PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

 

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY/ACTIVITY PLAN

 

 

  1.            Purpose

 

This paper outlines the Public Service Commission’s commitment to establishing and maintaining an open and transparent communications approach.

 

  1.           Introduction and Background

 

The Secretary of State announced the formation of the Public Service Commission on 22 November 2005. The Commission was established on 8th March 2006 with the following remit;

 

“To make recommendations to government on the guiding principles and steps necessary to safeguard the interests of staff and to ensure their smooth transfer to new organisations established as a consequence of the government decisions on the Review of Public Administration, taking into account statutory obligation, including those arising from section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998”.   

 

 

  1.        Reporting Hierarchy

 

The Commission will make recommendations to Government and will report to and direct correspondence via an established gateway, which will be OFMDFM. The Chairman, forming part of the RPA Steering Group, will report into that group on a monthly basis. It is unlikely that the Commission will deliver any press releases.

 

 

  1.       Website

 

The Commission has a website, which will be updated regularly. Information, including the minutes of proceedings will be published on the website. The website will develop as a case history of the Commission as it evolves and will contain details of the Commission’s interaction with other agencies, departments and bodies. The Commission’s website will contain links to other

relevant websites.  

 

 

  1.   Conferences and Seminars

 

The Chairman, Commissioners, Chief Executive and Secretariat staff will attend, when possible, all conferences and seminars associated with the Review of Public Administration. 

 

  1. Meetings

 

The Chairman, Commissioners, Chief Executive and Secretariat staff will engage in regular meetings and interactions with sectoral Commissions and other key bodies, particularly those associated with the Review of Public Administration.