An initial assessment of SAS was completed by myself and Peter Webster using the JISC Promotion of Research Self-Assessment Tool.

Overall the tool was considered: 1. A useful exercise; 2, there were difficulties in the context of a federal institution such as the School (e.g. dividing between central and locally (Institute) managed websites etc); 3. The findings were helpful in pointing us in the right direction by identifying areas to be looked at and prioritised.

Priorities identified:

1. Develop the SAS communications strategy to include social media and the use of online channels to communicate research and research promotion and facilitation expertise.
2. Expand the website development plan to include other online channels, the identification of expertise information as a type of information, and the promotion of online tools and how usage will be developed.
3. Develop features, including information on digital channels to help users understand how to work with SAS, and the use of blogs.
4. Continue to improve metrics, tracking and evaluation, including tracking users’ paths through the website, and identifying returning visitors.
5. Include consideration of expertise information and the development of opportunities to exploit that expertise within the context of social networking.
6. Develop experience and skills in social networking for the purposes of strategic planning and implementation.
7. Review risk assessment and management plan for social networking.