HOPS undertake a Communications Strategy to keep the wider membership informed of HOPS work and to ensure that its strategic objectives are widely known about within its wider stakeholder community and are implemented in full.
The Communication Strategy also aims to show how HOPS’ strategic objectives are critical to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s outcomes on climate change, quality of life, and making Scotland a successful, sustainable and well-connected place. The Communication Strategy is also used to engage people who otherwise would not be aware of the influence and impact of planning on places and on general life. It is used to publicise the positive work that is being undertaken at a national level in support of the outcomes of NPF4 as well draw attention in a positive way to processes or outcomes that could be improved.
The HOPS communication strategy is set out below:
| Audience | Method of communication | Lead | Comments |
| HOPS members | – Knowledge Hub – Formal notes of meetings – HOPS website – HOPS LinkedIn – HOPS research and intelligence – Publications, including annual business plan | HOPS Secretariat HOPS Members HOPS Executive | – Routine – Monthly blog – Regular LinkedIn posts – Living business plan |
| Scottish Government Planning Directorate and MSPs/MPs | – Email – Briefing notes – Presentation- parliamentary enquiry – Face to face meetings – Response to consultations – Publications – Annual business plan | HOPS Chair HOPS Executive | – Routine as and when required – Living business plan |
| Media Outlets | – Press release – Responses to direct enquiries – TV/radio – presentation/Q&A sessions | HOPS Executive | – Press release on key publications or achievements |
| Professionals organisations: – RTPI – SOLACE – COSLA – SCOTS – SLAED – LABSS etc. | – Email – Briefing notes – Face to face meetings – Responses to consultations – Bi-annual meeting with other local government groups | HOPS Executive HOPS Members | – Routine |
| Other stakeholders | – HOPS website – HOPS LinkedIn – Scottish Planner | HOPS Secretariat HOPS Executive | – Monthly blogs – Business Plan – Articles to the Planner as required |
Updated 27/7/2026