The first action to come out of the RSAW Vision report was to undertake a communications survey which would lead to a new RSAW Communications Strategy for Wales.
We have recognised that there are some gaps in our communications offering to all people and we wanted to address what we should be doing to better represent architecture and architects in Wales and for everyone to know who we are, what we do and why.
RSAW sent out digital surveys to both members and non-members, as well as holding in workshops with members in Wales to gain an in depth understanding of how members in Wales can help shape our strategy.
We found out what members value most from the RSAW and what else they would like us to be doing in the future to communicate to all.
With this in mind we feel that a communications strategy will better influence those outside of architecture as well as the membership in Wales feeling more valued and better supported by their organisation.
You can read the full report (pdf) and send any feedback to us.
What did we ask and what were the results?
What do you want to hear about from RSAW?
How do you want to receive communication?
What do you think would leave the biggest impact and legacy for architecture in Wales?
Key observations:
- Majority of respondents were 31 to 50
- Majority of respondents were Chartered Members
- Most prefer to receive information on events and networking
- Most prefer to receive our communications via email newsletters
- Respondents believe we should be communicating more with public bodies, government, and Local Authorities to promote architecture in Wales
- Majority of respondents don’t tend to read printed publications
- Members like to be communicated with once per month
- Some believe that discussion and debates around high quality projects in Wales could leave an impact and legacy for architecture in Wales
What did people say?
A revamped website to host links to all communications
Publications are good for more in depth analysis of what’s happened over the course of a year
Email/social media to be frequent but the website must be able to host all relevant and important information coming from RSAW
Don’t let email newsletter be in danger of becoming spam – content needs to be considered well with relevant content
Respondents commented that website needs to be common place to find links to all communications
YouTube algorithm - content first – RIBA/RSAW second – it’s the content that people like not the brand
Hold symposiums and events to local authority, government, and planning authorities and invite to AGMs
Send relevant publications to local authorities
STEM students to collaborate, use student influencers, increase public awareness through social media for softer side of architecture
Show off exemplar buildings in Wales to increase awareness to a number of people/bodies
Depending on news and relevance depends on how often they want to receive it
Digital media is easier and more frequent
Respondents said reading info on RSAW Website would be an advantage
People mentioned reading RIBA J, Touchstone but they only read publications if they are free and on their desk
Publications should be print on demand
Some people only read printed material if content is innovative
People like AJ/RIBA J online, on a frequent basis online as much more easily accessible
Depending on news and relevance depends on how often they want to receive it
Next steps and actions
Its clear that there is merit in having a clear identity in Wales.
Consideration needs to be made about how its delivered
Respondents feedback led us to understand that their top priorities are already being undertaken, however we need to spread our communications wider, to public bodies and non architects. RSAW need to build up an additional database and newsletter which can be adapted to need
RIBA YouTube channel to be utilised and discuss whether an RSAW YouTube channel is needed to be able to communicate to a wider audience, based on subject/topic as a key driver for viewers
Touchstone and RSAW Review of the Year to be combined, as an annual publication or online document (printing to need/subscribers only) hearing from more non-architects and to address SoA’s and students input.
