Effective communication is key to the success of any organisation - especially for local councils.
We live in a time where information moves at the speed of light and technology constantly evolves. Having a well-thought-out communications budget is essential.
Many local councils don’t have a specific communications budget. Some do, but unfortunately the budget is cut up into little pieces and spread of multiple cost centres.
With the budget setting for 2024/25 coming up now is the perfect time to start thinking about your council’s spend on communications.
Thinking strategically about your communications budget might save you money and time.
It will almost certainly help your councils to build a stronger connection the community it represents. Having a budget in place will also help to ensure consistency of approach.
Here are some important things you might want to consider:
1. In terms of communications what is working well and what is not working so well?
2. What are your council’s goals and aims?
3. Prioritise your key objective for 2024/25 – you are unlikely to achieve everything you want to do in one year!
4. Alongside money, how much time and human resource do you want to put towards achieving you objectives
5. Wiggle room – you might need to put aside some funds as a contingency or reserve
6. How will you demonstrate a ‘return on investment’. Think about the key performance indicators and other measures you might need to have in place.
It’s important to remember that communications budgeting is not just about the pounds and pennies. It’s about thinking about how your council will build a stronger connection with the community. How it will have a consistent approach that helps it to build trust and respect.
If you are interested in finding our more about communisations budgets and strategic planning visit our Council Hive website. If you sign -up today you will have access to lots of resources, guides, and advice.