Agenda item

The Committee considered the PPP Communications Evaluation Report (Agenda Item 8). In introducing the report, Claire Lockwood advised that her role was to raise public awareness of the PPP and encourage community engagement. The report set out the activities that had been undertaken to support the key priorities in the PPP Communications Strategy.

Councillor Iain McCracken noted that the total digital reach was presented at 3.5m and asked what the target was. Clair Lockwood advised that a target had not been set due to resource implications, however the PPP had gained knowledge of what they could achieve. Councillor Emma Webster asked how digital reach was defined. Claire Lockwood responded that organisations such as media outlets provided the data and had their own definitions.

Councillor Webster commented that while the figures were impressive, digital reach needed to be targeted to individuals within the PPP’s geography in order to be relevant and to ensure resources were being directed appropriately. The pick-up rate of press releases into news outlets, for example, might be a more effective way to measure the PPP’s impact. Claire Lockwood highlighted that the PPP had one communications officer and resources were limited.

Paul Anstey advised that performance targets had not been set in relation to the PPP’s communications work and the overarching aim was to use the PPP’s profile for demand management and to gather intelligence. There had been a significant improvement in communications with staff and Members since Claire Lockwood came into post. However, as the post was additional capacity rather than part of the core staffing, it had been necessary to consider resourcing when setting the ambitions for the Communications Strategy.

Councillor McCracken expressed the view that the report had provided Members with an informative and invaluable insight and thanked Claire Lockwood. He expressed support for a proactive and positive approach to communications.

Claire Lockwood, in answering a question from Councillor McCracken regarding relationships with the Councils’ Communications Teams, advised that a draft protocol had been developed and was optimistic about strengthening working relationships.

Councillor Marcus Franks expressed the view that the PPP was also trying to achieve business development through its communications work and it was important this was reflected in future iterations of the report. It was also important that PPP officers could be involved in social media responses; Claire Lockwood confirmed she was.

Councillor Norman Jorgensen stated that he had found the Members’ bulletins useful and he requested that in future all press releases were circulated to JPPC Members. (Action: Claire Lockwood).

Sean Murphy reported that the PPP’s website would be launched in November and Members would have an opportunity to see it in advance. (Action: Sean Murphy). Sean Murphy also reported that the PPP was participating in a BBC programme regarding rogue traders.

RESOLVED that:

The JPPC noted the PPP Communications Evaluation Report and the PPP Brand Guidelines and Style Guide; agreed to circulate them to appropriate members; and gave guidance regarding the PPP communications function.

The following documents would be rolled out in September and sent to all PPP Members and all Partner authority Members:

·         PPP Communications Evaluation Report – The difference communications is making (9 October 2017-30 June 2018)

·         PPP Brand Guidelines and Style Guide