28.04.15
LGA launches social media hub for councils
The LGA has launched a new digital hub to provide guidance to council communication teams on using social media.
Located on the Local Government Association website, Digital Councils includes guidance on all elements of social media from getting to grips with Twitter and other social networks to building a digital strategy.
It is intended to provide a way for the LGA to work with a range of councils and councillors who are learning at different speeds.
Split into three sections, the first ‘Get started’, includes a basic guide along with tips and principles and a mythbuster. ‘Go further' moves on to guidance on using Twitter, Facebook and Google, tasks and tools, checklists and case studies for councillors and officers. 'Connect' comprises an A-Z of councils with their social media presence, some examples of best practice and useful links.
The hub 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, chair of the LGA, 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."
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]