WIREDGOV

The Government Communication Service (GCS) yesterday published a series of new digital courses on social media and digital skills (GCS members only), aimed at government communicators.

Building on the launch of the new GCS Curriculum, the on-demand training ensures communication practitioners continue developing the latest skills and techniques.

Social media provides an important avenue for government organisations to engage directly with the public, providing access to information, communication changes in policy and celebrating national occasions.

Peter Heneghan, Deputy Director of Digital at the Cabinet Office, yesterday commented:

“As our audiences on digital platforms continue to grow, it becomes increasingly important that we all, as government communicators, prioritise the latest knowledge and trends.

“In the age of mis and dis-information, security is increasingly important, which is why this latest addition to the GCS Curriculum includes a renewed focus on best practice when it comes to managing social media responsibly and securely.”

There are over 25 million followers across all government social media channels, and in 2020 the Number 10 and Cabinet Office digital teams alone produced content that had over 3 billion social media impressions.

Digital capability

A central GCS Digital team sets the benchmark for government digital communications activity. Operating across the Cabinet Office and No.10, the team provides cutting-edge digital communication services for central government and Downing Street, as well as enhancing GCS digital capability throughout the profession.

GCS works closely with the Government Digital Service (GDS), which leads the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) function, to ensure government communication operations and practice is fully aligned with the wider digital transformation of government services and infrastructure.

Digital skills series (GCS members only)