Local Government Association: Communications Strategy for Guildford and Waverley Councils
We created a shared communications strategy helping two councils explain their collaboration and connect with communities.
The Challenge:
As the two councils developed their collaboration, they needed a shared communications strategy that explained the benefits of joint working while reflecting the distinct communities they serve. They also needed a clearer connection between corporate priorities and everyday communications.
The Approach:
We led workshops with the communications teams and staff from both councils, alongside in-depth discussions with senior officers and elected leaders.
We used these insights to develop a shared strategy, messaging hierarchy and action plan built around the idea of “Good services, proud communities”. The approach combined consistent messages with flexibility for each council to communicate in ways that resonated locally, supported by proactive content planning and a stronger focus on internal communications.
The Outcomes:
The councils gained a shared framework for planning and delivering communications across both organisations. The strategy and accompanying action plan established clear priorities, a common narrative and practical direction for explaining collaboration, celebrating staff contributions and connecting council activity with the people and places it serves.
“Ben from Grey Fox did absolutely brilliant work in helping us to develop our strategy.
It was such a fabulous process and working with him has been an absolute pleasure. I really enjoyed the sessions, his thoughts, guidance and expertise.
I learnt a lot from him.”
Melanie BattamsCommunications and Digital Services Manager
Guildford Borough Council
