Government-to-Citizen Communications: Utilising multiple digital channels effectively

Liz effectively articulates how local government can use integrated, multi-channel communications to increase access to information and services, improve opportunities for engagement, and offer members of the community a choice in how they get their information.

Stephen Cross from Hillingdon Council

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Update (6/6): This paper has now been promoted on Scribd to the ‘Rising List’ with a count of 547 reads so far and increasing. Thanks for your support on this research!

Background of this White Paper

After years of research, I’ve often been asked of my opinion of what I feel can increase citizen engagement online. And through all the insightful conversations I’ve had with several of LGEO Research readers, it often nagged me that I never really could see a solution that was simple enough for local councils to adopt that will translate with citizens. It was also important that any solution that was going to work, should encourage internal processes within government to improve as well. So my vision was definitely a tall order!

Amongst all the wizzy stuff emailed my way, a lot of solutions seemed very sophisticated and very impressive but seemed difficult to measure or understand how it works. Simplicity and measurable results should be  on top of the list when choosing a solution for citizen engagement online and I feel I have found one possible solution that might suit local councils. But for every solution, there must be reasons motivating its adoption.

So this paper explores the reasons behind those motivations. It will draw a picture of the true state of governance and communications, that we live in today. I do hope that you will find useful and inspiring. There are also videos links attached to this White Paper that will explain the content in more detail. Audios of the White Paper are also available below for accessibility.

I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Government-To-Citizen Communications – Using Multiple Digital Channels Effectively

Audios of paragraphs on this White Paper for better accessibility

1. Government Communications Today
Government Communicate Today

2. How is government currently engaging with citizens online?
White Paper – 2 How is government currently engaging with citizens online?

3. What are the challenges government faces when communicating with the public?
White Paper – 3 What are the challenges government faces when communicating with the public?

4. The reasons why public communications must be improved
White Paper – 4 The reasons why public communications must be improved

5. Benefits for governments and citizens
White Paper – 5 Benefits for governments and citizens

6. Finding a simple, low cost solution
White Paper – 6 Finding a simple, low cost solution

7. Integrating social media and email into governments web communications strategy
White Paper – 7 Integrating social media and email into governments web communications strategy

8. Examples of social media as a web communication tool
White Paper – 8 Examples of social media as a web communication tool

9. Example of email as an effective web communication tool
White Paper – 9 Example of email as an effective web communication tool

10. An integrated platform for reaching the public more effectively
White Paper – 10 An integrated platform for reaching the public more effectively

11. Examples of how it should work
White Paper – 11 Example of how it should work

12. Examples of effective communications via email with measurable cost savings and avoidable contact results
White Paper – 12 Examples of effective communications via email with measurable cost savings and avoidable contact results

13. Benefits measured within 9 – 12 months
White Paper – 13 Benefits measured within 9 – 12 months

14. Communicating with citizens during emergencies
White Paper – 14 Communicating with citizens during emergencies

15. Conclusion
White Paper – 15 Conclusion

Thank you for all the tweets and wonderful support!

Also thank you to all my friends in government who have supported me all this time. Your support is what has given me this wonderful opportunity to deliver this White Paper to you today. It truly wasn’t possible without you!

Hope this was useful!