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#FutureComms has been produced by the LGA, LGcommunications, Solace, and the Public Relations and Communications Association. Across these chapters you will find fresh thinking from some of the leading figures in the communications industry, and case studies highlighting the very best practice across local government.
By taking this #FutureComms self-assessment, you will gain an insight into areas where your organisation has strengths and where there is room for improvement. You will then be signposted to best practice resources and further information to support you with your communications.
In this section:
Diversity is central to council communications teams’ success: here’s how we can drive change
The PR and communications industry is becoming less diverse, in terms of both ethnicity and sexuality. But for council communications teams to reflect their communities and speak to them, there needs to be a variety of backgrounds and life experience.
Commercialisation and communication
How to effectively communicate your council’s commercial activity for a successful commercial transformation.
State of the nation
Jo Miller, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council and President of SOLACE, and LGA chairman, Lord Porter of Spalding (CBE), introduce our Future Communications hub.
Strategic communications in local government – the challenges and opportunities
The communications context and challenges for local government today.
The view from the top
Council chief executives explain how good communications can help address the economic, social and political issues of their areas.
Perceptions: The fact and fiction of trust and satisfaction
What influences trust in the modern age? Analysis of polling into resident satisfaction with local councils.
Leadership: The communicating council in a time of upheaval
How communicators can be a trusted adviser, pre-empting problems and providing leadership across their organisations.
The democratic dimension
What elected members need from a strategic communications function and how good communications supports a healthy democracy.
Insight and evaluation: Do your communications really work?
How to create effective frameworks to understand if your communications is working and reaching its audiences.
Public affairs: A strategic approach to building relationships with your communities of influence
A robust public affairs strategy enables councils to build effective relationships that survive people changes and provides greater opportunities for long-lasting success.
Influence and reputation: Building a better relationship with your residents in the age of fake news
Why you need to influence, who and how. How to develop trust through authenticity in the age of fake news.
Harnessing the power of narrative to change lives
How to create a compelling narrative – telling honest and authentic stories about your organisation and your place.
Behaviour change: The appliance of science to public service interventions and communications
How behavioural science gives councils a powerful new tool to improve the lives of the people they serve.
Community engagement: Building a partnership with residents in changing times
How joining the speaking, listening and decision making functions of a council can help create a genuine dialogue with communities.
Employee engagement: The importance of effective internal communication and engagement during change
The importance of internal communications and engagement during times of change.
Digital: Social media is the new normal
Harnessing the power of digital to build better relations with customers and citizens.
Modern media relations – a content-driven approach to communications
How councils can make better use of new media platforms to create engaging content and connect with residents.
Putting customers at the heart of your services
How to respond to resident expectations for on-demand services and use technology to put customers at the centre of your communications.
Emergency communications: Leading communities through an unforeseen crisis
The role of communications in leading communities through unforeseen events.
What good looks like – the conditions and skills needed for success
The skills and conditions a communications team needs to be effective in local government today.
The #FutureComms contributors
Our thanks to the following who have made this resource possible.