Case studies

In Peterborough, a new delivery model for the city’s library service has reduced its cost by over 20 per cent while increasing public access by 50 per cent.

This case study provides information on the Council’s journey, both culturally and physically as they moved to their new building.

A group of disabled residents has used art to explore issues around accessibility in St Helens town centre, sharing its findings with local venues and businesses.

When Storm Desmond hit the North of England in 2015 it flooded around 100 properties in Wyre. Senior Communications Officer Stephanie Collinson explains how the council delivered much needed communications support to a community in crisis.

With a reduction in staffing numbers and budget over the past five years, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s communications team needed to find a way of delivering an outstanding service despite more limited resources. Corporate communications manager Alex Mills explains what they did.

With pregnancy smoking rates showing a slight increase in 2014/2015 Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health Service wanted to encourage pregnant smokers to quit for good. Senior Campaigns and Communications Officer Jo Necchi explains what they did.

Communicating messages about death is always challenging, but Leeds City Council decided to take the reins and work with partners across the city to help residents face their fears. Communications officer Debra Kerr and Ageing Well Officer Carole Clark explain how collaboration helped people to find the right words to tackle this difficult subject.

When illegally dumped industrial waste caught fire at a former mushroom factory, Selby District Council’s crisis communications plans kicked into action. Communications manager, Mike James, explains how they tackled the issue and why the experiences of the past helped them manage the situation.

With research showing that relationship abuse is most prevalent among 16-24 year olds, Westminster City Council wanted to help young people find their voice and speak out about unhealthy relationships. Communications account manager Klara Nordstrom explains how they used creative thinking to engage this often hard-to-reach group.

The need to keep residents informed and demonstrate value for money are key priorities for all councils, but how to do you balance the two? Alan Ferguson, web manager at Central Bedfordshire Council, explains how they swapped paper publications for online updates without diluting their messages or damaging engagement.