Agenda item

To receive a report from the Communications and Engagement Manager on the Communications & Engagement Strategy and the Social Media Policy.

Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Digital Transformation and Customer Engagement on the Communications and Engagement Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Quality of Living, Equalities and Public Health outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following: 

·         This was a revised Communication and Engagement Strategy and the accompanying Media and Social Media Policy, which had been developed by the Communications Manager in collaboration with the Head of Digital Transformation and Customer Engagement, and came to Cabinet following endorsement by the Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group.

·         Those documents supported the Council’s commitment to ensuring that communications were effective, inclusive, and transparent, delivering value for money while ensuring residents could easily interact with and understand the work of the Council.  They aligned with the Corporate Plan, the Council’s values, and its responsibilities under the Single Equality Scheme.

·         The strategy promoted a digital-first approach, but with continued support for multiple channels to ensure accessibility for all residents, regardless of how they choose to engage with the Council.  This included ensuring that the Council’s website and all digital content meets current accessibility standards.

·         Since the last update in 2023, the Communications Team had made strong progress across a wide range of service areas. They had supported major elections and civic events, delivered a refreshed presence at the Mid Devon Show, and expanded use of the “Let’s Talk Mid Devon” engagement platform, which had attracted nearly 600 new registrations and almost 19,000 visits, with a 20% engagement rate.

·         Social media continued to grow, with over 2,300 new followers in the past year, and the e-bulletins now reached over 14,000 subscribers. Two full resident surveys had been carried out, with the proportion of respondents who felt informed about the Council’s work increasing significantly. The team has also led or supported communications for a number of priority initiatives, including Active Mid Devon and the ongoing review of the Council’s website content.

·         Looking ahead, the strategy provided a strong foundation for communications through the period of Local Government Reorganisation, with an emphasis on keeping residents informed and confident in how to access services throughout any changes.  It was anticipated that the Communications Strategy, and accompanying policies would be revised again in three years (or sooner if required) to coincide with any reorganisation.

Discussion took place with regards to:

·         What provisions were in place for those residents that were in a rural location or had no internet connection and how would the Council engage effectively?

·         How would the Council communicate with those that were not on social media? 

·         The traditional methods of communication such as hard copy, drop in sessions for those individuals that could attend.

·         Did the Communication Team share posts on social media platforms?

·         Did the Council share posts on other community’s social media pages?

·         How does the Council communicate out and sign up with the newsletters.

·         Sharing good news stories on the recent achievements of the Council in the post with the yearly Council tax letter that residents received.

·         To remove the reference From “Chairman” to “Chair” in the Policy.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The content of the reviewed Communication and Engagement Strategy and the Media and Social Media Policy as recommended by the Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group be ADOPTED.

(Proposed by Cllr D Wulff and seconded by Cllr  G DuChesne)

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that the Councils customers, staff, members and stakeholders were informed about Council services, news and changes through appropriate and varied channels.

Note: *Report previously circulated