Information & Publicity Requirements

Lead Partner Seminar

14th November 2012City Hotel, Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland, UK

Rachel Burn

Overview

Project Role NPP expectations for project communication strategies

Internal communication External communication Target audiences Professional standard Benefits of a solid communication Strategy

Publicity Requirements European Commission NPP 2007-2013

Examples Next steps For more information

Project Role

NPP communication strategy: cooperative effort Projects form the link between the programme and citizens in the area The programme needs to demonstrate tangible outcomes for the future Programme communication resources limited

For this reason projects are expected to: Follow EU & NPP publicity requirements

Develop mandatory communication tools within first 6 months Budget for attending programme events

Promote products and services Feedback (expected) outcomes to the programme level: indicators, examples of

promotional materials, success stories, case study

NPP expectations for project communication strategies

Internal communication External communication Target audiences A professional standard Benefits of a solid communication strategy

Internal Communication

Consider the information flow within the partnership Develop a routine/model for keeping track of progress How do you involve associated partners/stakeholders What is the decision making structure

Especially important for Lead Partners: responsible for monitoring Information structure can be part of Partnership Agreement

For example, agreement on how to deal with conflicts, delays, etc. Detailed division of tasks and responsibilities.

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External Communication

We expect projects to have a communication strategy, which forms an integral part of the project implementation.

It is essential for the viability of project outcomes that projects can communicate their products and services to the relevant target audiences (end users/financiers). A “business” approach:

Products and services at the centre Attributes are clearly defined (marketing arguments) The operation/cooperation is of secondary importance

Project communication measures should demonstrate what is under development Project communication measures should demonstrate the business potential of

products/services and by that demonstrate their viability

A communication strategy should be in place from the start of the project to reach self sufficiency at the end of the project (exit strategy)

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Target Audiences

It is essential for the viability of project outcomes that projects can communicate their products and services to the relevant target audiences (end users/financiers).

Define your target audiences Be realistic Define their needs Adjust your communication to meet their expectations and your objectives

Brand, layout, language, information, etc.

Potential target audiences: End users Other stakeholders Policy makers General public Financiers Own organisation

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A Professional Standard

Your project communication measures should demonstrate your project’s right to exist Justify use of tax payers’ money Value for money and ROI: for general public but also for investors such as the

PMC Transparency and accountability

Your project communication measures speak for the programme and for the EU (and Non Member States)

Communication measures are expected to meet a professional standard Similar to other parts of project implementation Get experts where needed and budget for them

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Expected outcomes of a successful communication strategy: Raised awareness with the general public Better project implementation and therefore better achievement of project

objectives Better viability of the project outcomes Better internal communication between project partners and better management Attracting more match funding and outside investments from participating

organisations and other stakeholders More political support and support from citizens to ensure a longer lasting impact

of the project and more future support.

Communication is not just a burden or an expense: it adds value

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Benefits of a Solid Communication Strategy

Publicity Requirements – European Commission

European Information & publicity requirements for projects: Commission Regulation No 1828/2006, Articles 8 and 9 (and Annex 1)

Requirements: Lead Partners are responsible for informing the public and partnership about

assistance received from ERDF

All information and publicity measures must include: The European flag (emblem) and a reference to the European Union A reference to the fund: “European Regional Development Fund” Programme statement: “Innovatively investing in Europe’s Northern Periphery for a

sustainable and prosperous future”

Small promotional objects only need to have the EU flag and a reference to the European Union

Failure to comply can lead to grant cuts (2% flatrate)!

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Publicity Requirements – European Commission

European Flag Guidance in Annex 1 of Regulation 1828/2006 Official colours: Pantone Reflex Blue and Pantone

Yellow 2C Do not place it upside down! Reproduction:

Preferably in colour On a colour background: white rectangular

border White and blue: Reflex blue and stars in white Black and white: black stars on white

background

More information and downloads on: http://europa.eu/abc/symbols/emblem/index_en.htm

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Publicity Requirements – NPP 2007-2013

Programme logo (+ statement in line with commission regulation) To be included on all publications together with EU flag Visual Guidelines

Mandatory communication tools within first 6 months: Project website Project logo Promotional material for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc. Project presentation in PowerPoint format outlining the project’s objectives Completion of a brief project case study on the NPP website Submission of small collection of photos relevant to the project

Expected attendance at joint activities such as (should be budgeted for): Lead Partner and partner seminars One thematic seminar One additional training seminar

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Publicity Requirements – Graphical Elements

Example of correct use of the mandatory graphical elements:

Graphical elements available on the NPP website.

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Project Case Study

Part of mandatory measures

To be updated regularly (reporting periods)

Secretariat: Adding project to NPP website Facts & figures

Title and acronym Start/end date Priority, objective, theme Budget and funding Lead Partner details Partnership

Project description Synopsis

Lead Partner: Project description

Synopsis update Aims and objectives Expected outcomes Achieved outcomes

Information & Communication Logo Project website Project message (optional) Publications Pictures

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Examples

Retail in Rural Regions – website

RASLRES - website

Our Life as the Elderly II – use of pictures (RegioStars Awards 2011)

CoSafe – catalogue of products and services

SMALLEST – video

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Next steps

NPP proactive external communication strategy More frequent news flashes (events, achievements, etc.) Promotion of project outcomes on Wordpress platform Map feature for NPP events (projects, RCPs, programme bodies) Concept paper (projects, RCPs, programme bodies) NPP messages Communication toolkits (projects, RCPs, programme bodies) Easier access to information (incl. website review)

NPP Annual Conference 2012 When: 15th November, back-to-back with LP seminar on 14th November Where: Derry, Northern Ireland Working title: “Transformation Forum: Creating a Vibrant Northern Periphery”

Are you interested in joining a focus group to help us further develop, in particular the map feature, the communication toolkits and possibly the website review?

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For more information

Websites Programme website, www.northernperiphery.eu

Downloadable graphical elements: flag and logo Presentations previous events (InfoComm training, project websites

workshop) LinkedIn Group “European Project Communications”,

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=1984695

Documents Programme Manual “Part 1: How to Apply” – communication strategy Programme Manual “Part 2: How to Apply an NPP Project” – requirements Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1828/2006, articles 8 and 9 and annex 1

Contact details

Kirsti Mijnhijmer, Programme Manager for Information & Communication

Tel.: +45 3283 3784, E-mail: kirsti.mijnhijmer@northernperiphery.eu17

Thank you for listening!