The last seven months have shown local government is central to managing the response to COVID-19, with local leaders best placed to respond to the complex needs of their citizens, communities, and businesses. In fact, Central government have recognised the vital role Local Government communication will play in the weeks and months ahead and provided £1bn funding to support their work.
And digital communications have been pivotal in underpinning this successful response given their reliability and cost effectiveness. As we move through this next phase of lockdowns, the efficacy and strength of local communications will be even more critical.
Indeed, things are changing daily. Success will depend on having strategic communications plans and agile tools in place to develop clear, concise and targeted messaging that reaches and engages residents, businesses, and visitors, keeping them abreast of the specific implications for travel, business and school closures, public gatherings, and social distancing measures. In addition, it is essential that Councils combat misinformation that can have serious impact on public health. Everyone needs to know the key facts about the situation in the places they live, work, or visit and have timely, truthful information and advice about what they need to do to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus.
Throughout the pandemic, email has been the main and most successful channel enabling Local Authorities to reach and engage with their citizens and different communities in a dynamic situation. The evidence speaks for itself. We have seen more than 260 million COVID–related messages sent through our govDelivery platform, successfully provided essential information and advice including key public health messages, access to support services and financial assistance for residents, businesses and at-risk groups.
Many of our customers have developed innovative messaging that focuses on both household and community levels. For example, Havering’ and Sandwell’s ‘Is it Worth It?’ provide simple visuals and clear information about the level of restrictions being applied and local infection rates. They centre on timely, truthful information and calls to action, empowering citizens to make informed decisions about their best interests and those of the wider community. In addition, these communications promote a sense of urgency for everyone to adopt safe behaviors and avoid spikes in infection rates leading to lockdown at the highest level. ‘DoingMyBit’ and Sandwell’s ‘Is it Worth It?’ provide simple visuals and clear information about the level of restrictions being applied and local infection rates. They centre on timely, truthful information and calls to action, empowering citizens to make informed decisions about their best interests and those of the wider community. In addition, these communications promote a sense of urgency for everyone to adopt safe behaviors and avoid spikes in infection rates leading to lockdown at the highest level.
To support impactful messaging, Granicus are committed to ensuring our customers have the right tools in place – as soon as they need them. We can rapidly implement govDelivery for new customers so that they can engage communities using the most trusted communications platform designed for government.
As means of a recent example, Wokingham Council were set up and in control within 5 days, sending out their first bulletins within 10 days. They opted for clear, single column layouts and screen width images so that bulletins can be read on mobile devices. They have taken advantage of ICO guidance to maximise their reach, using customer data stored in back office systems, explaining to citizens they are being contacted to protect their health and keep them safe during the pandemic. They are carrying an impressive average engagement rate of 90%. And for those who prefer to use other information channels, citizens can stop receiving e-bulletins by simply clicking “unsubscribe”.
To learn more, get in touch now so that you can start leveraging the govDelivery platform to improve outcomes for your local community.
