Government has spent nearly £9k to improve communication

Expert only expected to work for 'up to 10 days' over three to four weeks initially

Government has spent at least £8,500 on reviewing its communications.

The figure has been released following a Freedom of Information request from Manx Radio.

Earlier this year the chief minister confirmed that an Island-based contracted expert had been brought in on a part-time limited-term basis to 'objectively assess the process currently in place' and how better outcomes can be achieved.

You can find out more about that HERE.

Work got underway in April, with the aim of improving government's approach within 12 months.

The appointed consultant is Craig Tregurtha, former group managing editor of the Times and Sunday Times.

The FOI response has revealed the job specification for Mr Tregurtha.

It says: "There is currently a significant gap between Ministerial aspirations for government communications and the perception of the communications government are currently able to deliver as an organisation. 

"Aspirations include a desire to be more proactive, to get ‘good news stories’ out, to have a consistent narrative across government, to correct perceived inaccuracies, to build closer relationships with journalists, and to increase direct public communications."

He is also only expected to work for 'up to 10 days' over three to four weeks initially, with a subsequent 'two days per week' over three to four months.