INTRODUCTION

Whether it is collaboration between colleagues, partnerships with external providers, or conversations with citizens and service users, communication is the bedrock of an efficient and effective organisation. This is especially true within the UK public sector, where public services are expected to keep pace with the expectations of end users.

Take the Government Communication Service (GCS), for instance, which previously identified communication as one of the four core levers for effecting change. In its 2022-2025 strategy*, GCS recognised the challenge of harnessing innovation and technology for the public good and highlighted the need for a skills and capability ‘revolution’ – with specific focus on data, insights and digital communications. In many ways, GCS’s efforts to redefine traditional approaches to communication mirror those of the public sector as a whole. Caught between the burden of legacy technology and the desire to deliver efficient public services and support collaboration, the question becomes: what does the future of public sector communications look like?To find out, Surveys in Public Sector has partnered with TalkTalk Business for a comprehensive study exploring the challenges and opportunities of modern communications. How are organisations currently engaging with citizens and external stakeholders, for example? What steps are being taken to future-proof communications, and is the public sector aware of and prepared for the National Copper Switch Off?In answering these questions, our aim is to establish the direction of travel for public sector communications, and the barriers – both technical and talent-related – preventing organisations from taking their communication strategies to the next level. Only by understanding the answers to these questions will the public sector be able to ensure communications are efficient, effective and fit for the future.Head to ‘Key Findings’ on the next page, to see all of the research and views of Public Sector IT leaders.*The Government Communication Service Strategy 2022-2025