Welcome

Supporting your community in local government communications
 
Introduction
In order to function effectively, all large organisations need good internal communications.  Local councils are no exception and it is the job of a local government internal communications officer to ensure clear and efficient communication across the organisation between managers and staff and between departments.  Local government internal communications officers might also be known as corporate communications officers.

Work Environment
Local government internal communications officers are mainly office based, but need to attend meetings with many different council departments, so may have to travel between council buildings.  Hours of work are usually 37 per week.

Daily Activities
Local government internal communications officers are responsible for developing and implementing a council's internal communications strategy.  It is important that internal communications staff spend time familiarising themselves with the role, vision and corporate objectives of the council and how its different departments deliver services.  Duties may include some or all of the following tasks:

• ensuring all staff have access to a range of internal communications, so they are able to keep up to date with important council news, share information and raise concerns, for example, team meetings, managers' meetings, one to one meetings between staff and managers, briefings and email updates by senior staff and so on;
• managing the compilation and distribution of the internal staff newsletter, including writing and editing content, arranging photography, overseeing design (and production and print if it is produced in hard copy);
• managing the development of the council's intranet, including working with IT specialists on the structure and design and working with colleagues across the council to create suitable content;
• consulting with staff across the council to gain their views on council internal communications and their suggestions for improvements;
• using staff feedback to recommend and implement new initiatives to improve internal communications;
• providing advice and guidance to staff on use of the council's corporate branding and identity;
• organising and managing seminars and training events for staff to learn more about the council's corporate objectives, or other departments within the council;
• working with colleagues across the council to contribute to specific projects, such as Investors in People, Local Government Equality Standard and employee engagement work.

Skills & Interests
Internal communications officers need:

• to be able to communicate very well with a range of different people;
• good written communication and editing skills;
• to be innovative and creative;
• good project management skills;
• accuracy and a good eye for detail;
• an ability to clearly explain complex issues.

Entry Requirements
It may be possible to start at a junior level and work your way up.  You would require a good standard of education including GCSEs/S-Grades in English and maths at grades A*-C/1-3.  Some office experience in administration or customer service might be helpful.

Usually, local government internal communications officers would require a degree or equivalent, in subjects such as marketing, PR, business administration/studies or media studies, or similar.  A relevant professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Marketing or the Chartered Institute of Public Relations would be an advantage, but you might have the opportunity to study for these qualifications whilst working.
 
Future Prospects & Opportunities
You might start work as an communications or marketing assistant and work your way up to internal communications officer.  There may be opportunities to move into different roles within the marketing and communications department, such as communications officer, press/media officer, or events officer.  You may also be able to progress into more senior positions such as communications manager.  There may also be a chance to move into marketing work within a specific department, such as children's services, or environmental services.

Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Marketing www.cim.co.uk
Chartered Institute of Public Relations www.cipr.co.uk
Communications Advertising and Marketing Organisation www.camfoundation.com
 
You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.