Media and Publicity Protocols
How we provide this service
Information about media and publicity protocols is supported by Assistant Chief Executive, Policy and Performance.
Press Protocol
Our aim is to:
- promote positive stories about the Council and its services
- minimise the damaging affect of negative stories.
Proactive press releases should be approved by Head of Service before passing to the Press and Communications Officer. Any amendments to the release should be confirmed by the Head of Service or an officer appointed by the Head of Service before the release is sent to the press.
When dealing with projects involving partners, we should give all quoted partners the opportunity to approve the release.
Press enquiries - we will encourage the press always to seek a response through the Press and Communications Officer who will arrange a time when the appropriate staff member can contact them.
All requests for responses to the press should first go to the Head of Service or, in their absence, the Director. The Head of Service will decide whether to respond in person or whether to pass to another member of staff who is more suitable to respond. In this case the member of staff should be briefed first and their potential response discussed before they return the call to the press (i.e. no ?off the cuff? interviews of staff below Head of Service).
Training - All Directors and Heads of Service will receive training in interview techniques before being asked speak to the press. Prior to this training any story involving them should be discussed with the Press and Communications Officer so we can give a measured response.
Keeping everybody informed - Heads of Service will be responsible for informing:
- portfolio holders and where appropriate giving them the opportunity to make a comment to the press
- the Director - there should be no surprises on reading the local press. As necessary, the Director to contact Chief Executive and Leader.
The Press and Communications Office will discuss politically sensitive stories with the Performance and Policy Manager and brief the Leader and Chief Executive as necessary.
The response ? The Press and Communications Officer should be shown press statements before they are sent and can suggest improvements (in consultation with Head of Service or Director as appropriate).
The following should guide or responses:
- reactive statements must be honest and direct
- where we cannot provide information immediately, we should explain why we cannot and give a commitment to update the press as soon as possible
- If we have made a mistake which has affected a resident or area, we must apologise show sympathy and understanding before, where appropriate, providing a defence.
Cabinet/Committee Reports ? Officers should not discuss reports with representatives of the press before the cabinet/committee has taken place.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
