U.K. Government Taking Serious Look at Social Media
The U.K. Government has commissioned a report on how social media and collaborative tools can be used to build stronger relationships and share information with community groups and civil society in general. The Power of Information Review is expected later this summer.
This work comes fresh on the heels of continuing policy work with government and NGO representatives on the implications of social media for community and stakeholder relations.
An online conversation about the review has already begun to develop, and one comment in particular hits directly to the heart of the problem in most government organizations:
“… Sophia - who is Producer at I’m a councillor, adds:
“I get the impression posting on forums is regarded with deep suspicion by older/more senior civil servants and the younger ones who get it aren’t in a position to challenge that idea.
This creates a very artificial barrier between citizens and government. It must also create a strange disjunct for the staff concerned - who would use sites in a personal capacity, but have to pretend they can’t see them at work.“
That quote comes from David Wilcox’ Designing for Civil Society, who links to more conversation about the project.
Some bumpf from the news release:
“Minister for the Cabinet Office Hilary Armstrong wants Government to harness the phenomenon of internet advice sharing sites and empower people with information that could help improve their lives.
… Websites like Rightsnet and NetMums are examples of how people are using the internet to share information, advice and help. Now, a review will look at the benefits such online communities are creating for their members, how they relate to major areas of government policy or focus, and whether there is a case for involvement at any level by Government.
…It will look at how non–personal public sector information can be re–used and reinvigorated outside of government to generate public and economic value.
The Review will explore new developments in the use and communication of citizen and state–generated public information in the UK. It will present an analysis and recommendations to Cabinet Office Ministers before summer.” (Cabinet Office news release)
via lgnewmedia and David Wilcox (who has links to more conversation on the report)
Technorati Tags: Power of Information Review, government communications, public information
