RESOLVED:  That the refreshed Communication and Engagement Strategy and Action Plan for 2023/24 at Appendices 1 and 2 of the report be approved.

(See Record of Decision)

Councillor Russell, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts, introduced the report setting out an updated Communications and Engagement Strategy 2023/26 and Action Plan for 2023/24 explaining that:

·  The Communications and Engagement Strategy was driven by the  Strategic Plan which sets out the Council’s long-term aspirations for the Borough and how they would be achieved.  The aims and objectives of the Strategy were to support the delivery of the Strategic Plan by ensuring that all campaigns and projects were aligned to and supported the narrative of the four priorities:  Thriving Place; Homes and Communities; Embracing Growth and Enabling Infrastructure; and Safe, Clean and Green.

·  The aim of the Communications Team was to promote, protect and uphold the reputation of the Council.  It supported the delivery of the Strategic Plan through working with Members, services, residents and other key stakeholders to deliver timely and effective campaigns, messages and events which promote and deliver the Council’s priorities.  The key campaigns and actions the Communications Team would be undertaking were set out in the Action Plan for 2023/24 together with details of the communication channels and tools that would be used.

During the discussion:

·  The Cabinet Member undertook to provide clarification regarding the figure of 644 million referenced in the report.

·  The Communications and Engagement Manager provided more detail on events delivered/supported over the past year and associated press and publicity.

·  It was noted that Boxley Ward Members would be willing to assist with delivery of the Insight magazine in some of the outlying areas in the north of the Borough.

·  Members thanked the Officers for a very thorough report and comprehensive Strategy.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET:  That the refreshed Communications and Engagement Strategy 2023/26 and Action Plan for 2023/24, attached at Appendices 1 and 2 to the report of the Communications and Engagement Manager, be approved.