As we reach the turn of the year it's that time when we tend to reflect on the previous 12 months and look forward to what might be coming up.
December's autumn statement confirmed what was pretty much expected – more austerity and more funding cuts.
I've headed communications and marketing at Medway council since late 2009 – shortly before a time of fundamental change in the sector following the general election in May 2010. It wasn't long after then that unprecedented in-year spending cuts for local government heralded a new era for the sector – a new reality to which everyone in the public sector has had to adjust.
So what are the skills a communicator needs to be able to play a valuable role in this future? They will need to be:
• digital
• customer-focused
• agile
• ready for change
• ready to challenge existing habits
and
• network players
This is an extract from The future of public sector communications - 2013 and beyond' You can read the rest of the blog here.
Simon Wakeman is head of communications, marketing and transformation at Medway council.
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