We’ve all been moving so very fast at a time when the world has seemed to stand still at times. Creative comms at maximum speed has become the norm. The pandemic has seen demand increase and deadlines reduce. It’s been an exhausting and exhilarating experience.
There has rightly been a focus on wellbeing for hard worked teams during the crisis. Managing the immediate stress and looking after people has never been more important.
One long term benefit for wellbeing that has sometimes been overlooked in the year gone by is personal career development. We gain more than knowledge when we take part in training – it develops self worth, confidence and improves motivation.
At LGcomms, delivering training for our members has been a priority through the pandemic. We moved our training offer online with a calendar of free events for members, taking into account budget pressures as well as time pressures, and working closely with our partners in the LGA and PRCA.
We’re grateful to our members for supporting events and coming together online during the busiest of times.
We’re now organising our events for the year ahead. Upcoming topics include mental health, reducing council carbon footprints and developing a post pandemic narrative. We’re also gearing up for our annual national conference in the Autumn, run in partnership with GCS.
We’d really like to hear from you about your preference for training as we move into the next stage of the pandemic.
Is it time to meet up again or do online webinars remain the practical option? What topics are top of your learning list right now? How much time do you have for personal development? Is training being prioritised in your organisation? Answers to these questions will help us to shape our events programme and the annual Academy conference.
We’ve put together a short survey asking for your views. Please give us a few clicks so we can develop an offer that you’ll make best use of.
Here is a bit more information about what’s being considered so far for this year’s Academy conference.
The 2020 Academy last November was totally virtual with members attending through their screens from all over the country and even further afield. It was well received but feedback showed delegates missed the in person experience of being together in one place for a shared purpose. As we plan for Academy 2021, we’re right now deciding what format this year’s conference should take.
Initially the aim for this year is to deliver a two day in person event in October, supported by a live stream of main sessions for viewing from afar, and interaction on social media.
The programme will include learning from industry leaders, networking opportunities, mentoring sessions, the annual awards and much more, Different delegate rates will apply for in person or streamed access.
We have a working theme of ‘Partnerships, Performance and People’. Three essential elements for effective communications that we all need to develop and look after.
Please take a few minutes to help with our survey to make our events, including Academy, the best they can be. Thank you.
Alix Macfarlane (@AlixMac) is the Chair of LGcomms and Head of Communications & Engagement at West Sussex County Council