By Harriet Shone, Senior Director, Cratus Group
Local government is facing a significant challenge: how do we ensure our voices are heard amidst a chorus of global crises and national concerns? That was the question at the heart of our recent LGcomms webinar, “Fighting for the Future of Local Government in an Uncertain World.”
We were joined by experts Anna Wrigglesworth, CT Group Director UK (North), and Joe Derrett, freelance consultant, who offered insights and strategies for ensuring local government remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic communication is crucial. Anna Wrigglesworth from CT Group emphasised the importance of a data-led approach to communication. She highlighted the need to understand your audience, their priorities, and the best ways to reach them. Anna also shared some interesting polling data, revealing that public pessimism is on the rise and that there’s significant support for local control over issues like energy infrastructure.
- Evidence is key. Joe Derrett stressed the importance of building using storytelling to demonstrate the value of local government, putting human stories on show rather than focusing on the facts. He shared practical tips on how to make limited communications resources go a long way, including leveraging resources like the House of Commons library to get quality research for free.
- Creativity cuts through. Joe also reminded us that in a world saturated with information, creativity is essential for grabbing attention. He shared a compelling example of how a hard-hitting video campaign helped save a local fire station from closure – by using story-telling to hammer home one clear, concise key message.
The Future is Local
The webinar provided a timely reminder that even in the face of global uncertainty, local government remains vital. By communicating strategically, building a strong evidence base, and embracing creativity, we can ensure that the voices of our communities are heard loud and clear.
Want to learn more? Check out the full webinar recording on the LGcomms resources page (accessible for LGcomms members only)