There are just a few weeks to go to the CIPR Local Public Services group annual conference and awards on 7 and 8 February in Bristol.

Unfortunately I won’t be able to be there as I can’t be away from work given some developments that’ll be clear soon. I’m disappointed about this as the team at Medway Council has six shortlisted entries in five categories in the awards:

• Media Relations Excellence – apprenticeships campaign
• Media Relations Excellence – Thames Estuary Airport media campaign
• Digital excellence – Medway Council website
• External newspaper or magazine – Medway Matters
• Publication, leaflet or flyer – “What’s on Medway” publication

So fingers crossed for success in these awards to follow our win in the Public Sector Communications Awards last November.

The conference itself has a strong line-up of speakers and is designed to be flexible to allow delegates to select their own programme according to their areas of interest. If you’re interested in going along, book your place now here.

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Speakers

Conference keynote address – Iain Dale

The prominent political commentator, publisher of Total Politics Magazine, one of the early pioneers of political blogging, the first openly gay Conservative to fight a parliamentary election, a LBC Radio host, Iain is a high profile and outspoken figure who is passionate about online citizen engagement and the power of radio.

Harnessing the legacy from London 2012

Julie Morrow, Director of Communications, Legacy Trust UK
Charlotte Fitzgerald, former Head of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Communications Programme, London Borough of Hackney
Tony Taylorson, Communications and Media Manager,Cambridgeshire County Council

London and the UK achieved something very special last summer. How can we harness the 2012 legacy to promote health, well being and participation in our communities?

The Future of local government communications – David Holdstock, Head of Communications, Local Government Association

Workshops:

Strategic Leadership: what role should the Head of Communications play in developing service change?
With Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of Thurrock and Barking and Dagenham Councils will talk about what Chief Executives now want from communications.

Making an impact a senior level and working with members
With Peter Holt, Service Director, Communications and Marketing, Bristol City Council.
This workshop around how to make an impact and understand political risk is aimed at middle managers, and those seeking management positions. Our host communications director has a unique perspective as a former Council Leader.

Connecting with young people
With Liz Goodwin, Senior Product Manager, Polydor.
It’s a huge challenge for all local authorities – how can we use digital and other channels to connect with that hardest to reach audience? We hear from a music industry expert who has created award winning campaigns in her sector by connecting with young audiences.

Public health – taking on the challenges of public health campaigns
With Richard Kenyon, Kenyon Fraser Communications, public health social marketing specialists (invited speaker tbc).
As Public Health moves from transition to full integration into councils this workshop is for authorities looking at best practice in public health communications.

Planning and localism – what will the changes mean for local communications
Changes to the planning system and through the Localism Act could have a big impact on districts and rural areas. This workshop will look at the potential communications issues.

Friday, 8 February 2013

Speakers

New models of democracy and engagement

Sue Mountstevens, Elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset
George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol
Polly Cziok, Head of Communications London Borough of Hackney
Simon Parker, Director, New Local Government Network

How will directly elected figures such as Mayors and Police Commissioners impact on local public service communications? What are the opportunities to connect with communities in new ways? This panel discussion will answer these and other any questions you have.

Closing keynote speaker – Phillip Blond

The author of Red Tory, and the brains behind David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ talks about the evolving role of local public services and the implications of the Social Value Act, which he played a large part in developing.

Workshops

Partnership Working
The Honest Truth is a unique partnership between Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council, along with private businesses. It has made a serious impact on young drivers and made the roads safer. Find out how this award winning project works.

Social Care Communications: communicating change to vulnerable audiences
With Ben Coleman, North West Chair of Association of Communicators. This workshop will look at best practice for communicating the complexities of social care change.

Crisis Communications Masterclass: Aftermath: Relationships, Reassurance and Community
Sarah Pinch, former Director of Communications, University Hospital NHS Trust, Bristol, Chair CIPR West of England Group
Gareth Jones, Media Manager, Edinburgh Council
Rhian Davies Moore, Head of Communications, Dyfed Powys Police

Three experts talk about managing the aftermath of complex and difficult crisis scenarios and how they managed relationships and built cohesion, between stakeholders and within communities. Followed by a practical groupwork session.

Leadership in tough times
With Woodcock Lee Associates: specialists in coaching and senior management development in local public service

A practical workshop for Heads of Communications and senior managers around keeping team engaged and motivated as staff cuts kick in, whilst expectations rise