From Zero to Hero: A crash course in public service communications

Description

Are you a new or aspiring comms pro? Are you a seasoned comms person, but coming into local government from another sector? Would you like to just sharpen up the basics?

If this sounds like you, join one or all these back-to-basics bitesize training sessions to learn some of the core skills you need to succeed in a local government communications role. They’ll be followed with a practical training guide that you’ll be able to use for a refresher whenever you need it.

Each session in the series will be a 45-minute online bitesize lunch and learn session. Attendees can attend as many or as few as they would like to depending on what is relevant.

Details of each session:

• 9 Jan 12.30pm: Communicating in a complex political environment, Matt Nicholls, Head of Communications Improvement, LGA, Alix Macfarlane, Programme Director Communications and Engagement, Slough Borough Council and Vice Chair LGcomms
• 16 Jan 12.30pm: Planning effective communications using the OASIS model, Simon Jones, Director of Communications, Westco
• 23 Jan 12.30pm: What does the Leader of the Council want from their comms team? Jeni Harvey, LGcomm Vice Chair & Director of Marketing and Communications, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Sagar Sharma, Head of Communications, Wandsworth Council & Cllr Butt, Brent Council
• 30 Jan 12.30pm: Writing and pitching a press release, Adam Keating, Service Manager – Strategic Communications, Southend Council & David Green, Head of External Communications, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
• 6 Feb 12.30pm: Simple ways to embed a creative mindset and the case for being brave with comms, Zander Mills, Communication Manager, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue & James Morton, Founder, turn the page

Everyday creativity – embedding a creative mindset in the busy day-to-day

The case for standing out – why we need to be bold to make an impact

Winning over doubters – how we can negotiate and win permission for our ideas

• 13 Feb 12.30pm: Using AI as a force for good in comms, Dan Slee, Dan Slee C2 Ltd – This looks at the basics of AI, how it can be used safely, how you can use UK Government guidelines, how it can be used and the risks and rewards. I’ll also go through useful tools to experiment with. For background, I was a journalist for 12 years, worked in local government communications for almost 10 years and I’ve been a freelance digital comms consultant for more than a decade. I’m a former editorial board member for The Guardian’s Public Sector Leaders forum, a member of the CIPR Local Public Services committee member and I’ve been researching and delivering training around AI in comms since 2018.
• 20 Feb 12.30pm: Internal comms 101 – how to create staff advocates, how often to engage and how to make information cut through the workload, Lucy Downham, Chart.PRService Lead – Communications and Public Relations Customer Transformation, Wigan Council & Polly Cziok, Executive Director, Innovation and Change, London Borough of Merton
• 27 Feb 12.30pm: Getting the most out of social media, Louise Gibson, Team Manager – Social Media, Design, Advertising and Sponsorship, Sheffield City Council, Jameela Freitas & Talitha Makoni, Westminster City Council
• 6 Mar 12.30pm: Measurement and Evaluation skills workshop, Mandy Pearse, FCIPR, Chart PR, MBA, Director, Seashell Communications