WMRAF Communications strategy

Why

The purpose of WMRAF communication tools is to provide the resource for members to help realise the WMRAF Vision and Purpose.

Our vision is for

Thriving and sustainable rural communities that contribute fully to the prosperity and well-being of the region

Our purpose:-

The West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum speaks up for rural people and places. Our purpose is to do all we can to ensure that the needs and aspirations of West Midland’s rural communities are taken into account in local and national decision-making.

We do this by:

1.     Acting as a sounding board for rural practitioners and delivery agencies;

-         Providing current evidence for Ministerial meetings

-         Beinga sounding board for West Midlands Agencies and Government.  Our current key Stakeholders are – National Government, CRC, National Agencies; local: AWM, GOs, Joint Strategy and Investment Board and West Midlands Leaders Board

2.     Reflecting the needs and aspirations of rural people;

-         Having a common understanding of rural needs across the region

-         Understanding where data lies and using it effectively to influence

-         Being a conduit for 2-way communication

-         Members bringing their community’s issues to the forum and gathering local views, and taking outcomes back

-         Presenting these views at national and sub-national levels, though with the primary effort directed towards the ‘West Midlands’.

3.     Providing direction, leadership and co-ordination in respect of the rural West Midlands agenda;

-         Understanding the bigger picture and providing sub-national context

-         Identifying the West Midland’s priorities and work with partners to develop solutions

-         Understanding how the West Midlands operates at sub-national and local level

-         Providing opportunities for networking and sharing good practice

4.     Providing the challenge and expertise to ensure effective “Rural proofing”

-         Using evidence gathered about needs and aspirations of rural people to ensure that they are reflected in the development and implementation of strategies, policy and programmes

-         Using the expertise of Forum members and others to provide challenge and assistance to decision makers

All written communications will be drafted using plain English and avoiding unexplained acronyms.  This strategy should be reviewed six monthly

How

To see how different communication can be used click here

To see more information on the different communication channels available please click here