How are you and your team performing? Well, hopefully. But how do you know? Here’s a brand new resource to help you find out and support you in further improving your communications.

by David Holdstock

Last summer we launched our #FutureComms resource, which includes a range of tools and good practice to help councils improve their communications function and how modern, strategic communications can help deliver corporate priorities. The feedback has been really positive and it’s been great to see so many people using it. It’s also been good to work with many of you to further develop it by adding new chapters over the last few months.

A year on, with economic, social and political uncertainty showing no signs of letting up, the role of a modern, strategic communicator has never been more important – or more challenging. Communities are looking for reassurance, clarity and transparency from their council – and colleagues are looking to us to deliver it.

So, as part of the next phase, we’ve launched our #FutureComms Self-Assessment Tool. This is a simple tool which will give you an honest appraisal of the communications work you’re delivering at your council. It will tell you where your strengths lie and what needs improving, and then give you the resources to support you with strengthening your communications – from shaping a communications strategy to improving channel use.

How to use the tool

The #FutureComms self-assessment is really easy to use and can be accessed from your computer, phone or tablet. First, you’ll need to register and sign in on the LGA’s the LG Inform platform. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to go. There are 17 questions to answer and as you respond, your results will be calculated, and you’ll be pointed to case studies and other useful resources and documents to support you in your work.

The results are confidential to you but can be really useful to share with your team and colleagues in the rest of the organisation.

The bigger picture

We’re always looking to further development our support and guidance in a way that works for you and your team. Once you’ve had a chance to use it, we’d really appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you think by contacting me at directorofcommunications@local.gov.uk along with any questions you may have.

David Holdstock is Director of Communications at the Local Government Association – you can say hello on Twitter at @DavidHold

Image via Nasa on the Commons