PR and Communication in Local Government and Public Services 1st Edition
Author(s): John Brown (Author), Pat Gaudin (Author), Wendy Moran (Author)
Publisher: Kogan Page
Publication Date: 3 July 2013
Edition: 1st
Language: English
Print length: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 0749466162
ISBN-13: 9780749466169
Book Description
In the UK’s current climate of budget cuts and policy changes, local government officials need to be aware of best practice in both broadcasting their services and responding to crises in their communities. Meanwhile, changes in the media – from the rise of social media, to web access for older consumers – present new challenges for local councils about how to best convey their key messages and protect their ‘brand’.
Full of expert advice, tools and case studies from a variety of sources, PR and Communication in Local Government and Public Services is a practical reference guide to delivering professional public relations for both communications and the delivery of local services. It offers a detailed analysis of the issues that are unique to this challenging and fast-moving environment, whilst reinforcing the importance of effective and meaningful communication to both local democracy and the planning and delivery of quality services.
PR and Communication in Local Government and Public Services 1st Edition is also supported by a range of online resources, including case studies, appendices, and a bonus chapter on local authority publicity.
About the PR in Practice series: Published in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the PR in Practiceseries comprises accessible, practical introductions to day-to-day issues of public relations practice and management. The series’ action-oriented approach keeps knowledge and skills up to date.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book brings the theory and practice of public service PR right up-to-date and is a ‘must read’ for anyone working in PR in the public sector. It will be a valuable resource for both PR practitioners and academics, setting out the theory of effective PR and practical examples of excellence in practice.”, David Holdstock, Director of Communications, Local Government Association
“The book is a useful guide and refresher for PR practitioners in local government. It covers many of the issues faced, supports practitioners in communicating strategically and has useful chapters on the communications aspects and legacies of a variety of initiatives. The experience of the authors and the detailed examples from public service practitioners allow fresh insights into topics. The checklists provide a quick review of learning and reference points and combined with case studies make this book a vital CPD resource.”,
Abha Thakor, CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner, and local government communicator
“Lively and thoughtful, comprehensive and compelling, the book should be read by anyone who is facing or contemplating any form of public information or engagement campaign. Chief Executives might also like to keep a copy in their desk drawer, as might their counterparts and communicators in other sectors.”,
Adrian Crookes, Course Leader BA (Hons) Public Relations, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication
“Communications and PR teams need to continually raise their game and demonstrate their value in a complex and challenging environment. It is great to see that this book covers the key skills and competencies that these teams will need to display… With many practical examples and case studies this book will help teams to shape communications and PR across the sector.”,
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive at Thurrock and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“How I wish I’d found a copy of a book like this on my desk when I started out in local authority PR 30 years ago! Students at UG, PG and professional level, new entrants to practice in the local and public sector, and consultancy professionals who are taking on public sector clients for the first time will find it an indispensable introduction.”,
Mel Powell, Senior Lecturer in PR, Manchester Metropolitan University; Judge of the Best Campaign category in the CIPR’s Local/Public Service Awards.
“At a time of shrinking public sector budgets and growing public demand for services, this book is an invaluable study aid for the PR newcomer as well as a wise reference manual for the seasoned PR practitioner.”,
Dave Monk DL, LL.B (Hons), MSc., Broadcaster
“What I particularly like about the book is that it benefits from the insights gained by very experienced practitioners, but doesn’t rely on them – far from being a monologue about what they think, it is well researched and draws on evidence from a diverse range of academic and practitioner sources.”,
Emma Wood FCIPR, Senior Lecturer at Queen Margaret University and a coordinator of QMU’s Centre for Dialogue
“This is the best, most up to date resource I have come across for anyone wanting to make sense of the complex, fast-moving world of public sector communications… The authors, well-known specialists in their field, have drawn on a wealth of case studies and insight from colleagues which provide practical, recent examples, including an online resource.”,
Lynda Fothergill MCIPR, Interim Marketing and Communications Manager, Trafford Council
“An excellent new book on local government public relations […] brings the role bang up to date with 21st century phenomena such as social media, place-shaping and (seemingly) permanent austerity.”,
David Brindle, C’LLR Magazine
“a timely primer for communicators at all levels […] the 300 pages contain comprehensive, revealing and useful examples of good practice. The section of strategy is solid and advice on the law and crisis comms is valuable […] an excellent starter on local government comms.”,
Alex Aiken, PR Week
Review
“This book brings the theory and practice of public service PR right up-to-date and is a ‘must read’ for anyone working in PR in the public sector. It will be a valuable resource for both PR practitioners and academics, setting out the theory of effective PR and practical examples of excellence in practice.” ― David Holdstock, Director of Communications, Local Government Association
“The book is a useful guide and refresher for PR practitioners in local government. It covers many of the issues faced, supports practitioners in communicating strategically and has useful chapters on the communications aspects and legacies of a variety of initiatives. The experience of the authors and the detailed examples from public service practitioners allow fresh insights into topics. The checklists provide a quick review of learning and reference points and combined with case studies make this book a vital CPD resource.” ―
Abha Thakor, CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner, and local government communicator
“Lively and thoughtful, comprehensive and compelling, the book should be read by anyone who is facing or contemplating any form of public information or engagement campaign. Chief Executives might also like to keep a copy in their desk drawer, as might their counterparts and communicators in other sectors.” ―
Adrian Crookes, Course Leader BA (Hons) Public Relations, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication
“Communications and PR teams need to continually raise their game and demonstrate their value in a complex and challenging environment. It is great to see that this book covers the key skills and competencies that these teams will need to display… With many practical examples and case studies this book will help teams to shape communications and PR across the sector.” ―
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive at Thurrock and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
“How I wish I’d found a copy of a book like this on my desk when I started out in local authority PR 30 years ago! Students at UG, PG and professional level, new entrants to practice in the local and public sector, and consultancy professionals who are taking on public sector clients for the first time will find it an indispensable introduction.” ―
Mel Powell, Senior Lecturer in PR, Manchester Metropolitan University; Judge of the Best Campaign category in the CIPR’s Local/Public Service Awards.
“At a time of shrinking public sector budgets and growing public demand for services, this book is an invaluable study aid for the PR newcomer as well as a wise reference manual for the seasoned PR practitioner.” ―
Dave Monk DL, LL.B (Hons), MSc., Broadcaster
“What I particularly like about the book is that it benefits from the insights gained by very experienced practitioners, but doesn’t rely on them – far from being a monologue about what they think, it is well researched and draws on evidence from a diverse range of academic and practitioner sources.” ―
Emma Wood FCIPR, Senior Lecturer at Queen Margaret University and a coordinator of QMU’s Centre for Dialogue
“This is the best, most up to date resource I have come across for anyone wanting to make sense of the complex, fast-moving world of public sector communications… The authors, well-known specialists in their field, have drawn on a wealth of case studies and insight from colleagues which provide practical, recent examples, including an online resource.” ―
Lynda Fothergill MCIPR, Interim Marketing and Communications Manager, Trafford Council
“An excellent new book on local government public relations […] brings the role bang up to date with 21st century phenomena such as social media, place-shaping and (seemingly) permanent austerity.” ―
David Brindle, C’LLR Magazine
“a timely primer for communicators at all levels […] the 300 pages contain comprehensive, revealing and useful examples of good practice. The section of strategy is solid and advice on the law and crisis comms is valuable […] an excellent starter on local government comms.” ―
Alex Aiken, PR Week
About the Author
John BrownFCIPR, MA (Hons) is an independent PR consultant with over 35 years experience in local government public relations and the media. He was Head of Public Relations for Strathclyde Regional Council (1993-1996) and subsequently Head of Public Relations and Marketing for Glasgow City Council (1996-2004). He served as chair of CIPR Scotland group, CIPR council member and in 2012 chaired the CIPR professional practices committee. Awarded the Sir Stephen Tallents medal in 2007.
Pat GaudinFCIPR, CIPR Chartered Practitioner, MSc PR, Dip CIPR, CIPR Teacher Training Certificate has over 30 years experience in public relations and communication in local government and the local public sector. Most recently Head of Public Relations and Corporate Strategy for Chelmsford Borough Council and past Chair of the CIPR Local Government Group (2003-2006) before becoming an independent consultant in 2006 and adding PR teaching to the mix in 2010.
Wendy MoranMCIPR, Dip CIPR, is a Senior Lecturer in Communication, specialising in public relations across the local public services. Her background is in local government communication which she has maintained through her Committee Membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Local Public Services Group (LPSG). She is currently undertaking doctoral studies investigating the role of the PR practitioner in local government.