Communications
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.
Learning the lessons from past pandemics
Bob Gordon asks what we can learn from local responses to past pandemics. He says preparation, communication, coordination and accurate, timely, granular data are key.
Starting a journey of improvement
Jenny Turnross talks to Ann McGauran about Birmingham Children’s Trust’s progress with improving services for children and young people – and how it has risen to the challenge of the pandemic.
Councils demand post-lockdown role
The local government sector has said its involvement is key to the emergence from lockdown.
Prioritising citizens’ needs amidst the chaos
Sarah Richards reflects on the progress councils have made in how they communicate with citizens digitally and asks how they can prioritise residents’ needs in the second wave.
Use the enForcement!
Torridge DC may just have struck gold in its approach to getting its message out on social media.
Report exposes local-national divide over pandemic
Fractures between local and national decision-makers have been highlighted in a new report examining responses to the coronavirus crisis.
Personal resilience in tough times
Drawing on her experience of dealing with the aftermath of terror attacks, Louise Neilan emphasises the need for senior managers to support their communities and teams, and themselves – especially during the pandemic crisis.
Leader of 'North Korea' council deposed
The leader of a scandal-hit council compared to North Korea has been deposed after a vote of no confidence at a fiery meeting.
