Agenda item

Corporate Affairs Report

Report of the Director of Communications.

Minutes:

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of Communications updating Members on key elements of the Corporate Affairs team’s activity in support of the City Corporation’s external political engagement and corporate communicated within the period of 3 – 25 September 2018.

 

A Member asked whether an analysis could be made of the invitation lists and attendance of City Corporation’s party conference dinners, the Policy & Resources Committee dinner and the Brussels reception to pick up any overlaps. The Sub-Committee heard how all involved officers were aware that the three events mentioned would be taking place very close together this year, for reasons pertaining to the current political context and speakers’ availability. Attendance at all three events were higher than in previous years and have received very positive feedback. Whilst there was some duplication across the events at Member and Officer level, the crossover of external stakeholders was kept to a minimum.

 

The Chairman asked for Members of the Sub-Committee to give feedback on party conference participation and comments were made as follows:

·         The Sub-Committee congratulated the Head of Corporate Affairs and her team for successfully organising the party conferences;

·         There was a request for an evaluation of the conferences and the value of the City Corporation being represented there;

·         That a consolidated approach would be taken to join up reports following each party conference;

·         That it was useful to build the relationship between the City Corporation and UK Finance;

·         That thought should be given for a London focused event in future years;

·         That briefings in future years could be more dynamic, for example to be added to, to reflect any announcements by Ministers that are made whilst at conference;

·         That briefings for Members include a list of fringe events and the key points to raise at each event.

 

The Director of Communications commented that, in his view, the City Corporation’s participation in party conferences had worked well and that the level of engagement was higher than hoped both in quantity and quality.

 

RESOLVED, that:-

·         The report be noted.

 

Supporting documents: