Communications
Beyond carrots and sticks
Andy Woods ponders the rise of ‘influence government’ at a local level, looking at what can be learned from the behavioural economics playbook and at the ethical considerations.
Delivering public health post-pandemic
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi and Stephen Young look at what if anything the experience of dealing with the pandemic has taught us over the last 18 months and ponder the public health mission ahead .
Becoming a trusted news source for care in Scotland
Jenny Copland of the Care Inspectorate discusses how putting simple measures in place before COVID-19 hit enabled her team to share crucial updates with care professionals.
Don’t panic! We’ll still collect your bins!
Brian Norris and Rob Bradshaw look at communicating budgetary restraint in local government. Clarity, transparency, and a clear focus on residents’ priorities are key, they say.
When robust scrutiny becomes unfounded abuse
Michael Burton says surely 'citizen journalists' should accept the same ethical standards as professional journalists, and he asks why 'unelected public servants' shouldn't have the same protection against unfair criticism granted to the public.
Tackling the COVID-19 crisis through partnership in the North East
Gerry Taylor outlines how the LA7 group of North East councils used the insight gained from market research to create a localised comms campaign to help slow the spread of the virus.
A diverse approach to tackling vaccine hesitancy
Cllr Khtija Malik outlines Luton’s multi-layered approach to tackling vaccine hesitancy within some communities, and says more help is needed from the Government to help the town bounce back from the ravages of the pandemic.
Sector calls for closer working after COVID confusion
The Government has been told it must work more closely with local authorities to successfully emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Acronyms from hell
CEOP/NCA! DCI! It’s an OCG from SW2 – put out an APB on the L-reg Kia carrying a CHIS.’
Owning the local message
It’s time to get back to the basics of good communication and make these skills more accessible to local communities, says Cormac Smith. He outlines the core communication disciplines every organisation needs to master.
Harnessing effective comms – the Hounslow way
The part played by Hounslow LBC’s communications team in ensuring residents were effectively made aware of what was happening during the pandemic is one element which may have changed the borough forever, says John Dale.
Surge testing - Winning hearts and minds in Walsall
Community engagement and reassurance was the overarching approach to Walsall MBC’s rapid roll-out of surge testing, says Stephen Gunther.
Councils, COVID and better futures
More than 60 councils and individuals have contributed to One Story - a unique new book that captures the essence of public service, says Dawn Reeves.
Managing effective messaging during the third lockdown
Maintaining a great level of engagement has never been so pressing for councils, says Will Hoare. He offers three tips on how to maintain effective communication throughout the third lockdown.
Why effective communications is the cornerstone of local government
Leader of Derbyshire CC Barry Lewis outlines why the council took the step of ‘not just retaining a strong communications function, but to invest in it’.
Tackling mistrust about vaccines
Dr Justin Varney looks at how Birmingham is working to tackle the ‘layers upon layers of mistrust’ among ethnic minority communities that is ‘now playing out in vaccine hesitancy’.
Extremist fears over vaccine myths
Far-right extremists are feared to be behind the circulation of coronavirus vaccine myths on social media, a director of public health has warned.
Vaccine communication for citizens: What role can councils play?
The vaccine rollout is possibly the biggest challenge many council communications professionals will be part of in their lifetime, says Karen Steel. She offers advice on how to approach it.
Another interesting year lies ahead
The pandemic only had a 'smallish impact' on recruiting in 2020, says Ben Cox of Penna. He predicts ongoing demand for OD, transformation/change and D&I roles plus a resurgence in place-based recruitment.
Local leaders pile on vaccine pressure
Frustrated local government leaders have piled pressure on ministers and officials over the speed and secrecy surrounding the coronavirus vaccine rollout.
