Communication plan
Q: Are projects required to submit a communication plan?
A: Projects are not required to submit a communication plan to the Joint Secretariat for approval. We do however highly recommend you draft a communication plan for your own project management and are happy to provide you with feedback upon request.
Q: Is there a template available for communication plans?
A: There is no "one size fits all" communication plan template available, but we do recommend you include the following sections in your communication plan:
- Aims and objectives
- Target groups
- Activities
- Timeline
- Responsibilities among the partnership
- Budget
- Monitoring and evaluation
Q: What should projects keep in mind when drafting their communication plans?
A: We have collected a few tips for communication plans based on what we have seen so far:
- Make sure there is a clear link from project objectives to communication objectives, and from communication objectives to concrete activities. Ask yourself: Do the activities you list directly support communication and project objectives?
- Define your target groups very clearly - it will pay off in the end. Consider which target groups are the most interested in your work and which have the highest influence within your field, and prioritise your work accordingly.
- Consider for each target group whether you wish to create awareness, increase knowledge, generate a positive attitude toward your project or change behaviour. Then choose the most efficient way to do so.
- Include thoughts on how you plan to transfer your results and output to additional North Sea Region target groups not directly involved in your project.