Agenda item

The Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 will replace the expiring Communications and Public Relations Strategy, and seeks to improve and modernise the Communications and Engagement service at the Council. It will require a significant shift in terms of operations, expectations, prioritisation and culture. It will provide better value for money for the Council, help improve relations with stakeholders by ensuring their views are heard, and be vital in supporting the delivery and success of important council initiatives and priorities.

The Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 is attached at Annexe 1.

Recommendation

That the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 is approved.

45.1     Cllr Paul Follows, as Portfolio Holder for Communications and Engagement, introduced the proposed Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023, which would replace the previous Communications and Public Relations Strategy 2015-2019. The Strategy elaborated on the communications themes of the Corporate Strategy, and sought to improve and modernise the communications function with a more ethical and scientific approach, and bringing engagement explicitly into the strategy. Cllr Follows commended the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 to Council for approval.

45.2     Councillors had a number of comments on the proposed Strategy:

-        Cllr Goodridge was broadly content with the proposed approach and pleased to see that traditional communication channels were still seen as important. He asked that communications between councillors be open and transparent and that questions asked of the Leadership receive a prompt response. He also asked about the financial implications of implementing the new approach. Cllr Deanus and Cllr Cosser also emphasised the need to prioritise communications between the Executive Members and back-bench Members.

-        Cllr Cockburn made a number of points about the potential for harm to be caused by what she felt had been uncontrolled communications from some Members in relation to the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan review. She was broadly supportive of the Strategy, although personally questioned whether communication was not more of an art and skill rather than a science; and reiterated comments that communication needed to be two-way, and not just broadcast information.

-        Cllr Hyman and Cllr Gray also expressed support. Cllr Hyman asked that performance be evaluated against the Strategy via Overview and Scrutiny and the Executive.

45.3     Cllr Follows responded to the points raised by Members in their comments and explained that the Strategy would be implemented with existing resources, and the aim was to make the production of Your Waverley cost-neutral by selling space for appropriate advertisements. He committed to working to make communications with councillors as high a priority as communication with residents.

45.4     The Leader summed up and responded to specific comments made regarding the review of Local Plan Part 1, and the change of date of the Council meeting, and commended the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 to Council for approval.

45.5     The Mayor moved the recommendation that the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 be approved. As previously agreed, a recorded vote was taken using the electronic voting:

            For:      46

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Ruth Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  2

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski and Penny Marriott.

            The motion was carried.

            RESOLVED that the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 be approved.