http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/The most recent blog posts and upcoming events from LG Communicationsen-gbhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=ruby-bhattal-business-as-usual-crisis-communications-management-mattershttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=ruby-bhattal-business-as-usual-crisis-communications-management-mattersWatching the recent media coverage and images of the Loyalist protests sparked by the decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag at Belfast City Hall, one is reminded of England’s own challenging moment during August 2011.Kim PattersonFri, 15 Feb 2013 15:51:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=darren-caveney-20-things-i-learned-in-manchesterhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=darren-caveney-20-things-i-learned-in-manchesterManchester’s shiny new Business School was the venue for the latest LGcomms seminar this week, and the subject was the ever popular one of social media.Kim PattersonMon, 11 Feb 2013 10:54:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-carterhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-carterI’m submitting my blog from my office in Newcastle overlooking the campus here at Northumbria University.Kim PattersonWed, 05 Dec 2012 13:10:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=tim-seamans-put-it-down-to-work-experiencehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=tim-seamans-put-it-down-to-work-experienceI remember doing work experience at a leisure centre while I was at school. My teacher was dumbfounded by my choice. Dear Mr Maunders even speculated that I fancied a week of doing not very much in particular. Not so, although admittedly it's hard to see where it fitted between my long-lived wanting-to-be-a-fighter-pilot phase and the next meaningful one where I became a journalist instead. Sti...Kim PattersonMon, 05 Nov 2012 10:46:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=chris-taylor-we-wish-you-a-merry-christmashttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=chris-taylor-we-wish-you-a-merry-christmasWhen I was in my local John Lewis last weekend the decorations were up, carols were playing and displays of posh chocolates had been strategically placed by the escalators.Kim PattersonMon, 29 Oct 2012 10:38:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=rosemary-mathews-good-communicators-can-survive-the-spending-freezehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=rosemary-mathews-good-communicators-can-survive-the-spending-freezeThe winter seems only a step away and the cruel budget season is upon us. Will they cut? Will they save? Communicators up and down the country hold their breath as they stand shoulder to shoulder with more emotive and sometimes life preserving service colleagues as we head into the annual round of negotiations. Kim PattersonTue, 23 Oct 2012 10:32:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-do-something-good-today-just-say-nohttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-do-something-good-today-just-say-noThey say ask a busy person to do something, and it will get done. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed more and more requests of ‘can you just …’ and being the consummate professional, of course, I always try to help.Kim PattersonTue, 16 Oct 2012 17:26:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-are-we-fit-for-the-public-health-challengehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-are-we-fit-for-the-public-health-challengeAs I write this I’m looking forward to my third Great North Run in as many years, safe in the knowledge that I haven’t trained as hard as I should have or could have done.Kim PattersonMon, 17 Sep 2012 18:23:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=robin-campbell-get-involved-and-get-in-touchhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=robin-campbell-get-involved-and-get-in-touchAs communications professionals we must constantly challenge our councils or the organisations we work for and ask whether we are doing the right thing. Kim PattersonTue, 11 Sep 2012 14:23:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=eleri-roberts-the-real-british-spirithttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=eleri-roberts-the-real-british-spiritAs the memories start to fade and the post-Olympics blues set in communications professionals will be looking at the lessons learned and how we can keep the goodwill and excitement lasting. Kim PattersonMon, 10 Sep 2012 17:51:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=cormac-smith-we-need-a-strategy-for-trusthttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=cormac-smith-we-need-a-strategy-for-trustThese are challenging times to work in local government. Kim PattersonTue, 21 Aug 2012 10:23:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=darren-caveney-communications-wd40-for-organisationshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=darren-caveney-communications-wd40-for-organisationsSummer well and truly hit this weekend.Kim PattersonMon, 13 Aug 2012 14:59:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=july-2012-academy-editionhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=july-2012-academy-editionHighlights from the 2012 Academy in BirminghamKim PattersonWed, 08 Aug 2012 15:32:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=neil-wholey-what-is-the-current-reputation-of-local-governmenthttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=neil-wholey-what-is-the-current-reputation-of-local-governmentExcerptMarkus BegiebingThu, 31 May 2012 10:32:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=survive-and-thrive-a-guide-for-public-sector-communications-people-facing-changehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=survive-and-thrive-a-guide-for-public-sector-communications-people-facing-changeA common sense guide for communications staff facing change and the prospect of cuts in the public sectorKim PattersonTue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=chris-taylor-the-times-they-are-a-changinhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=chris-taylor-the-times-they-are-a-changinOne of my many hobbies is collecting gadgets. Kim PattersonMon, 06 Feb 2012 15:02:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=neil-wholey-six-fantastic-and-free-social-media-monitoring-toolshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=neil-wholey-six-fantastic-and-free-social-media-monitoring-toolsThe article is a list of six free social media monitoring tools that I regularly use and think are fantastic. Kim PattersonTue, 17 Jan 2012 09:49:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=suzanne-halliwell-internal-communications-essential-not-nice-to-havehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=suzanne-halliwell-internal-communications-essential-not-nice-to-haveSuzanne Halliwell is Head of Communications and Marketing at Blackpool Council.Kim PattersonFri, 06 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=teresa-lane-high-speed-two-what-line-to-takehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=teresa-lane-high-speed-two-what-line-to-takeThere’s nothing it seems like a good crisis or controversy to bring councils and communities together.Kim PattersonTue, 13 Dec 2011 17:33:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=david-holdstock-speaking-up-for-your-residents-just-a-phone-call-awayhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=david-holdstock-speaking-up-for-your-residents-just-a-phone-call-awayOn 15 November localism became a reality, shifting power from central government to local communities. Kim PattersonTue, 13 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=fran-collingham-let-it-snowhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=fran-collingham-let-it-snowDark nights, cold and frosty mornings – it's finally winter and the chance for every council comms team to prove their worth.Kim PattersonTue, 13 Dec 2011 17:17:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=do-you-want-to-take-part-in-the-lginsight-day-lgcomms-academyhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=do-you-want-to-take-part-in-the-lginsight-day-lgcomms-academyLast year the LGinsight Day at the Academy was extremely well received and we want to make this year bigger and better. In particular we want to showcase the work your authority has done in understanding the needs of residents, staff and other audiences.Kim PattersonFri, 02 Dec 2011 15:25:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kathryn-cooper-the-changing-face-of-local-governmenthttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kathryn-cooper-the-changing-face-of-local-governmentAcross the country, local government is all under the same strain – to save money and improve servicesKim PattersonWed, 30 Nov 2011 18:02:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-if-you-haven-t-got-your-healthhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-if-you-haven-t-got-your-healthReducing the burden of obesity-related illness on the NHS and public finances in general is something councils should be taking seriously.Kim PattersonWed, 02 Nov 2011 17:16:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-winter-weather-a-scottish-perspectivehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-winter-weather-a-scottish-perspectiveIt’s time to rollout our public communications campaign in readiness for winter.Kim PattersonFri, 28 Oct 2011 17:04:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=neil-wholey-are-the-public-concerned-about-bin-collection-any-morehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=neil-wholey-are-the-public-concerned-about-bin-collection-any-moreIs bin collection still a priority?Kim PattersonFri, 30 Sep 2011 11:51:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=future-leaders-networkhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=future-leaders-networkAre you a star in the making?Kim PattersonThu, 01 Sep 2011 15:45:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=business-rates-retentionhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=business-rates-retention- an opportunity for place marketingKim PattersonTue, 30 Aug 2011 11:09:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=lessons-from-the-riotshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=lessons-from-the-riotsPublic perceptions and proposals for public engagementKim PattersonTue, 30 Aug 2011 10:41:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=are-you-street-talking-if-not-should-you-behttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=are-you-street-talking-if-not-should-you-beTo truly understand the issues that are important to our communities..Kim PattersonTue, 23 Aug 2011 10:34:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=carl-welham-ready-set-gohttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=carl-welham-ready-set-goAre you ready for the Olympics?Kim PattersonMon, 08 Aug 2011 08:42:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=vicki-spencer-community-mattershttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=vicki-spencer-community-mattersWe hear the words "community engagement" Kim PattersonMon, 01 Aug 2011 15:25:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=lginsight-populus-perceptions-of-local-councils-national-poll-july-2011http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=lginsight-populus-perceptions-of-local-councils-national-poll-july-2011Summary of findings: 26 July 2011Residents are more positive about their local council than they were at the start of the year. Kim PattersonMon, 01 Aug 2011 10:32:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=david-holdstock-from-a-distance-will-a-national-model-for-health-comms-improve-local-commshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=david-holdstock-from-a-distance-will-a-national-model-for-health-comms-improve-local-commsThe DOH is developing a new national model to deliver health communications.Kim PattersonThu, 14 Jul 2011 13:03:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=what-s-your-survival-strategyhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=what-s-your-survival-strategyRead the top 10 survival tipsKim PattersonTue, 28 Jun 2011 17:36:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=neil-wholey-understanding-our-residents-a-new-discussion-paperhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=neil-wholey-understanding-our-residents-a-new-discussion-paperOver the next few years how residents react to budget cuts and service changes will vary across the country. Kim PattersonWed, 22 Jun 2011 15:55:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=james-gilbert-does-size-matter-when-being-socialhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=james-gilbert-does-size-matter-when-being-socialSocial media was massive at this year's Academy in Nottingham.Kim PattersonMon, 06 Jun 2011 16:28:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=jane-edwards-ryan-giggs-ryan-giggs-ryan-giggshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=jane-edwards-ryan-giggs-ryan-giggs-ryan-giggsAn interesting moment in the world of communications in the UK.Kim PattersonTue, 31 May 2011 15:53:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=stephen-barker-nottingham-pioneers-cost-cutting-council-communication-toolhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=stephen-barker-nottingham-pioneers-cost-cutting-council-communication-toolNottingham is launching Portfolio, an innovative web portal that allows public sector organisations to share marketing materialsKim PattersonTue, 24 May 2011 10:13:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=kevin-ruck-supporting-and-engaging-teams-in-difficult-timeshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=kevin-ruck-supporting-and-engaging-teams-in-difficult-timesCo-founder of the PR Academy on 'the secret to engagement'.Kim PattersonMon, 23 May 2011 09:33:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=stephen-barker-my-social-media-your-social-media-let-s-sharehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=stephen-barker-my-social-media-your-social-media-let-s-shareHear about the Academy breakfast session.Kim PattersonWed, 18 May 2011 09:13:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=take-part-in-a-study-on-localismhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=take-part-in-a-study-on-localismLooking at the communications challenges that the localism agenda presents local authorities.Kim PattersonMon, 16 May 2011 10:57:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-carter-highlight-of-the-yearhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-carter-highlight-of-the-yearSo - there’s just two weeks to go until the highlight of the year for local government communicators.Kim PattersonThu, 12 May 2011 10:29:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=experts-call-for-200m-saving-on-public-noticeshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=experts-call-for-200m-saving-on-public-noticesLGcomms wants to see local authorities given more freedom to advertise statutory notices.Kim PattersonTue, 10 May 2011 10:32:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=lgcomms-newshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=lgcomms-newsClick here for the latest copy of LGcomms News.Kim PattersonThu, 05 May 2011 15:39:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-reasons-to-invest-in-peoplehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=kate-bond-reasons-to-invest-in-people‘In this difficult financial climate’ Kim PattersonTue, 26 Apr 2011 14:45:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-driving-innovation-through-the-roofhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=andy-allsopp-driving-innovation-through-the-roofA few years ago...Kim PattersonMon, 18 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=alex-aiken-all-reputation-is-localhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=alex-aiken-all-reputation-is-localAll reputation is local, demonstrated this week with the launch of CommsCymru.Kim PattersonMon, 11 Apr 2011 10:16:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=former-fleet-street-editor-critical-of-new-council-publicity-codehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=former-fleet-street-editor-critical-of-new-council-publicity-codeFormer Fleet Street editor and professor of journalism Roy Greenslade has criticised plans to introduce a new local authority publicity code, which places restrictions on the frequency of council publications.Kim PattersonTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:05:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=dclg-to-press-on-with-new-publicity-codehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=dclg-to-press-on-with-new-publicity-codeNew rules on council publicity fail to take into account mounting concern by leading public sector communicators and an influential committee of MPs, LGcomms has warned.Kim PattersonTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=how-do-i-drive-more-people-onlinehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=how-do-i-drive-more-people-onlineI am tasked with project managing the centralising of our publications and marketing/advertising and associated spend. Kim PattersonTue, 22 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=i-m-taking-you-back-to-the-futurehttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/reports?blog=i-m-taking-you-back-to-the-futureLocal government has proved that it is the best managed and the most efficient part of the public sector for the last decade.Kim PattersonThu, 17 Feb 2011 16:43:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=tough-choiceshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=tough-choicesPublic sector leaders are making tough choices at the moment, and communications will not escape untouched. We’re a tough choice too: every pound spent on communicating services is a pound not spent on delivering them.Kim PattersonTue, 08 Feb 2011 16:57:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=councils-must-work-harder-survey-showshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=councils-must-work-harder-survey-showsPeople are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with local councils.Kim PattersonMon, 07 Feb 2011 12:57:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=yammerhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=yammerTo quote Yammer " Yammer is revolutionizing internal corporate communications by bringing together all of a company’s employees inside a private and secure enterprise social network".Kim PattersonSat, 05 Feb 2011 13:47:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=a-welcome-blog-from-the-chairhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/committee?blog=a-welcome-blog-from-the-chair…so here it is, our new LGcommunications website. When we asked you earlier this year what we could improve for our members, the website came out as your number one. Markus BegiebingSun, 16 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=will-first-cuts-be-the-deepesthttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/rss/?blog=will-first-cuts-be-the-deepestWhen Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne unveiled the UK government’s Spending Review, high-profile commentators were quick to weigh in on the potential effects on public services and benefits.Markus BegiebingFri, 14 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=got-a-minute-electoral-registration-campaignhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=got-a-minute-electoral-registration-campaignAylesbury Vale District Council’s recent 'Got a minute' electoral registration campaign aimed to get residents to register electronically by explaining that it takes less than 60 seconds to register by phone, text or online.Markus BegiebingFri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=the-football-league-projecthttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=the-football-league-projectThis is a joint initiative between The Football League and LGcommunications to improve working between Football League clubs and their local authorities. Markus BegiebingTue, 23 Nov 2010 09:29:00 +0000http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=proving-your-worthhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=proving-your-worthAs the public sector faces cuts on an unprecedented scale communications teams are going to have to 'prove their worth' by explaining what they do, why they do it and how they are going to maintain crucial services. Markus BegiebingWed, 20 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=clg-tighten-council-publicityhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=clg-tighten-council-publicityCouncil publications should only be published up to four times a year and should not directly compete with the local press, according to draft government proposals published this month.Markus BegiebingTue, 19 Oct 2010 03:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=time-to-prove-your-worth-in-tough-timeshttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/lgcomms-newspaper?blog=time-to-prove-your-worth-in-tough-timesPublic sector communicators are facing the double impact of increased demand for services but with falling budgets, which look set to continue to be squeezed.Markus BegiebingMon, 18 Oct 2010 02:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/blog/knowledge?blog=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prThe expected Localism Bill will mark a step change in the way that councils communicate. The proposed legislation should strengthen the importance of public relations as a tool to engage local people but only if local authorities understand their new responsibilities and meet the spending challenge they will face over the next few months.Markus BegiebingSun, 06 Jun 2010 06:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/events/conference/upcoming?event=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/events/conference/upcoming?event=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prLG CommunicationsTue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/events/reputation-awards/upcoming?event=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prhttp://www.lgcomms.org.uk/events/reputation-awards/upcoming?event=localism-bill-will-strengthen-the-importance-of-prLG CommunicationsWed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100