PR and Communication in Local Government and Public Services

"This book brings the theory and practice of public service PR right up-to-date and is a 'must read' for anyone working in PR in the public sector. It will be a valuable resource for both PR practitioners and academics, setting out the theory of effective PR and practical examples of excellence in practice." * David Holdstock, Director of Communications, Local Government Association *
"The book is a useful guide and refresher for PR practitioners in local government. It covers many of the issues faced, supports practitioners in communicating strategically and has useful chapters on the communications aspects and legacies of a variety of initiatives. The experience of the authors and the detailed examples from public service practitioners allow fresh insights into topics. The checklists provide a quick review of learning and reference points and combined with case studies make this book a vital CPD resource." * Abha Thakor, CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner, and local government communicator *
"Lively and thoughtful, comprehensive and compelling, the book should be read by anyone who is facing or contemplating any form of public information or engagement campaign. Chief Executives might also like to keep a copy in their desk drawer, as might their counterparts and communicators in other sectors." * Adrian Crookes, Course Leader BA (Hons) Public Relations, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication *
"Communications and PR teams need to continually raise their game and demonstrate their value in a complex and challenging environment. It is great to see that this book covers the key skills and competencies that these teams will need to display... With many practical examples and case studies this book will help teams to shape communications and PR across the sector." * Graham Farrant, Chief Executive at Thurrock and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham *
"How I wish I'd found a copy of a book like this on my desk when I started out in local authority PR 30 years ago! Students at UG, PG and professional level, new entrants to practice in the local and public sector, and consultancy professionals who are taking on public sector clients for the first time will find it an indispensable introduction." * Mel Powell, Senior Lecturer in PR, Manchester Metropolitan University; Judge of the Best Campaign category in the CIPR’s Local/Public Service Awards. *
"At a time of shrinking public sector budgets and growing public demand for services, this book is an invaluable study aid for the PR newcomer as well as a wise reference manual for the seasoned PR practitioner." * Dave Monk DL, LL.B (Hons), MSc., Broadcaster *
"What I particularly like about the book is that it benefits from the insights gained by very experienced practitioners, but doesn't rely on them - far from being a monologue about what they think, it is well researched and draws on evidence from a diverse range of academic and practitioner sources." * Emma Wood FCIPR, Senior Lecturer at Queen Margaret University and a coordinator of QMU's Centre for Dialogue *
"This is the best, most up to date resource I have come across for anyone wanting to make sense of the complex, fast-moving world of public sector communications... The authors, well-known specialists in their field, have drawn on a wealth of case studies and insight from colleagues which provide practical, recent examples, including an online resource." * Lynda Fothergill MCIPR, Interim Marketing and Communications Manager, Trafford Council *
"An excellent new book on local government public relations [...] brings the role bang up to date with 21st century phenomena such as social media, place-shaping and (seemingly) permanent austerity." * David Brindle, C'LLR Magazine *
"a timely primer for communicators at all levels [...] the 300 pages contain comprehensive, revealing and useful examples of good practice. The section of strategy is solid and advice on the law and crisis comms is valuable [...] an excellent starter on local government comms." * Alex Aiken, PR Week *