Using WhatsApp for Member Communication
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in the UK, with over 30 million users. Many of our members already use it daily, making it a quick and familiar way to connect.
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in the UK, with over 30 million users. Many of our members already use it daily, making it a quick and familiar way to connect.
While it’s best known for instant messaging, WhatsApp also allows:
- Audio and video calls
- Voice messages
- Sharing photos, documents, and links
- Group or community discussions with small or large numbers of people
Because it’s mobile-based and linked to a phone number, messages are usually seen and responded to much more quickly than emails — around 90% are read within minutes. This makes it a potentially powerful tool for local AEP organisation, campaigning, and mutual support.
However, there are important privacy, safeguarding, and data protection considerations for local reps. This guidance will help you decide whether WhatsApp is right for your purpose, and how to use it safely and effectively.
