from local gov to the nhs: comparing comms across the sectors

August 11, 2015 Darren Caveney

Plenty of folks have switched sectors in their careers, and many more follow. In this fascinating post we learn all about the differences, and similarities, in communications in local government and the NHS from one of the best comms pros around.

By GUEST EDITOR Ross Wigham

Hello and welcome from your friend in the North.

I’ve been a long time reader and occasional contributor to comms2point0 so it’s a real treat to be guest editing and a genuine honour to be asked.

Having moved to work in a hospital, after spending the last seven years at various councils the thing I’m most commonly asked is what’s the biggest difference? Clearly, that’s about as boring as asking how many times Newcastle United will concede more than four goals this season, but I do see some interesting parallels between the NHS as a whole and the average public sector comms team.

In campaigns + media, digital + social Tags CIPR, comms, comms2point0, from local gov to the nhs: the differences and similarities in communications, marketing, pr, ross wigham, social media

using a social campaign to back-up a tv show

November 3, 2013 Darren Caveney

Northumberland is one of the most beautiful corners of Britain. But it suffers from being far away from population centres and a lack of exposure. Go there and you'll fall in love with the place. So, bright people who look after the promotion of tourism have got active during a TV show that showcases it.

by Ross Wigham

It’s not often that I’m nervously tuned into ITV right before Coronation Street, furtively waiting for a middle aged TV star and former hit-maker to wax lyrical about my patch.

In digital + social Tags comms, comms2point0, communications, local government, northumberland county council, ross wigham, social media, tourism, using a social campaign to back-up a TV show, www.comms2point0.co.uk

ten thoughts on getting social

October 31, 2012 Darren Caveney

Digital communications can be a leap of faith to communications people. But once you make that leap it starts to make powerful sense. Here are some tips to help you no matter where you are on your journey.

by Ross Wigham

1. Try to think customer not corporate. This sounds pretty obvious doesn’t it but for too long we were focusing on what the council wanted to tell people, rather than thinking about the conversations that we should be having. Social media for councils and the whole public sector is a real game changer when it comes to engagement and that starting point should be thinking about the stuff residents want to talk to us about. It’s meant to be a conversation, so make sure you’re listening as well as talking. From a population of 300,000 we’ve now got more than 26,000 people signed up to our networks, despite being a predominantly rural area.

In digital + social Tags 10, comms2point0, head of communications, northumberland county council, ross wigham, ten thoughts on getting social, www.comms2point0.co.uk