The LGA is taking a new approach to communications support
Over the past eight years, LGA communications improvement support – which includes communications peer reviews and bespoke training – has become a highly regarded programme by member councils.
Earlier this year, feedback found that 94 per cent of leaders and chief executives who had received communications support from the LGA, were ‘satisfied’ or ‘extremely satisfied’ that the support had had a positive impact on their authority.
Since 2019, 129 local authorities have received at least one form of direct communications support from the LGA.
This figure does not include ad hoc support, such as media relations advice, reviewing strategies or speaking at events, which takes place in addition to specific projects.
“Clear, engaging communication is integral to local government; setting a plan, delivering on it”
Cllr Kevin Bentley, LGA Senior Vice-Chairman, has been on both sides of the LGA’s communications peer review process and believes it can provide unique expertise and perspective for councils.
“What the LGA provides, in a way no other organisation can, is the right people, with the right levels of communications knowledge and experience, to provide exactly the right level of insight, challenge and support for a council undertaking a peer review,” he said.
“As well as professional communications and marketing advice, the role of member peers in the process is key, enabling councils to view their communications through a political lens and helping build the understanding of how their communications are being received by residents, businesses and partners.”
During negotiations for the 2023/24 improvement grant with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the department indicated it would no longer fund the LGA’s Communications and Community Engagement programme.
To meet the needs of our member councils, we had to produce a new financial plan.
The new funding model includes securing income through other sources, strategic partnerships, and recovering costs for some of the support we provide – such as communications health checks and peer reviews.
Cllr Shaun Davies, LGA Chair, has been part of peer teams on many reviews across England and Wales and is passionate about good communication.
“I am a huge fan of the LGA’s improvement work and I’m very pleased that we have found a way to continue to offer communications support and explore the provision of new services to our membership,” he said.
“As part of this, we will be continuing to support communications linked to children’s services, which is a priority for me and for many councils.
“Clear, engaging communication is integral to local government; setting a plan, delivering on it, telling people about the outcomes, giving them the opportunity to have their say and be listened to are all dependent on excellent communication.”
Services provided by communications improvement support:
- communications peer reviews (three-day) and health checks (one-day)
- advice and counsel to our member authorities – bespoke support, often around issues of reputational risk
- crisis communications cohort
- combined authorities’ communications network
- regular best practice events, seminars and webinars
- training for elected members – for example, on strategic communications, social media and media relations
- online best practice resources
- research and surveys
- corporate and place narrative support
- communicating in a political environment training.
- Find out more about the LGA’s programme of communications support, or you can contact our team directly to discuss your requirements by emailing Matt Nicholls and Clare Robinson.