Get ready for the 2015 general election achieving impact and influence #readyfor2015

Who are we? Emily Wallace Director Connect Communications Sara Petela Public Affairs Officer The College of Occupational Therapists

This session Politics and what it means for COT The political timetable and road to 2015 Polls and pundits – what are they saying Big picture political positioning Health in the manifesto’s COT - looking ahead Working better together

How political are you?

Why is politics important for COT change policy and priorities raise profile of people/issues/organisation manage and motivate members manage and build your reputation and recognition of your organisation extend your networks generate positive relationships – with stakeholders, partners, media

Forthcoming elections

The next year in politics Electioneering Summer reshuffles 4 June Queen’s Speech 18 September Scottish referendum Sept / October Party Conferences 30 March Dissolution of Parliament Official campaign and manifesto launches 7 May General Election New Government

Polls and pundits

Scottish referendum May 2014 The polls are narrowing

Big picture positioning?

Conservative key messages we’re on the right track we need to keep going for the long term security of the country we would be even better with a majority Conservative Government Labour hasn’t changed and they can’t be trusted on the economy

Labour key messages a recovery for all, tackling the cost of living crisis the Tory Government is out of touch One Nation we must devolve money and power to local communities

Liberal Democrat key messages the country needs us in government as an anchor to the centre ground we have softened the hard edges of the Conservatives Labour still can’t be trusted to govern alone

Health and social care big messages Privatisation: you cant trust Cameron with the NHS Quality and safety: You can’t trust Labour with the NHS The NHS can’t afford another Labour Government The NHS is safe under Labour Integration integration integration No new money

The Conservatives’ Health Manifesto

Unpopularity of health reforms identified as one of top ten election “risks” for Conservatives Likely health policy campaign themes No more structural change End of soviet tractor type targets Integration and improved social care, possibly including social housing More private providers – but managed market Positive about personalisation agenda The “Patients’ Party”?

Labour’s Health Manifesto

NHS identified as one of the top election assets for Labour Likely health policy manifesto themes: Whole person care An integrated health and social care service fit for 21st century Social care free for all at point of use and staff into the NHS? Repeal (parts of) Health and Social Care Act Focus on limiting marketisation/privatisation with a move back to preferred provider model Devolve all funding to local authorities (with no ring fence and CCGs to become advisory)?

Liberal Democrats’ Health Manifesto

Health policy campaign themes Better and more integrated care Dignity at home – transforming social care Dilnot cap on social care costs More focus on mental health More mutual providers More democracy – strengthening HWBs

What are we doing Strategic aim: Be the voice of the profession Recent successes include: Professional Advisor for Children & Young People appointed as an Expert Advisor to Lord Freud CEO about to complete 3 year term as a Social Care Fellow for NICE Sit on numerous committees and advisory boards; e.g. DFE advisory panel on developing the SEN Code of Practice Influenced the Care Act 2014 Respond to hundreds of consultations across all four countries

Looking ahead What’s on our radar? Current and upcoming areas of focus include: Integration Prevention and early-intervention Reablement Vocational rehabilitation Children with SEND Age-friendly communities Public Health

Working better together How can you help? Tell us what you’re doing Share feedback on our activities Send us case studies and evidence - from you and your service users Be politically active in your local area – write to your MP, host site visits, attend MP surgeries and ask questions, etc

Any questions

what’s the difference? management of internal and external comms to create and maintain a positive image primarily engaging with a public audience often through the media, but also involves launches, events, social media promotion of an organisation or cause amongst political or policy audiences primarily engaging with politicians, officials and other stakeholders through legislation, regulation, and policy formation PR PA

know what’s going on political monitoring media/social media political parties and manifestos conferences and events trade bodies and partners networking

The Opposition Other trade unions Political parties Public opinion Civil Servants Media Social media Formal/informal advisors Campaign groups Business and industry Think tanks Blogs MPs Select Cttees Ministers & former Ministers Peers Decision maker who influences?

current relationships? advisers Ministers/Government MPs officials media supporters/allies industry/sector who are your key advocates?

the who where are your strongest relationships? who are your most influential advocates? are you effectively communicating to decision makers? are your supporters and advocates speaking on your behalf?

the what what are your key messages? what arguments have the most impact? are there different messages for different audiences?

the how, when and what! one-to-one meetings events Parliamentary event stunts/lobbies research/briefing media and social media case studies/advocates coalitions and partners using members Parliamentary activity opinion polling party conferences

segment your stakeholders

rank your stakeholders

what could you rank? importance o now o in the future o on policy o for income accessibility statutory role degree of support geographical location influence potential to grow relationship strength of relationship

top tips know what you are trying to achieve find out who is making the decision and who is influencing them keep up to date with changing circumstances understand the difference between policy and politics