Samiah Anderson

Public affairs types - I've a question. If you were wanting to establish what the baseline level of awareness of your charity/issue in this new parliament was, so you could measure the impact of different campaigns & engagement activities over time - - what questions would you ask? - what channel/s would you use? - how often would you review? - what would you do with the information? I've some ideas about how I intend to go about these, but thought asking around was a good idea - to sharpen my own approach, and to share out loud some of what lots of us in the field are wrestling with while the rest of the world has just realised there's been a change of government! Our questions are in ideation at the moment, but cover:- - do they know who we are, and what do they know about us - what their interest in ending poverty is, and how connected are they with the necessary resources to do so (local churches & charities addressing the issue on the ground, lived experience perspectives) - to what extent they think addressing poverty should be a priority for the Government Channel - the major polling firms run MP panels which while pricey can be effective (especially if you're super smart in your question writing). Would you use other channels, though? Writing directly to offices so you have real data and not a sample? Having established question sets for each parliamentary engagement whether in westminster or in constituency, via public affairs team or other departments? Planning to review annually as a minumum and after any major campaign activity (perhaps on a restricted question set) - would you go more often? Information - primarily to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, coordination of various teams and departments' own contribution to CAP's policy & advocacy work. Not really planning to try and generate any PR type headlines - but is that aiming too low? Looking forward to reading your thoughts!

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If you work in communication and are seeking to harness new tech or need a practical guide to its ethical implications, then we have just published three new Government Communication Service guides: 1. Our innovation strategy: setting out how to encourage, identify, test and scale new techniques across government comms. https://lnkd.in/eRu6ZXC4 2. Our framework for ethical innovation: setting guidelines for how to test new technology or use data while maintaining the highest ethical standards. https://lnkd.in/esKHrn6r 3. Our generative AI policy: setting out principles for how government comms should use new AI tools. https://lnkd.in/eXnKrwVD These were made available for GCS members in May but the timing of the election means that we are publishing them for the first time now. https://lnkd.in/e2p-B6Wq #innovation #communications

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Scottish Government Short-Term Let Licensing Implementation Update Report:   The Scottish Government have published their STL Licensing Implementation Update Report. It can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/e3pDdDk7 The Scottish Government stated that its purpose was to: - report on initial short-term let licence application levels across Scotland; consider current operational processes; and - identify operational improvements, where appropriate, and update previously published impact assessments with actual data in place of estimated information, where available. In terms of actions arising from the report, the Scottish Government intend to: - Instruct VisitScotland to take forward an Expert Group to suggest changes to licensing and planning guidance. The aim will be to publish revised guidance in Spring 2025; - Possibly undertake further public consultation next year; and - Continue to monitor STL licensing in a proportionate manner by: (a) continuing to collect and consider insights from a range of data sources; (b) periodically reviewing their own short-term lets licensing data collection; (c) continuing stakeholder engagement; and (d) providing an update on the implementation of short-term let licensing in 2025. Overall, the Scottish Government believes it is “too early” to assess the impact of the licensing scheme “given the short period of time [it] has been in place.” The report also shows that they still do not have reliable and robust figures for the number of short-term lets in Scotland and there are a number of questionable statements made. To take one example: “Data obtained from planning authorities does not indicate that planning is hindering determination of licence applications.” The ASSC takes issue with many aspects of this report and will continue to engage with the Scottish Government on this and other issues to ensure a sustainable future for our industry. Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers, commented: “This implementation update report is complacent and does not accord with the lived experience of many small business owners whose livelihoods are at risk due to the government’s regulations, particularly with the interaction between planning and the licensing scheme. Positive and meaningful dialogue is always welcome but yet more talking and tinkering around the edges won’t save businesses at threat of closure. For that we require concrete action to address the outstanding challenges that industry have identified and to take forward the fair, balanced and legally sound solutions which will make the regulations work for all. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road while jobs in Scotland’s vital tourism industry are at stake.” PASC UK The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) Scottish Agritourism Scottish Land & Estates Marc Crothall MBE Carl Thomson Ben Edgar-Spier Charlie Reith Fiona MacConnacher

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Really helpful practical tips on how to do co-design in the public sector by Leon Cruickshank. You can now re-watch his talk at the #PublicPolicyDesign events library here.... https://lnkd.in/eQ9Qmf7T

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🚀 NEW RESEARCH: Digital Specialists - Framework Spending Review 2023–24 Our latest report offers a comprehensive analysis of UK public sector digital specialist framework spending for the year ended 31 March 2024. Key highlights: - 11% year-on-year increase in spend across DOS, DO6, and DSP frameworks, reaching £1.4bn - Central Government dominates with 79% of total spend - Top 3 spenders: Home Office, HMRC, and Department for Education, each exceeding £100m - Only one supplier surpassed £100m in framework income - Top 20 suppliers saw 18% income growth, capturing nearly two-thirds of total spend Discover the trends shaping public sector digital specialist procurement and the suppliers leading the market. Available now for TechMarketView PublicSectorViews subscribers. Not a subscriber? Email [email protected] to access this crucial market intelligence. #PublicSectorTech #DigitalSpecialists #MarketAnalysis #UKGovTech

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It will be interesting to note the changes in tone and substantive content from the data protection and digital information bill. I suspect it will be more conciliatory in tone. Especially given the imminent review of the current adequacy decision. There were a couple of helpful additions in the old bill; not least changes to soft opt-in rules for charity marketing.

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💡 Why is the policy and public affairs market set for major turnover in the next six months? And why are so many directors considering a change of role? Find out more in our latest blog 👇 https://lnkd.in/e7DpFZnA #PolicyAndPublicAffairs #EmploymentReport #UKPolitics

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A clear example of the impact that devolution is having already. We'll see more and more of this as consultations and legislation progress. In turn, we'll see councillors and officers increasingly focussed on what their future is (or isn't) within these new structures. It's all exciting change for a shamless local gov nerd, but we all need to be live to the short term pain and ambiguity within that change.

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Our latest whiplash reforms update is here… https://lnkd.in/eBPgK57x See what the new data is telling us and key issues the new Labour government has to solve. #RMP #DedicationInAction #RiskManagement #PublicSector #WhiplashReforms

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I am sharing a message from Neil Ryan, Senior Policy Officer at the ICO (Information Commission's Office) about their Innovation Services: The benefits from the ICO’s Innovation Services include the following:   Free advice and bespoke support to innovators at the pre-market stage; and,  Help to embed data protection by design into new products and services to mitigate data protection risks and ensure compliance. ICO Innovation Services | ICO Innovation Advice supports pre-launch innovators from research phase to ready for launch with fast, frank feedback in 15 working days. You can find examples of previously asked questions here: Previously asked questions | ICO Innovation Hub supports pre-launch innovators from concept to final modifications with ongoing support and detailed feedback for the duration of a tech sprint or challenge. This is usually for up to 6 months. Regulatory Sandbox supports pre-launch innovators from research phase to ready for launch with ongoing support and detailed feedback for up to 12 months.. Our key areas of focus for the Regulatory Sandbox can be found here: Our current areas of focus for the Regulatory Sandbox | ICO

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a nice summary of the emerging public service future ...

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Why is rigourous evaluation crucial for government value-for-money (VFM)? With the continuing focus on VFM, and the HM Treasury’s Office for VFM now up and running, I thought I’d reshare this Verian Group blog published a few months back. (NB the blog was pre the Autumn spending review, but all references to the SR are equally relevant to the next stage of the SR.) Do you agree with us that evaluation is crucial to ensuring VFM in government spending? And if not, why not? We’re keen to discuss and refine our thinking… #impact #evaluation #poweringdecisions #publicpolicy #vfm #futurepublicvalue Andi Fugard Rowan Foster Adam Knight-Markiegi Craig Watkins Michelle Harrison David Miliband Vidhya Alakeson OBE Spencer Thompson James Collis Lucie Moore Fay Sadro Emily Power Andrew Wood (he/him) Johanna Harston Samuel Franzen Kirstine Szifris Julian King

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Something I've always banged the drum about - services don't operate in a vacuum, they are constrained by the policy that sits around them, hence the need for more participatory approaches to policy making. However, to take the analysis one step further, all policy making is constrained by the budget that is available. If there is a supposedly 'limited' budget then cuts will have to be made. Ones that cause so much harm to many many people. We couldn't make those decisions without the strong stigmatising narrative we have about the people those poor budget decisions will affect. And the good people within the services that have to implement them (who clearly want to do the best job they can given their constraints) could not do this without a narrative that blames and sets apart and 'others' the people who are harmed by it. Stigma, enables these decisions to be made and the system to continue as it is. It dehumanises everyone who has to operate within it, the people affected, frontline workers, policy makers, treasury decision makers. Much like war...we even use the same language 'frontline services'. More in this blog - https://lnkd.in/giM35ydK

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Attending a bespoke training course on strategic public affairs in preparation for a new government under Starmer is an ideal choice for trade associations, charities, and corporate businesses with real policy concerns about the future for several compelling reasons: 1. Understanding Policy Shifts: With a new government, policy priorities are likely to shift. Understanding these shifts is crucial for organisations to align their strategies and advocate effectively for their interests. 2. Building Relationships: Public affairs training provides insights into building and nurturing relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. This is invaluable for influencing decision-making processes and shaping policies in alignment with organisation's specific goals. 3. Effective Advocacy: Knowing how to navigate the political landscape and communicate effectively with policymakers enhances an organization's ability to advocate for its policy concerns. This can lead to favorable outcomes and greater influence in policy formulation. 4. Risk Mitigation: Anticipating potential policy changes and understanding their implications enables organizations to proactively mitigate risks and seize opportunities that arise from new government initiatives. 5. Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to understanding and engaging with public affairs demonstrates credibility and enhances an organization's reputation as a responsible and proactive stakeholder in the policy-making process. 6. Strategic Planning: Training equips organisations with the tools and knowledge needed to develop strategic public affairs plans tailored to the specific context of the new government, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maximising impact. 7. Networking Opportunities: Bespoke training courses often provide networking opportunities with industry peers, experts, and policymakers. These connections can be invaluable for sharing insights, best practices, and collaborative advocacy efforts. 8. Adaptability and Resilience: In a dynamic political environment, organisations that invest in public affairs training demonstrate adaptability and resilience. They are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and respond effectively to evolving policy challenges. In summary, attending a bespoke training course on public affairs in anticipation of a new government under Starmer offers trade associations, charities, and corporate businesses a strategic advantage in addressing real policy concerns about the future. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to navigate the complexities of the political landscape and advocate successfully for their interests.

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Required reading for UK government communicators from the Government Communication Service: the new Innovating with Impact Strategy, Ethical Framework for Innovation, and Generative AI policy. Key takeaways for me: 💻 a commitment that the central GCS team at Cabinet Office will provide training for all government comms professionals on responsible use of generative AI 📃 a list of relevant UK legal frameworks to consider when planning your innovation project ✋ the latest guidance from Information Commissioner's Office on automated decision-making and profiling - and a commitment to the principle of transparency https://lnkd.in/eAeYbbUn

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Last week, Verian Group launched our new Guide to Evaluation of Value for Money in UK Public Services. In this follow-up I share and expand on a few excerpts from the guide. Although written from a UK perspective, the general principles about integrating insights from economic analysis with wider #evaluation criteria and evidence apply anywhere (👋 Hi NZ & AU!)👇 https://lnkd.in/gri_E9CD #Impact #CBA #VfM #ValueForInvestment #EvidenceBasedPolicy #FuturePublicValue #Socialinvestment Alex Hurrell

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With cabinet taking charge, this week's policy pronouncements/ actions which caught my attention were based on theme of stricter reporting, compliance and promoting innovation. Some recent trends included: 1.       Re-look at the SBO reporting framework - ROC has recently issued notices in last couple of weeks applying subjective analysis for SBO disclosures by applying tests like holding subsidiary test (how disclosed in the financials), reporting channel test (Bye-laws and SEC filings showcasing leadership) and financial control test (Board resolutions providing any superseding powers). While the legality of arguments is still debated among industry and professional community, one clear message is to streamline reporting both at India and global level as well as with any other authorities.   2.      Telecom and Broadcasting sector a.      Sections of Telecom Act notified effective 26 June, 2024 empowering Government to suspend telecom services and intercept communications in the interest of national security, users obligated for right disclosures to put check on dummy accounts. Some clarity on end-to-end encryption would be good to have in Rules. EODB initiatives on right of way for network, online dispute resolution, promoting sandboxes through widening role of USOF should help in bringing innovation and strengthen practices in telecom sector; b.      TRAI has come up with recommendation on Broadcasting Policy post industry consultation and reiterates suggestive actions on positioning India as an ‘Uplinking Hub’ and ‘Global Content Hub’. The recommendations suggest promotion of AVGC sector, grant of ‘Infrastructure Status’ , transparent and credible audience measurement and rating system, strengthen copyrights. 3.      Financial services Sector – RBI actions a.      Application open for registering SRO for NBFCs - To ensure inclusivity, a min 10% membership from base-line NBFCs and a cap of 2 SROs is provided. b.      Trusted social credit insight - The 4th Cohort of RBI sandbox on ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Financial Frauds’ announced the product ‘Trusting Social Credit Insight (CI)’ viable. It uses mobile subscriber data to risk-rank the active subscribers base and assesses the risk of default of a loan applicant. Should strengthen alternative credit assessment mechanism. 4.      Consumer Protection a.      BIS standards - 2 new standards for E-rickshaws and E-Karts cumulating a total of 30 IS for EVs, accessories, charging systems. b.      Warranty period for electronic products - Consumer Protection Authority undertook consultation on the issue of commencement of warranty period from date of installation instead of date of purchase. Manufacturers to revert in 15 days on their suggestions. #India #publicpolicy #RBI #telecom #financial services #retail #regulatory #consumer

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