To approve the communications strategy with associated communication protocols for the period 2016-2019.

1.    It is important that the council communicates to residents and businesses with over 188,000 people living in the county and some 10,948 businesses in Herefordshire[1], each of which need a varying degree of interaction with the council and differing requirements.

2.    The previous communications strategy covering 2010-2014, was formed at a point when Herefordshire Council was working in a close partnership with the then NHS Herefordshire. The proposed communication strategy has a greater emphasis on working with communities to deliver services and is a better reflection of the way to work in the changing financial climate. The strategy also identifies that engagement and communication is across service and the entire organisation, and not isolated to a communications team.

3.    The strategy provides a framework for the council’s communication, alongside the protocols and principles to help guard and mitigate risk. It also informs the organisation and supports it to become more efficient and effective.

1.            Continue working in current arrangements without a fit for purpose, current guiding strategy or accompanying protocols. This is not recommended as would result in an ad-hoc approach to communication and engagement with residents, businesses and partners.

2.            To reduce the level and range of communication and engagement across the council knowing there is pressure on the budgets due to reduction in Government grant and the need to focus resource on areas of high demand. This is not recommended at this time as would reduce the capacity of the organisation to engage during a period of change and development, with key activities and programmes being implemented over the next few years in line with the corporate plan.