Case studies

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.

Having involved communities in previous public-facing campaigns in the past, Cornwall Council was in a strong position to engage residents in the devolution agenda.

The North East England Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), which represents over 3,000 businesses from all sectors and covers two local enterprise partnership areas, has been working closely with the business community to bring the benefits of devolution to the region.

With official figures for England and Wales revealing that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, Camden Council decided to create the ‘know you’re not alone’ campaign to raise awareness and help their communities access vital support services. Communications Lead Lorna Gott explains what they did and the important role that video played in delivering their message.

Faced with the task of breathing new life into their intranet, Devon County Council decided to take the bold step of integrating it into their public website. Internal Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager Paula Miles explains why they did it and why early indications suggests it could be the solution to a more open, transparent and collaborative way of working.

Faced with the need to downsize to ease financial pressures, Cheshire West and Chester Council had a challenge on its hands. How best to communicate potentially controversial changes without losing employees’ trust and support.

When Essex County Council decided it needed to change the way the organisation worked,it went straight to its people. Holly Baker, People and change communications manager at Essex County Council explains all.

Tasked with communicating to a dispersed and largely ‘on call’ workforce, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service had to find a way to get their messages across quickly and effectively.