Brian has begun work recently as a team leader in a community outreach service. The service provides case management, counselling and practical support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Many of the people receiving services have mental illness or have issues with drugs or alcohol. Staff members work across multiple sites and typically spend some time in the office and some time out working directly with the people they provide services to. Staff come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The stated vision of the organisation is 'Quality support by people who care'.

A recent communications survey in the workplace found that there is poor recording of client's confidential details, a lack of understanding of legislation about communications records and frequent cases of staff complaining they had not been told about changes in the workplace that affected them. In one significant case, a staff member learnt that the organisation was moving offices by reading the local newspaper rather than hearing about the change at work.

Brian has been asked by senior management to develop a communications plan for his organisation.

Draft a communications plan for Brian, and then answer the following questions.

List the internal and external stakeholders relevant to the plan.

Identify the internal information needs.

Explain how you could include the organisation's business and strategic plans.

Explain how you might use a SWOT plan to develop this communication plan.

Identify any special communication needs of staff.

Identify one of each of the following types of factors that may impact this plan:

• Political
• Economic
• Social
• Technological

Name the two communication strategies that will be included in the plan and how one of the strategies will be presented to staff.

Explain one way digital media will be used to promote the organisation to potential clients and associated etiquette for that type of digital media.

Identify one official communication channel to include in the plan. What organisation processes and hierarchy should be considered? Identify two possible communication barriers.

List two financial considerations for this communication plan that should be included in the budget.