To consider a report by the Programme Director.
Minutes:
The Committee considered a report by the Programme Director on the
Shaping Dorset Council Communications Plan for Phase 2 (Delivery of services on
1 April 2019), which was developed from the former Communications and Engagement
Plan approved in September 2017. A
separate Plan would be developed in due course for Phase 3 (Designing and
building the new Dorset Council).
A detailed
overview of the communications and engagement approach covered communication
activity for the Shaping Dorset Programme, and also delivery of day 1
communications for the new council. The arrangements would continue to change
throughout the life of the programme and further iterations of the plan would
be developed. At present there was a
clear focus on support for members and employees, to help all understand the
phases and timeline of the Programme. The next stage would see a brand new
website developed to facilitate communications and engagement with residents
and external partners such as town and parish councils for Phase 3.
A question was asked about the Phase 3 communication plans for the
business community. It was explained
that this area was under development and there was more to be done before
detailed plans and dates were in place.
There had been an update provided to businesses that had taken part in
the original consultation process facilitated by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce
and Industry and through the Public Service Forum, but this was all at a
strategic level and further engagement would be developed in due course. Financial plans would also be subject to
consultation with the business sector in due course.
In relation to the revised media protocol, a request was made for the
appropriate Lead Member to be quoted in press releases and other media
channels.
Cllr Sherry Jespersen, as the Lead Member for Communities, commended the
report and the communications approach, including the quality of the members’
newsletters, to the Committee and indicated that the Communications and Engagement
Task and Finish Group would consider points made throughout the
discussion. It was also suggested that
visual presentation – a dashboard – of what was happening would be a very good
way to demonstrate at committee meetings what was happening and to show the
impact of the communications.
Decision
That the Plan, and that further iterations will be overseen through the Shadow Executive Committee at intervals to be agreed, be noted.