URL: https://chesterfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2065

Decision Maker: Joint Cabinet and Employment & General Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director for Policy, Communications and Local Government Reorganisation presented a report seeking approval to reshape the Communications and Marketing service.   It was noted that the Communications and Marketing service played a key role in the delivery of the council’s strategic objectives and statutory duties, and was a key enabling service that delivered the following support to the Council and key partnerships;   ·        External communications and media relations for the Council and key partnerships ·        Internal communication and engagement ·        Digital communications including website, intranet, and social media ·        Reputation management for the Council and key partnerships ·        Marketing – Co-ordination and advice ·        Emergency planning, business continuity and crisis communications   All local authorities had faced a period of financial challenges and increased demand leading to service changes and redesigns, all of which required extensive communication support. In addition, successive Government’s had developed key funding streams for place regeneration and community building which were led through extensive partnership networks, such as Staveley Town Deal and United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund.   Recent years had also brought a marked shift in the media, communications and technology landscape. These factors demanded a communications service that was more risk?aware, agile and responsive than ever, capable of navigating a complex environment while maintaining public trust and confidence.   The current structure and establishment costs were shown at Appendix A to the officer’s report.  An overview of the proposed changes and the proposed new structure was also provided at Appendix B to the officer’s report.   The new structure would release further strategic capacity to support the critical Local Government Reorganisation transition period and provide strategic advice for senior leaders at Chesterfield Borough Council and within our partnership’s spaces.   *RESOLVED –   1.   That the proposed new structure of the Communications and Marketing service, as set out in Appendix B of the officer’s report, be approved.   2.   That approval be granted to make minor amendments where necessary, to the small number of job descriptions still under review, to ensure alignment between the role requirements and evaluation outcomes. Final grades to be determined by the established job evaluation panel in line with the Council’s corporate scheme. The structure has been costed at the highest potential grade, and the potential ranges shown in the officer’s report.   3.   That the Director for Policy, Communications and Local Government Reorganisation be authorised to implement the recommended changes to the structure, roles and accountabilities of the Communications and Marketing service.   REASON FOR DECISIONS   To ensure that the Communications and Marketing service has the strategic and operational capacity, capability and resilience to meet forecasted workloads and priorities as set out in the Council Plan 2026 – 2028 and supporting strategic plans. This includes playing a central role in supporting the council’s major change and transformation programme arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Date of Decision: June 16, 2026