It is the second Government Communications Plan that has been published since an audit in 2017 concluded there were weaknesses in the system and made a series of recommendations for improvement.
The document, which has been approved by the Council of Ministers, says that all 60 of the action points from the audit have now been completed. They included implementing a new communications operating model, introducing new professional standards and internal training and putting plans in place to make the chief executive and senior leaders more visible to other government employees.
The plan also details the aims of the department in 2020 and the key areas on which it will focus.
Assistant Chief Minister Richard Buchanan, who has political responsibility for communications, said: ‘2019 was the first full year that the Communications Directorate operated as a cohesive unit within the Office of the Chief Executive, led by our first communications strategy which provided direction for our communications professionals.
‘This new approach, which brought government communications colleagues together, serving the whole of government through central teams and embedded departmental communications heads, has been an early success of the One Government approach.
‘It has delivered better value for money by bringing most graphic design and marketing in-house, negotiating better advertising deals and making substantial savings on design, which more than covers the costs of the creative team.’
He added: ‘The plan for 2020 sets out an ambitious but achievable vision for 2020 that will ensure Islanders, stakeholders and government employees alike are kept fully informed and are actively engaged with the work of this government.’
The objectives set out in the plan include supporting departments in their day-to-day activities by helping members of the public to understand their rights, take appropriate actions and access services, and proactively communicate the policies, activities and services carried out by the government and engage with the public on issues that concern them.
The department will also support the implementation of initiatives – including those related to protecting and supporting children – within the Government Plan, as well as building and sustaining a positive level of trust in the government.
The plan says the unit will also continue with its Put Children First campaign and promote the work of the Policy Development Board for Early Years and the Children’s Service.
