WIREDGOV

Council communication teams can learn about the cutting-edge digital work going on across local government thanks to a newly-launched online resource.

The Local Government Association and Comms2point0 have launched Digital Councils, a hub for local government on all things social media.

The resource includes guidance on all elements of social media from getting to grips with Twitter and other social networks to building a digital strategy, providing a way for the LGA to work with a range of councils and councillors who can be moving at different speeds. It includes a mythbuster section as well as hints and tips pages specially designed to reflect the range of different roles in a council, such as officers and councillors.

Digital Councils will be continuously updated to reflect current work and will carry a range of case studies so authorities can learn from good practice elsewhere.

Cllr David Sparks, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

"Many councils have already got to grips with social media and are using it to communicate with their residents about things like bin collections, weather warnings and road closures.

"Digital Councils will give council communications teams help and advice as they discuss how to develop their social media presence. Councillors and councils are working at different speeds and this resource will provide a hub so we can work with everyone and learn from each other.

"There are thousands of dedicated council staff across the country, who play a vital role in our communities. This guidance is designed to complement and enhance their tireless work, which will ultimately benefit the lives of our residents."

ends

Notes to editors

1. The hub is online here: Digital Councils

Contact

Ruth Pott-Negrine, Senior Media Relations Officer
Local Government Association
Telephone: 020 7664 3351
Mobile: 07979 803158
Media Office (for out-of-hours contact) 020 7664 3333
Email: ruth.pott-negrine@local.gov.uk
Media Office (for out-of-hours contact): 020 7664 3333
Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ