Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Relations.

The Director of Public Relations introduced an update report on Public Relations activity during the period October 2012 – September 2013. He noted that this was the third annual update to come before the Committee and invited members to comment on the format and structure of the report to ensure information was presented to them as relevantly as possible.

He noted in particular the lead role played by the Public Relations Office (PRO) in the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project. He noted also the triennial polling work carried out by the PRO on the City of London Open Spaces that had indicated net positive satisfaction among City residents, businesses, workers and senior executives. He added that the polling work generated a lot of data that required detailed analysis and therefore a dedicated presentation would be given to members on its findings in December 2013.

The Assistant Director of Public Relations added that the PRO was exploring platform development, including YouTube videos and the use of audio files on mobile devices that would allow users to listen to an explanation of a particular City of London Open Space when they visited it.

The Chairman placed on record his thanks for the work of the PRO, in particular during the recent fire of Epping Forest.

In response to a question from a member, the Open Spaces Press Officer confirmed that the City of London had a good working relationship with local press and that details of this could be included in future reports. A member added that he had attended a productive meeting with the Editor of the Ham & High recently which indicated a strong relationship – he noted however that a similar relationship did not exist with the Camden New Journal.

A member placed on record his thanks for the work of the PRO across the City Commons. He too added that he had been engaged in a productive chat with the Editor of the Ham & High recently also.

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