The Defence Forces is launching an ‘Internal Communications Platform’ in early 2023.
The Chief of Staff has highlighted ‘Internal Communications’ (IC) as one of his key priorities to further resource and develop.
The requirement for the development of this digital Internal IC project was requested by our DF members as a direct result of feedback received in employee engagement surveys and during IC road-shows.
The purpose of this IC Platform (App) is to give all DF members equal and secure access to strategic and tactical information.
This IC (App) will enhance and improve the range and scope of DF information sharing, while building trust in leadership and assisting in the modernisation of the Force.
During 2021 the Public Relations Branch (PRB) launched an extensive tendering process, with the winning app developer awarded in Q3 2022.
The winning provider is Workivo Ltd an Irish software company, who are the market leaders in digital employee engagement and communications.
Detailed information outlined below, further questions to: internalcomms@military.ie
The Defence Forces have designed an ‘Internal Communications Platform’ in the form of a free downloadable mobile and tablet application (App) - available from both Apple & Google Play Stores.
The main aim of the IC App is to enhance personnel access to Unit, Brigade, Directorate and DF wide information remotely and securely.
The IC App provides a customisable environment for each user to tailor the content which is most important and relevant to you such as, upcoming events, operations, overseas, training, sports and wellbeing.
- How will the IC App benefit me?
The IC App will provide DF members with direct access to General Staff news, Commission on the Defence Forces updates, as well as the ability to manage a personal events calendar, access documents, view lectures, listen back to DF podcasts, engage with all social media content and deliver live feedback all from on your personal device.
The IC App will assist personnel to plan and manage in their week, month, year and career. This will be achieved by each responsible directorate(s) publishing documents in relation to training, education, vacancies, career course planning dates and overseas schedules. All of these resources together will enable personnel to manage their work / life balance at the touch of a button.
DF Members will also be able to engage with many of our services in relation to Personal Service Support (PSS), Chaplaincy Service, DF Physiotherapist or the Military Police (MPs).
There will also be opportunities to engage with ‘DF Sports Teams, Athletics and Adventure Groups’ by viewing fixture schedules upcoming training camps and how to get involved.
The IC App provides the tools and resources to better inform yourself and plan from basic training to deploying overseas or by assisting in applying for new opportunities internally.
- When is the IC App coming?
The Platform will begin to roll out in Brigades and Formations in early 2023.
The Internal Communication Team are currently working through a 12 week project and training plan to roll out the platform in five (5) phases.
- Training "Administrators" on the platform commenced in December 2022, additional training days are being scheduled throughout 2023.
- Launching to the Air Corps PDF, in March 2023.
- Launching to the Naval Service PDF in Q1, 2023.
- Launching to the Army PDF in Q2, 2023.
- Launching to all RDF members with the assistance of the new Director of Reserve Affairs which is due to be set up later this year.
- How do I access the IC App?
As part of the ‘Launch Campaign’ in your Brigade / Formation – the IC Team will visit nominated Barracks to host a demonstration of all features with a Q&A workshop.
Alternatively you will be able to access the platform by scanning the QR code found on our launch posters, e-mail banners, flyers, social media posts, IKON posts, Connect news letter, An Cosantóir Magazine and here on our website in the Member's Area.
- Where do I find help if needed?
The IC Platform (App) will have a help centre with tips & tricks / Q&A section. Workvivo will also have a 24/7 help centre and the Internal Comms Office at internalcomms@military.ie or ext. 2511 also be available during working hours.
