Salon: Social Media as a Channel for Public Sector Communication

26 January @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Belfast

Social Media Cover Photo

The pace and scale of technological change is undeniable, indeed overwhelming, but there are common areas where we can intersect strategically; the internet, social and mobile.

Social media is used in both the public and private sector as a means of communicating with employees, the public and other stakeholders. It is a powerful and informative tool that gives people an instant means of obtaining and sharing information.

From less than 5 million in 2009/ 2010 to 50 million in 2014/ 2015 Ofcom has found that in the UK, finding out about public services online rose from 49% in 2005 to 78% in 2014 and Seven in ten (69%) internet users now say that they complete government services online.

The principal digital platform for NI Government, information and services is nidirect. How can we complement this and engage better with the public? Well, The Northern Ireland Government is developing a ‘social web’, “MyNI” which uses social media channels to ‘amplify’ the government’s message.

Join us with lead discussants including Tim McKane, Managing Director at Navatalk and Emma Penney, Digital Transformation Consultant at the Digital Transformation Service, to find out more about this new platform and to discuss examples of best practice from other sectors and to consider how to best use social media and information platforms.

Places are limited and the salon will be followed by a light lunch.