Consultation on the establishment of a Public Water Utility

Transcription

1 Consultation on the establishment of a Public Water Utility Reform of the water sector in Ireland Position Paper Observations & Comments made by Gerardine Lally Lally & Associates Context Ireland is currently the only country in the OECD that does not pay for its water services Irish Water will be established as a state company to take over water investment and maintenance of 34 county and city councils The next phase is to develop a detailed implementation plan for the transition of water services functions from the city and county councils to Irish Water. The focus of my observations is on the Communications requirements and opportunities. My experience has demonstrated that proper communications management between project team and impacted stakeholders can lead to successful outcome in projects. We recently carried out a piece of research with some new Clients who had previous experience of public consultation on projects. We highlighted four key areas of concern : Consultation is generally carried out too late to influence the decision. The same stakeholder audiences are repeatedly consulted. 1

2 The same methods are used each time, without regard to either the nature of the consultation or the audience. The consultation process ends when a decision is taken and no feedback is given to consultees. Consultation needs to be planned as an integral part of overall project plans, not just an afterthought once proposals/policies have been developed. As large scale consultations will take more than six months to carry out, it is crucial to plan consultation as early as possible. Organising pre-consultation with key stakeholders is invaluable and often helps to quickly identify the essential elements of a public engagement plan. Importance Given the significance and complexities of the establishment of Irish Water, it is essential that appropriate and careful communications is in place to create this new service. I believe that ambition of Irish Water is to become a sustainable legacy for the nation that all stakeholders will be proud of and that will form the focal point for advancements in the provision of water and also serve as a testament to the strong economic resource that is so readily available in Ireland. Strong communications and facilitation skills are essential. This project requires finding a balanced path to success between the functional, social, political, financial, commercial, technical, regulatory and economic drivers. As with all projects of this nature the initial phase is key: the quality of the thought and preparation at the start will have significant influence on the eventual success. The entire project development, management and delivery must be developed in parallel to ongoing communications review and alignment. 2

3 Approach Aim : Through effective and relevant communications approach turn the conversation on Water Reform & Charge around into a positive for all Ireland and its people There are two distinct aspects to the communications service (A) The project communications (B) The transitions phase between Councils and Irish Water Company The approach should incorporate traditional and non traditional communications / consultation services Effective Communications must be at the core of all projects from the start. This takes huge effort, lots of innovation and effective confident communicators The approach to communications services should deliver benefits in terms of value for money, efficiency and effectiveness. The strategy to secure a reliable supply of drinking water to protect public health and promote economic growth while using water in a sustainable way must be communicated effectively and using the most relevant and varied mediums. This should include the following: Information and Communications Technology Social Media including face book, twitter. Telephone answering service for use during working hours and also a weekend answering service Project website for the Public this should be in place immediately 3

4 Stakeholder Management Plan Customer / Community Newsletter (Customer Definition: household, non- household and business) Customer / Community stakeholder Management Plan Branded marketing material develop standard template material for Quarterly Bulletins Public Consultation Workshops in order to determine: Definition of Irelands long term water resources Provide a long term assessment of the supply demand balance Justify the cause, effect and investment Community Panels Advocate Groups Stakeholder Forums The key parts of the Communications could include: A Shared Vision Communications of the strategic intent Irish Water for Everyone The Motivation to Succeed The Experience to Deliver Incentives, Innovation and Involvement The overall style and focus should be: Co-ordination Consistency Communications Ensuring Community & Customers come first 4

5 Gerardine Lally Lally & Associates - General Statement of Capability Think like a wise man, but communicate in the language of the people WB Yeats Acknowledged expertise in Communications Since 1990, Gerardine Lally - Lally & Associates has provided Training, Consultancy and Development in Communications to companies, multinationals, executives, organisations, consortia, senior strategists, and projects. Gerardine is also responsible for providing communications consultation services to large infrastructure projects in Ireland and overseas. She has an exemplary track record in developing and implementing communications strategies, coaching and training for many large scale ( and occasionally contentious ) projects. Gerardine has developed unique skills and techniques in effective communications and coaching. She has worked with senior teams in Ireland and overseas to enable them to communicate more effectively, achieve goals and win business 20 years of success is a function of how well Gerardine perform s for Clients and Projects. Results and impact are vital for repeat business. Multi sector hands on knowledge Gerardine has provided communications consultancy for the last number of years on an ongoing basis to clients who include professional services, technology, software, pharmaceuticals, financial services, engineering & planning, alternative energy projects and medical device companies. What s on offer? Consulting & Training Executive Advice & Coaching Bid / Tender Management 5

6 Delivering exceptional service and quality and providing an added value to business Key Skills and Activities We offer a wide variety of coaching and training services focused on making you and your team the best you can be! We focus on results. We want to work with individuals and teams who want to progress, develop or win! We customize to work with your culture and your goals Services include: Coaching & Training Presentation Skills Media Training Conflict Resolution Negotiations Skills Expert Witness Training Internal Communications Customer Support Training Executive Coaching All training can be supported with e-learning modules which I have developed for uploading on internal company systems. Training Approach is always workshop style hands on, interactive and focused on also building confidence. Internal Communications Projects Team/ Senior Management Facilitation. Stakeholder Management Community Advocacy 6

7 Design of communications plans for internal message execution. Crafting key company and project messages. Stakeholder consultation. Global product presentations Expert Witness Training for Planning Hearings Project Management of Public Consultations Provide all necessary material in collaboration with design team Tender Preparation & Bid Specialist Knowledge & Understanding of how to prepare Tender / Bid Documents in terms of : Quality, Relevance, Professionalism, Competitiveness, Team Communication, Relationships, Expertise, Relevance Executive Coaching This is specifically designed to deliver exceptional training for Managers that will equip them to: Engage in effective ongoing performance management with individuals and teams Identify communications training interventions and needs for teams and individuals Maximise the contribution of teams and employees Develop greater personal and organisational leadership The coaching provides a rich source of varied learning experiences and helps the participant to grow and reach their true potential The experience gained from working on such major projects with large teams of national and international experts and coaching senior executives places Gerardine in a unique and unrivalled position to the advantage of the next large project. 7

8 Recent Major Projects Most notable projects include Aviva Stadium, IKEA, Dublin Airport Terminal, Shell Corrib Pipeline, Various Local Radio Licenses, DDT Multiplex license, Carlton Group O Connell Street. I also provide continuous training and coaching interventions to: Medtronic Oracle Coca Cola IBI Corporate Finance Nightline PM Group The Ogilvy Group Beauchamp s Solicitors Fujitsu Care-Fusion Valeo Sir Robert McAlpine ( Scotland ) And many more strictly confidential projects, companies and people. Our Promise Committed to providing best practice consultation and communications services Committed to delivering a comprehensive and intelligent service based on 20 years experience and track record Your teams will gain knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques that will improve their ability to communicate at all public consultation and forums. You will get a visible result We have identified a strong and experienced team with a track record of not only working and advising on major infrastructure projects but have a creative and innovative approach that is not just different but is really important for this project The Right Attitude, Careful Planning, Intelligent Approach together with Effective Communications will make all the difference 8

9 Please check out our website and contact us for a free consultation to see if we can help Contact Details W : Providing training and consultation for over twenty years Lally & Associates Communications Experts Contact : 22 Brighton Square Rathgar Dublin 6 Ireland T : ( 24 /7) E : ger@lallyandassociates.ie W : T :