The Communications & Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss a range of topics including the Digital Review Programme, candidate engagement for elections, and updates from various teams within the council. The meeting's agenda focused on information sharing and reviewing ongoing initiatives.

Digital Review Programme - Introduction and Governance

A report was scheduled to be presented concerning the Digital Review Transformation Programme. This programme aims to audit the City of London Corporation's digital estate, focusing on user experience, governance, technology, and management. The report was intended to provide an overview of the programme's purpose, process, and proposed governance structures, which would span across the Digital Services Committee and the Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub-Committee. Members were asked to note the report, which detailed a phased approach to the review, including vision and immersion, audience mapping, digital audit, content and governance review, and strategy development. The review's outputs are expected to inform decisions on rationalising platforms, sequencing investment, clarifying governance, and planning for long-term structural change.

2025 Election Engagement Campaign Review – Candidate Engagement Recommendations

The Committee was scheduled to consider recommendations stemming from a review of the 2025 Election Engagement Campaign. The report highlighted that while the campaign generated significant interest in civic participation, structural and behavioural barriers continued to limit the conversion of interest into candidacy. Feedback indicated that encouragement from current Members would have made prospective candidates more likely to stand. The report proposed a package of targeted interventions, including the implementation of a Member mentoring scheme, the development of engaging materials and case studies to clarify the roles of Aldermen and Common Councillors, and the scheduling of two candidate engagement events annually. These proposals were intended to support the Corporate Plan outcome of Diverse Engaged Communities.

Corporate Affairs Team Update on Political Engagement and Party Conferences

An update was scheduled on the activities of the Corporate Affairs Team concerning political engagement and party conferences. The report was to provide an overview of recent activity in support of the City Corporation's strategic, political, and reputational priorities. This included coordinated political engagement, strategic messaging, and stakeholder activity aligned with major policy developments. The team has been involved in drafting proactive letters to politicians on key priorities, providing briefing and support for various meetings involving the Policy Chairman, the Lady Mayor, and other senior officials with government representatives. The report also detailed engagements with external partners, including events with Labour in the City, Progress, the Fabian Society, and the IBDE Annual Conference. Preparations for the 2026 party conference season were also to be discussed, with a proposed approach that included collaboration on an event with other trade associations at the Reform Party Conference and officer observation of the Green Party conference.

Media and Digital Update

A report was scheduled to provide an overview of recent media relations and digital communications activity. This update was intended to demonstrate how the Communications team has supported the City Corporation's strategic priorities and corporate narrative. The report was to summarise key earned media coverage, digital engagement performance, and emerging trends, highlighting how insights from this activity are used to refine messaging and improve reach. An update on the outcome of a comprehensive review and refresh of media monitoring and digital tools was also to be included, assessing current capability, value for money, and future needs. The report detailed significant media coverage for events such as the Lady Mayor's Show and Banquet, the German State Banquet, the UK Budget, the Housing Investment Programme, and the awarding of Freedoms of the City of London. Digital performance metrics for various campaigns were also to be presented, alongside an overview of website traffic and the introduction of new media monitoring and social media management platforms.

Film Liaison Team Update

The Committee was scheduled to receive an update on the activities of the Film Liaison Team. This report aimed to provide Members with visibility of the team's current position, its role within the organisation, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its operating model. The report was to detail the amount of filming and associated income generated, as well as updates on the digital and marketing strategy for the Film Team and its work with Open Spaces. Filming activity in the City had increased, with a corresponding rise in income. The report highlighted the team's efforts to promote sites through a new digital location library and social media, and its collaboration with Open Spaces to manage filming and grow income. The strategic objectives for the Film Team moving forward were also to be outlined, focusing on increasing efficiency, promoting the 'Film City' brand, establishing consistent fee structures, and building relationships with the filming industry and City businesses.

Parliamentary Team Update

An update was scheduled on the main elements of the Parliamentary Team's previous and planned activity in support of the City of London Corporation's political and parliamentary engagement. The report was to cover the legislative programme, including key Bills such as the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the Pension Schemes Bill, the Crime and Policing Bill, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, and the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It was also to provide information on Acts that had received Royal Assent, including the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act, the Planning and Infrastructure Act, the Employment Rights Act, and the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act. Government announcements regarding the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners and the Policing White Paper were also to be discussed. The report was to conclude with a forward look at engagement updates, including work on the forthcoming Elections Bill and the APPG for Financial Markets and Services.

Innovation & Growth Quarterly Report

Two reports were scheduled concerning the Innovation & Growth Department's work in support of UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS). The first report covered the period from January to March 2026, detailing the outcomes of workstreams aimed at strengthening the UK's FPS sector and supporting job creation and growth. Key initiatives highlighted included the Office for Investment: Financial Services, the Transition Finance Council, and the Mansion House Accord. The report also provided a high-level review of the 2025/2026 financial year. The second report covered the period from October to December 2025, outlining similar activities and their outputs, with a focus on the Open & Global, Sustainable Finance, and Innovation in technology objectives. Both reports detailed international engagement, including visits by the Lady Mayor and Policy Chairman to various countries, and highlighted the City Corporation's role in promoting the UK as a leading financial centre.

Any Other Business

The agenda also included provisions for Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent, allowing for the discussion of any unforeseen matters.