Harbours Advisory Committee

15 March 2023

Dorset Council Harbours Communications Plan

For Recommendation to the Portfolio Holder

Portfolio Holder:	Cllr R Bryan, Highways, Travel and Environment

Local Councillor(s):	All Councillors

Executive Director:	J Sellgren, Executive Director of Place

Report Authors: Kirstie Snow, Claire Connolly

Title:	External Affairs Business Partner, Business Manager

Tel:	01305 838423

Email:	claire.connolly@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Kirstie.snow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Report Status: Public

Brief Summary: As part of the Dorset Council Harbour Strategy, strategic goal number two is to strengthen relationships with harbour users and stakeholders and work in partnership to achieve common goals. To support this goal, an action point is to develop and introduce a communications plan with an aim for all three harbours to improve communication, best practice and joined up thinking.

Recommendation: That subject to any suggested changes the Harbour Advisory Committee recommend that the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel, and the Environment approves the Harbours Communication Plan.

Reason for Recommendation: Having a communications plan will build relationships with stakeholders, harbour users and suppliers to improve efficiency promote trust and responsibility. There needs to be a consistent approach to provide high quality customer service across the harbours and to build excellent working relationships.

The plan is an overarching document that aims to support the objectives identified in the Harbour Strategy. An action plan has been included detailing current methods, aims and future scope. This action plan will be updated and continually reviewed by the harbour teams.

Financial Implications

There are costs relating to staff time and costs already built into the budget to fund the aims of the action plan. Should there be any significant changes in approach to advertising or promoting the harbours and increased costs would be considered as part of future budget setting.

Climate Implications

There are no climate implications linked to the subject of this report.

Well-being and Health Implications

Communication will include and important health, safety and well-being messages related to the harbour environment.

Other Implications

Harbours have engaged with Dorset Councils Corporate Communication Team and will continue to look to them for support and guidance.

Risk Assessment

HAVING CONSIDERED: the risks associated with this decision; the level of risk has been identified as:

Current Risk: Low

Residual Risk: Low

Equalities Impact Assessment

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Appendices

•	Appendix 1 Harbours Communication Plan

Background Papers None