Enhancing the reputation of local government in response to central government's challenge
Government has set us all a challenge to change the reputation of local government. This is because research suggests that local government is failing to keep pace with growing public satisfaction of councils' services. In other words, whilst the public may be satisfied with the services they receive from their local authority, they still have a negative perception of the council overall.
In response to this we have:
- Established a PR/Communication Managers' network. This group is working together to enhance the reputation of local government in the region.
- Been working with Chief Executives and experts to develop and agree a number of regional communication priorites/ actions. Janet Waggott, the Chief Executive of Rydale District Council is the Regional Chief Executive lead on Communications. She provides valuable advice and guidance to the PR/Communication Managers' network on communications issues and reports back to the other Chief Executives in the Region on progress of the agreed priorities and actions.
In addition, we are working on a number of other initiatives which will help to improve the perception of local government. These include:
- Funding a capacity building project around reputation, involving a customer services mystery shopping pilot
- Identifing and increasing opportunities for e-participation and democracy
- Continuing with and enhancing our annual regional awards scheme
For further information about this area of activity, contact Stella Jackson on stella.jackson@lgyh.gov.uk or by telephone on 01924 331631.