Council Communication Strategy 2024 - 2027
Argyll and Bute Council · 10 October 2024
Back to Policy and Resources Committee — 10 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 10 OCTOBER 2024 COUNCIL COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 2024 – 2027 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Effective communication services support the council in achieving its objectives for the area, and communities in getting the council help and support they need. This report seeks approval for the draft Council Communication Strategy 2024 – 2027. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Policy and Resources Committee approve the draft Council Communication Strategy.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 10 OCTOBER 2024 COUNCIL COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 2024 - 2027 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Council’s Communication Strategy outlines communication priorities and aims for the organisation, supports council services, employees and communities, and guides how the council wants to use its small Communication Team resource. The draft Communication Strategy is provided here for consideration. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Policy and Resources Committee approve the draft Council Communication Strategy. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 Communicating effectively has organisational and community benefits that are particularly significant given the challenging and changing times councils are working in. For example: - Explaining the challenges and limitations affecting councils - Making people aware of council support and services available to them - Informing to involve – providing information needed for people to get involved in making change happen where needed - Helping to attract the skills and investment the area needs 4.2 The council’s communication strategy delivers key guidance supporting effective communication and engagement, and gives a general outline of the positions our communities and employees need to be aware of in order to support success. 4.3 To develop the attached strategy we have listened to communities and employees in different ways, and considered the day-to-day and longer term challenges facing the council. 4.4 For example, we have looked at recurring topics raised or comments made by communities through their enquiries and use of communication channels; drawn on comments and views from employees, and researched views of the area as a place to attract people to live and work.
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Overall position for communicating 4.5 The council will continue to deliver services that support day-to-day life and the longer term future of Argyll and Bute. However national funding limitations limit local council services, and mean that we cannot unfortunately do everything our communities want us to do. We will achieve most when council and communities work together for Argyll and Bute. Why this position? 4.6 Councils continue to provide wide ranging services that touch every aspect of people’s lives, and that are of much greater value than people’s council tax. Budget cuts though reduce what we can do, and unrealistic expectations cause issues for both communities and the council. However Argyll and Bute benefits from council and communities who are both committed to making good things happen for the area. 4.7 In addition, the need for councils and communities to work increasingly together is reflected in national public sector reform measures in place or being developed such as: - Cosla’s Plan 2022- 2027 - Single Authority Models 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The council’s communication strategy supports the council, its employees and services in different ways. The outline strategy for the next three years is attached for comment. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: The strategy includes the social media policy; the updated policy will come to the Policy and Resources Committee separately for consideration. 6.2 Financial: None. 6.3 Legal: None. 6.4 HR: None. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics: The strategy supports accessible communication. 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty: None. 6.5.3 Islands: None.
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6.6 Climate Change: The strategy supports digital first communication and promotion of climate friendly activity. 6.7 Risk: None. 6.8 Customer Service: Effective communication is an important part of good customer service. 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC): None. Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services Policy Lead: Councillor Mark Irvine September 2024 For further information contact: Jane Fowler, Head of Customer Support Services jane.fowler@argyll-bute.gov.uk Jane Jarvie, Communications Manager jane.jarvie@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1: Council Communication Strategy 2024 – 2027