NIJAC Strategies - Communications Strategy

Aim
The Communications Strategy (“the Strategy”) will be an integral part of the Commission’s day to day work over the next 12 months whereupon it will be reviewed.

It will directly contribute to fulfilling its statutory responsibilities under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 ensuring that Appointments and Outreach Schemes use effective communication resources to reach the widest possible pool of potential applicants for judicial office.

The Strategy will be used to increase general awareness of the work of the Commission, its statutory remit and to develop appropriate means of communication both internally and externally.

The Strategy will be an evolving document, amended periodically to reflect developments in the approach to communications, scheme feedback, evaluation, research findings and the Commission’s Business Planning process.

Objectives
The Strategy has five key objectives.

Each one is supported by a dedicated Implementation Plan (attached as Annex A) which illustrates specific actions and responsibilities for members of staff at the Commission.

• To deliver a Communications Strategy with clear responsibilities, effective use of resources and measured performance management.
• To raise awareness about judicial posts, the Commission, its statutory remit, staff and core business.
• To raise awareness about the Appointments process for judicial posts.
• To promote our commitment to merit and diversity by encouraging applications for judicial posts from the widest possible pool.
• To develop the ways in which information is communicated and shared within and by the Commission.

The Strategy applies to all aspects of the Commission’s work in relation to Appointments and Outreach and as such, all Commission staff have a responsibility to work towards its effective implementation.

The Communications Steering Group and Policy Committee will be consulted on all relevant aspects of External Communications.