5.4.4 Reviewing Communications and Engagement

The importance of communications and engagement between the senior institutional management has been identified in all aspects of ICT strategy development and implementation.

Although these have been highlighted within each ‘enabler’ the impact of communications justifies its special consideration and development.

The self-assessment seeks to identify how extensively an institution is developing its communications and engagement techniques with reference to strategic ICT.

The key indicators of this include:

1. The buy-in and communications of the Senior Management Team (SMT):
1. to promote the value of ICT and ICT governance
2. to communicate effectively on ICT matters with institutional senior management
2. The actions of existing and appropriately informed committees across the institution to add ICT awareness and create a positive influence for institutional collaboration
3. A Chief Information Officer (CIO), or equivalent  senior ICT professional undertaking this role:
1. to enhance SMT communications involving ICT so that information is more easy understood and expressed in terms of business requirements and services
2. to be an advocate of ICT and governance
3. to take responsibility for compliance checking and to work with management who don’t comply to try to get their buy-in, commitment and compliance
4. ICT strategy and governance information is visible and clearly available to appropriate senior management
1. a portal or some repository for ICT governance information provides easy access and assists in visibility
5. Communications between ICT Services and ICT service users are clear and professional
1. all management understand their responsibilities and accountability for ICT

More information is available within the knowledge base with particular reference to Section 2.7 Communications & Engagement and Section 2.6 ICT Governance.