Gail McGreevy
This month, agendaNi asks a press officer about their work and interests. Gail McGreevy is Head of Communications for the Probation Board and previously worked for the PSNI, SDLP and Fianna Fáil.
Outline your career path to date.
I always had an interest in journalism and politics but thought lawyers made the big bucks. So I graduated with a law and politics degree from Queen’s University, hoping to ‘keep my options open’. After graduating, I went to Dublin and worked for the Insurance Ombudsman of Ireland which was a terrific first job to land as a graduate. The Ombudsman was a barrister called Pauline Marrinan Quinn (now Ombudsman for the Defence Forces). She was a really interesting and inspirational lady who set very high standards for herself and everyone she employed.
In 1999, I joined the Fianna Fáil press and research team in Leinster House and really enjoyed being on the inside during those early years of Bertie Ahern’s reign as Taoiseach. However given all that was happening politically in Northern Ireland with the post-Good Friday Agreement power sharing administration, I was eager to return home.
In 2001, I took up a role as press officer for the SDLP. Taking up that role was very much a baptism of fire. I had some experience of working with the media but working in politics in Northern Ireland was a completely different ball game and I had to learn quickly! In my first year, I went with the SDLP delegation to the Weston Park talks. I travelled to the White House and Downing Street. It was an extraordinary time for politics at Stormont and it was a privilege to watch it close up.
Of course, one of the other areas I always had an interest in was the law and the justice system. So when I was offered a newly created post in 2003 as public affairs officer in the Police Service, I jumped at it. I was then promoted to Head of News in the Police Service and in 2009 took up my current post as Head of Communications in the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.
What makes for a good press officer?
I’ve worked with a range of good press officers from really diverse backgrounds –
some of them were former journalists, others from a PR background and some like myself just ‘fell into it’. But they all have one thing in common: they understand the media and they understand the need to be available at all times to both the media and members of their own organisation. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to get hold of a press officer at a critical time. Being able to ‘keep your head when all about you are losing theirs’ is also very useful.
How is a press query handled once you receive it?
It really depends on the nature of the query. All calls are logged and I would work closely with the Director and operational deputy directors in the Probation Board to ensure that when someone is seeking information they get accurate information in a timely manner. In some cases, particularly in relation to public protection issues, there is a need to work closely with other agencies: the police, the Prison Service, the courts.
Because of the nature of the Probation Board’s work, there are times when you simply cannot give the media the information they want. However, journalists are aware of that and as long as you are up front and honest, they are generally very understanding.
What particular challenges does communications work for the Probation Board involve?
I think people are less aware of the work carried out by probation officers than they are of some of the other criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland. I know when I joined the organisation, I was surprised at the range of work carried out by the Probation Board. The Probation Board really provides services at every stage of the criminal justice process – at court, in custody and in the community.
I think at times there is also a perception that probation is a soft option and is more concerned with the rights of offenders than victims. A lot of what I have tried to do in the last 18 months is about communicating the work that is done both directly and indirectly with victims and explaining the key role probation officers play in helping ensure safer local communities.
What professional standards are binding on press officers?
First and foremost honesty. If a journalist doesn’t trust you or believe you, they won’t talk to you. Likewise you have to be trusted by your colleagues and those with which you work.
How has the Freedom of Information Act changed your role?
As Head of Communications within the Probation Board, I am responsible for Freedom of Information as well as looking after all internal and external communications and public affairs. So I have a very direct role with freedom of information. I think it is really important that communications officers and freedom of information officers work closely together. My staff work together in an open planned office and on a practical level that is very beneficial in terms of sharing information. Sometimes journalists use freedom of information when it would be much easier for them just to pick up the phone and ask a press officer. In those cases it can be useful for press officers to offer help to journalists. I think on a more general level, freedom of information should make us all pay better attention to keeping and maintaining good records.
Outside work, what are your main interests?
My five-year old daughter is my main interest outside of work. Alastair Campbell, former Director of Communications for Tony Blair, wrote recently about happiness and said: “Work-life balance is hard. We should put our kids first but busy people can’t and don’t. But I am at my happiest when I am at my closest to them. And I know this too – a parent is never happier than his or her least happy child.”
My husband and I are blessed in that we have a very happy child who is looked after when we work by my parents, which makes a massive difference. My husband is Director of Communications for the University of Ulster, so we tend to spend a lot of time glued to media in some shape or form.
When we get the chance, I also love watching films, reading, walking and I recently bought a bike but hopefully it’s not all downhill from here on.
