Improving our communications to members

 

Improved digital search capability for Members Online, regular quarterly editions of Brigade magazine and exploring new options for localised communications are some of the actions CFA is taking following feedback from members in the 2023 Communications Survey.

 

We received responses from 878 members, with some key results remaining consistent with past surveys. Satisfaction with the quality and number of communications remains high, with Members Online and Brigade magazine continuing to be the leading platforms for accessing information.

Members expressed concern with the search functionality on Members Online, along with lack of information about CFA training.

The CFA Executive approved 10 recommendations following a detailed analysis of the survey results. These include measures to improve search functionality, regular Brigade magazine editions, enewsletter strategies, strengthening governance about CFA content availability and raising awareness about the capability for members to promote their activities and achievements through Member News.

We are currently carrying out a program of work to improve search functionality and curate content on Members Online to maximise the likelihood that users receive the information they’re looking for first time.

CFA has many thousands of pages of content across Members Online and the website which require owners to be identified and content to be reviewed and updated. A training program has been established to support page owners to easily make updates to keep content up-to-date and relevant.

There will also be forums and engagement sessions for CFA members to provide feedback and raise awareness of issues they come across, and a search help page and contact point for members who want assistance.

Our popular Brigade magazine will return to four issues a year, with distribution aligning with the release of the Chief Officer’s Quarterly Operational Update. The magazine will include exclusive feature stories that highlight CFA’s people and programs.

CFA’s Communications and Stakeholder Relations team will also offer templates to regions and districts to help them produce consistency in enewsletter communications and information, while also making them easier to produce.

Inclusion of a Members Only news area was one of the key additions of CFA’s upgraded content management system. There is a button on the front page of Members Online where any member can upload a story, video or images from their brigade or department. The Communications & Stakeholder Relations Member Engagement team is also available to review and edit content, as well as identify other avenues to promote your activity.

Internally, Member News is also a place to publish organisational updates, with links to relevant further information or forms, ensuring this content will be found in search requests from users (something that cannot be achieved through email).

Finally, we want to thank everyone who participated in the 2023 Communications Survey. If you have any questions or further feedback contact internalcomms@cfa.vic.gov.au

 

Submitted by	News and Media