Giles Roca

1
LG CommunicationsCrisis Communications Group

• Giles Roca
• Head of Communications
• Essex County Council

2
Why?

• Increased attention and scrutiny on whole public
  sector especially in current economic climate
• Ongoing challenges senior pay, waste/recycling,
  RIPA
• Difficult few months Baby P, Iceland
• Following Haringey 54 of people had worse view
  of councils, 39 the same, 3 improved. Damage
  therefore to LG brand and actual sector. ComsRes
  for LGA, Dec 08
• Ongoing reputational challenge attract/retain
  quality staff, win new powers and freedoms,
  influence new govt.

3
Realisation

• Need to explain better challenging operating
  environment in which services are delivered
• Consultants costs and concerns over fully
  understanding unique operating environments and
  structures
• Existing in-house PR crisis expertise and
  experience floods, foot and mouth, London
  bombings, Lockerbie disaster
• Ultimately, it is the sectors responsibility to
  assist and support itself will only improve
  overall reputation by supporting all LAs
• Stronger together

4
Crisis comms group

• Consultation with LGComms members Jan/Feb 09
  with 50 responses all in favour
• Under auspices of LGComms, with ECC as
  secretariat
• Backing of LGA, PCC and CLG
• Provide Heads of Comms/CEOs/Leaders with advice
  and support
• Major reputational instances and threats
• Major civil emergencies (tapping into existing
  emergency planners networks)

5
The Service

• Standing Committee
• Library of best practice
• 60 days of free comms advice already secured
  WCC, Hillingdon, ECC, LGA already signed-up
• Resources
• participating LAs provide free hands on/on-site
  support at varying levels from Head of Comms to
  Press Officer
• Above initial commitment/deployment charging
  basis
• Agreement at the start of each operation between
  crisis comms group and receiving LA on the best
  strategy

6
Roll out

• Initial service available to all LGA LGComms
  members April 09
• Marketing of groups work and awareness raising
  of those services available - April onwards
• Creation of regional networks
• Development of online presence
• Further events at LGComms conference and
  throughout the year

7
Finally,

• Questions, comments?
• Would your authority be willing to help?