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COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

Time:

10:00am - 12:00pm

Parish and Town Councils are historically not known for actively promoting their work. Too often, councils are reactive rather than proactive in engaging with the public and communicating their initiatives. This course is designed to help councils take control of their narrative, build trust through transparency, and effectively communicate their achievements.

Date:

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Venue:

On-line

Tutor:

Richard Bishop

Cost:

Subscribers £40, Non-subscribers £50

During this course participants will gain practical skills and insights into:


How to Write a Good Press Release

  • Structuring a press release for maximum impact

  • How to create an attention-grabbing headline

  • Writing in a clear, concise, and engaging manner

  • Including essential details: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

  • Sending press releases to the right media contacts and following up

How to Positively Use Social Media - X, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

  • Choosing the right platform for different types of content

  • Creating engaging and shareable posts

  • The dos and don’ts of social media engagement

  • Handling comments and interactions professionally

  • Using social media to promote events, meetings, and achievements

The Importance of Newsletters

  • How newsletters help build a stronger connection with the community

  • Choosing the right format: print, email, online, or mix and match

  • What to include: updates, success stories, upcoming events, and calls to action

  • Writing content that is informative and engaging

  • Using design and layout to improve readability

Other Self-Promotion of Your Council

  • Creating a positive image through community engagement

  • Building relationships with local media and stakeholders

  • Hosting public meetings and events to showcase council initiatives

  • Using websites and blogs to provide regular updates

How to Turn a Negative into a Positive

  • Strategies for handling complaints and criticism

  • Responding to difficult questions with professionalism and      transparency

  • Managing crisis communications effectively

  • Shaping the narrative to maintain public confidence

E-mail - How to Be Clear and Concise

  • Structuring emails for quick and effective communication

  • Writing subject lines that get noticed

  • Avoiding jargon and overly complex language

  • Using a polite and professional tone

  • Encouraging prompt and constructive responses

The 5-Minute Report - Bullet Points

  • The power of summarisation in meetings and communications

  • How to structure bullet points for clarity and impact

  • Creating quick reports that inform without overwhelming the reader

  • Ensuring key takeaways are clear and actionable

This course is essential for all local council members and officers looking to improve their communication skills and engage more effectively with their communities.

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