May 2009 Survey Results

In May, we ran a short survey to gauge what our members wanted in terms of workshops, seminars and events.

Thanks to everyone who completed our survey - it will help the committee to keep on track and provide you with training and events to increase your knowledge and skill base.


"The more we contribute, the more we get out of the Network."

Inland Revenue Senior Communications Advisor, Jacqueline Owen was the winner of a $100 voucher for completing the Network survey.

"I think it's important that we share ideas and learning across agencies" says Jacqueline.

"I filled out the survey because I'm keen to see public sector communicators keep on supporting each other to develop - the more we contribute, the more we'll get out of the Network."

Here's what you told us you wanted and key points from the findings.

  • You were in favour of three hour seminars and/or four hour workshops.
  • The majority of people who responded were senior communications practitioners, showing us we needed to develop opportunities in this area. We will always ensure there is a good spread for all members - junior, intermediate and senior practitioners.
  • Brown bag lunch sessions were voted a popular choice, with 76% preferring these to be of 1.5 hour long.
  • 72% of people would like free after work events, with most preferring a 5.30 pm start time.

Topics the committee will look at for future professional development:

  • The annual Comms@ conferences held by the Network
  • Management and leadership training
  • Change communications
  • Crisis communications
  • Communications evaluation
  • Strategic communications approaches
  • Writing for the web and in plain English
  • Ethnic and segmented communications.
  • Social media and networking
  • Effective use of digital communications

People gave great input towards our ideas base. Here's a selection:

  • Internal communications during change to help rebuild teams
  • Doing more with less (budget and people)
  • Using social media in Government communications
  • Reputation management and protecting brand.
  • Writing for the web and in plain English
  • Negotiation
  • Networking opportunities
  • Leadership development
  • Media
  • Social media
  • Developing effective communications strategies, including refresher training
  • Government priorities, and working across agencies.

Where to from here?

The committee will now think about what it can effectively incorporate into its programme. We'll select topics to achieve a higher impact and hit rate, rather than having lots of smaller events. The research findings will help us to develop an informative and useful programme of workshop, seminars and events for you in the future.
Watch this space as we'll keep you updated on our progress.


Thanks from the Network committee for your continued support.