Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation from Andrew Daniels, Corporate Communications Manager

The Committee received a presentation from Andrew Daniels, Corporate Communications Manager that updated on the work of the Corporate Communications team during 2023.

Mr Daniels provided information on the following:

·       Changes to the team including the appointment of a new manager and digital skills enhancements with new appointments of a videographer and a social media officer.

·       The work areas covered by the team.

·       Support offered to major developments in Sefton related to Bootle Strand, Marine Lake Events Centre, Crosby town centre, Maghull Health Park and Salt and Tar.

·       The open and transparent approach taken and the managed sensitive issues in the media relating to the Southport Pier closure.

·       Work on the cost-of-living crisis.

·       Celebrated civic events relating to King Charles' coronation, Liverpool Pride, Alex Greenwood – Freedom of the Borough, HMS Mersey parade and Remembrance Sunday.

·       The promotion of Sefton’s tourism offer.

·       Support offered to Children’s Services.

·       Work undertaken on the LGA Peer Review.

·       Methods used to keep colleagues informed.

·       Information connected to the corporate website and that Unique page views in the last quarter totalled 1,454,887.

·       Social media activity.

·       E-shot email marketing tool for residents.

·       Graphic design.

·       Proposals for 2024 which included updating the communications framework, refreshing the approach to social media, new internal communications action plan, audit of channels to ensure we are reaching the digitally excluded and impact-led approach

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       How statistics referred to in the presentation compared to other Liverpool City Region local authorities

·       The ideal frequency for social media press releases

·       Press releases issued may not represent the views of all of the Council’s elected Members

·       A cover image on a recent ward analysis document did not depict a true representation of Sefton’s population

·       Press releases issued using vimeo went direct into Member’s junk email   

RESOLVED:

That Andrew Daniels be thanked for his informative presentation.