They say a week is a long time in politics so what does that make a year in local government?
by Jade Parker
The end of last year, I took the brave step into the unknown world of local government by joining Basildon Council as Deputy Head of Comms. I left my comfort zone and headed to pastures new from a company who I had worked proudly in for 14 years. But I knew the time was right for me to make a change and jump with both feet first into a new challenge. And I am so pleased I was brave.
I can honestly say, it was a whirlwind, and my first few weeks were overwhelming. I never knew the extent of the vast services a local authority provides to their residents, businesses, and communities. It truly amazes that there are so many teams providing outstanding services all under one roof. And I often think, how does this all work together so well.
I joined a passionate and caring organisation who welcomed me with open arms. At Basildon it is clear that everyone is proud of making a difference to people’s lives and that our jobs really do matter.
Since joining the organisation, I have been exposed to such a wide variety of work including being involved in creating the corporate narrative following a visit by the LGA, supporting the creation of the communications strategy, beginning to overhaul the internal communications, and delivering an all staff event. I’ve also explored and started understanding more so how behaviour change in communications is a vital tool to shift how people act and think. This has been hugely insightful in our food and garden waste comms this year. Plus, I experienced by first ever election, and what a time it was. The work and dedication which goes on behind the scenes is phenomenal, plus the atmosphere is electric. Everyone keeps telling me to get ready for the general election as it’ll be far bigger and on a totally different level. Should I be scared?!
The one thing I found the hardest was starting again somewhere new. Especially as I joined during the last lockdown. The world works on relationships and making those connections takes time. I’m finally at a point where I feel I have a network who I can go to, sense check things, talk through crazy ideas or just say hello. Didn’t realise how much I had missed it.
Something that was different to me is that we’re driven in this team by campaigns. We have corporate campaigns which all our work hangs beneath.
One of my favourite pieces of work is to highlight all the wonderful work my colleagues do every day to support the borough through our internal communications campaign, My Job Matters. This campaign shines the light on officer’s role across the organisation: technical services to the commercial team to the cemetery team and how we engage with residents. You never really know what someone’s job involves until you ask them. I honestly learn something new about people every time we publish a story. We ask the question, ‘why does your job matter’, and for me, my job matters for so many reasons. We’re the brand ambassadors, the reputation protectors, the story tellers and most importantly we here to make a difference and support our colleagues on their work.
I have worked in communications and marketing since graduating many years ago, and I’ve had some great jobs and met some amazing people over the years who have shaped who I am today. One of those being my former Director of Communications. She taught me so many things, and someone who I often think of in my role now; how would she do it? What would she ask? And so on.
But I think I have found my carer path in local government. We may all be spinning plates and trying to do the impossible with shrinking budgets, but the heart of this organisation is huge, and they truly want to make the biggest difference they can. I’m a year in and hope to have many more years to come. #MyJobMatters
Jade Parker is deputy head of communications at Basildon Council. You can say hello on Twitter here.
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