Agenda item

REPORT OF THE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

To consider the proposed North Hertfordshire District Council Communications Strategy 2019 - 2023, which sets out the strategic direction for the Council’s communications over the next five years prior to consideration by Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

The Committee recommended:

i. That Cabinet adopts the North Hertfordshire District Council Communications Strategy 2019-2023, as attached as Appendix A; and

ii. Agrees the delegation for creating the Action Plan and the annual review of the Action Plan contained in the Communications Strategy, to the Communications Manager in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Council’s Communications Team to carry out a programme of relevant communications activities, in line with an agreed strategic approach, ensuring residents and other stakeholders are well informed about the work of the Council and about relevant activities in the District.

Audio Recording 1.06.12

The Communications Manager presented a new Communication Strategy, which also attached was a yearly Action Plan and Social Media Strategy as well as a Social media Policy, which would be placed on the Council’s website. Context for the Strategy was important. Latest District wide survey was overall satisfaction was down 82% in 2015 to 75% in 2017 and decrease in agreement levels of well informed by the Council. It had been an interesting year with the waste issues and which had no doubt had an effect on the reputation of the Council. Rapid growth of our Social Media and growth increased in web visits, increasing the interest as transactional based mainly reporting or paying for something. Significant decline in our media relations activity, partly because no longer had the mid-week Mercury after being out of circulation two years ago. Recognition that the local press adopt online first approach, and print edition is secondary.

Positive and pro-active improving our reputation and restoring public confidence:

• Community Champions – celebrating all that was good about North Herts, and now had a new digital publication “NH Now” produced. Developing a more campaign approach as a Plastics Campaign and other themes across Council priorities focussing them across all channels. We are in the same boat opportunities in trade press and national press in the MJ (Municipal Journal) on commercialisation. Actively developing a film policy and location library to display areas that can be used for filming in the North Herts area. Consultation strategy also being looked into.

• Digital First – stems from press release as regards communications. This will be placed firstly on the website and social media, and to use as many channels to connect with all public, keeping in mind residents who do not use social media. Work was being carried out and on-going. NH Now and E-Bulletin Service offered and would provide stats from engagement at the next meeting. Content, such as animations, graphics, videos, and the Council was looking to engage a new Digital Engagement Officer. Thinking this would be essential on social media, create videos and campaigns. Free up time for the PR section. Improving the website actively to update it – web chat, find information when adding their postcode, who is your Councillor, bin collection day and other information.

• Regarding the Social Media Strategy and Policy: On website as guidance for the public as to the Council’s role is to make them aware will not respond on Bank Holidays and weekends.

The following Members asked questions, which were answered by Sarah Kingsley, Communications Manager, and Jo Dufficy, Customer Service Manager:

o Councillor Cathryn Henry

o Councillor Sam Collins

o Councillor Elizabeth Denis-Harburg

o Councillor Helen Oliver

o Councillor Steve Jarvis

o Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb

o Councillor Gerald Morris

The Chairman suggested that the Officers create and review the action plan and present it to a future meeting.

The following Members asked questions on the above:-

o Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

o Councillor Ben Lewis