7.1. Vision: how to

7.3. Vision: Information and... Vision: Information and Communication Technology

When formulating the vision and strategic goals and objectives for the functional area “Public Communication and Outreach” there are a number of principles that can be followed. Once again the extent to which these principles can be applied will always depend on the local context. Information that is being communicated throughout the parliament and beyond should ideally always adhere to principles of: openness, inclusiveness, relevance, clarity, simplicity and quality. Concerning the related processes, these should be well planned and executed in a timely manner. The tools for communicating should incorporate two-way, hierarchical and network communication and consider the special needs of certain audiences. Appendix PC&O 2.1 provides a more detailed overview of these principles.

Vision

Below an example vision statement is given for this functional area. Please note the brief and concise style:

Vision for Public Communication and Outreach : To contribute to (1) better decision making within the parliament, both on the legislative-making and political level, as well as on the administrative level, through the creation of an open and transparent environment in which there is a optimal flow and exchange of relevant information among stakeholders, and (2) to engage more with citizens through providing more complete access to parliamentary information and documentation, and channels for increased interaction.

Goals and Objectives

An example of a goal description within the Public Communication and Outreach area may be:

To provide all MP's and their staff legislation information services through multiple channels and formats in order for them to carry out their responsibilities more efficiently and effectively.

Another example of a goal description may be:

To provide all levels of administration within the parliament with complete, up to date and accurate information about all planned, upcoming and ongoing activities

Examples of objective descriptions related to the first goal are:

“services: to provide legislative information services as well as on-demand parliamentary research and policy analysis to MP's and Committees through different channels, including electronic ones”

“process: the legislative documentation and parliamentary research section should (1) be able to create and manage all current and historic legislative information and documentation, and (2) be able to produce and disseminate information and research products to relevant clients (MPs / Committees etc)”

“systems: to support the dissemination of legislation information and research products through an Intranet with access to online document repositories, databases, as well as through on-demand research products in electronic and paper formats”

Such is the level of detail for the description of goals and objectives that is required. Note that the hierarchy is evident from areas to services to processes to systems.

7.1. Vision: how to

7.3. Vision: Information and... Vision: Information and Communication Technology