Issue - meetings

Members received a report on the communications strategy and plan.

Pat Hindley discussed the communications plan and sought Member approval so the next steps could be progressed.

The following key points were discussed:

·        The change in the contracts would need to be communicated carefully, advising residents that something would be happening but point out the positives, particularly the savings of £2m to taxpayers;

·        Needed to have a consistent approach and reassure efficient management;

·        A phased roll out of messages was preferred, learning as progress was made;

·        The new name Joint Waste Solutions (JWS) was advised to Members. Members agreed with the name. To be introduced to the public and explain the relationship to stakeholders and trade audiences;

·        The Joint Waste Solutions logo was being developed. This logo would be used on all waste and cleansing communications delivered by the CMO. Once the plan had been approved the logo could be progressed. If branding was agreed at the end of March, the logos and Amey’s logo would be on PPE and cab doors. The Contract Partnering Board would agree logos by end of March latest;

·        The authorities’  websites would need to be connected and a consistent ‘front door’ for residents to the website was important;

·        The communications strategy included letters to residents, website updates, social media and press releases;

·        The first notification of a change would come from individual councils, advising what would be happening, with subsequent updates from JWS – all communications managers from each authority were happy with this approach;

·        Timing of some communications to take into account holiday periods;

The Chairman requested the Joint Waste Service Committee receive regular updates by email on progress.  It was suggested that the Contract Partnering Board agenda could have an item to report any key messages to this Committee.

The Chairman thanked Pat for her detailed report and asked for the Committee’s thanks to be conveyed to her team.

Resolved that:

i)                 the report be noted;

ii)               the name of Joint Waste Solutions (JWS) be agreed; and

iii)             the communications plan and strategy be agreed.