The Communications & Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee meeting scheduled for 15 April 2026 was set to cover a range of topics, including a review of election engagement, updates from various teams, and a significant report on the Digital Review Transformation Programme. The meeting's agenda focused on information sharing and reviewing progress across different departmental functions.

Digital Review Programme - Introduction and Governance

A joint report from the Interim Executive Director of Communications and Engagement and the Chamberlain was scheduled for information. This report introduced the Digital Review Transformation Programme, which aims to audit the City of London Corporation's digital estate. The programme is structured across five phases: Vision and immersion, Audience mapping, Digital audit and functional mapping, Content and governance review, and Strategy and blueprint. The review is intended to provide a consolidated view of the current digital estate, identify consolidation opportunities, and recommend targeted investment to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver long-term value. Funding for the programme was approved in May 2025. The report also outlined proposed governance structures that would involve both the Digital Services Committee and the Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub-Committee in reviewing and approving recommendations.

2025 Election Engagement Campaign Review – Candidate Engagement Recommendations

The Committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Interim Executive Director, Corporate Communications and Engagement, regarding recommendations for improving candidate engagement for future elections. The report highlighted that while the 2025 Election Engagement Campaign generated significant interest, structural and behavioural barriers continued to limit the conversion of interest into candidacy. Key barriers identified included uncertainty around campaigning, lack of confidence in winning, and concerns about the time commitment required. The report proposed a targeted set of interventions, including implementing a Member mentoring scheme, developing engaging materials and case studies, and building on the success of candidate engagement events by holding two annually from Autumn 2026. The recommendations were noted as being key to delivering the Corporate Plan outcome of Diverse Engaged Communities.

Corporate Affairs Team Update on Political Engagement and Party Conferences

This report, from the Interim Executive Director, Corporate Communications and Engagement, was intended to provide an overview of the Corporate Affairs Team's recent activities. The team's focus has been on delivering coordinated political engagement, strategic messaging, and stakeholder activity aligned with major policy developments and institutional priorities. The report detailed proactive correspondence sent to politicians on key organisational priorities, including the Policing White Paper and the Vision for Economic Growth Progress Report. It also outlined various bilateral meetings and roundtables involving the Policy Chairman, the Lady Mayor, and other senior figures with government ministers and MPs. The report also covered pan-London engagement and engagement with external partners, including events with the Labour in the City Network, Progress, the Fabian Society, and the IBDE Annual Conference. Preparations for the 2026 party conference season were also detailed, including proposed approaches for engagement with the Reform Party and the Green Party, and a review of the Liberal Democrat offer.

Media and Digital Update

The Interim Executive Director, Corporate Communications and Engagement, was due to present an update on recent media relations and digital communications activity. This report summarised key earned media coverage, digital engagement performance, and emerging trends, highlighting how insights from this activity are used to refine messaging and strengthen the organisation's reputation. The report also provided an update on a comprehensive review and refresh of media monitoring and digital tools, assessing current capability, value for money, and future needs. Highlights from Q3 2025 and Q4 2026 included significant media coverage for the Lady Mayor's Show and Banquet, the German State Banquet, and the Housing Investment Programme. Digital performance metrics, including reach, impressions, and engagement, were detailed for various campaigns. The report also outlined strategic shifts in the team's approach, including the introduction of a squad approach for major initiatives, a refined channel strategy, and improved content quality.

Film Liaison Team Update

This report from the Interim Executive Director of Corporate Communications & Engagement provided an update on the Film Liaison Team's activities. The team, which sits within the Communications and Engagement Division, has seen increased capacity with the recruitment of two new Film Officers. The report detailed an increase in filming activity and income for the City Corporation, with filming income reaching its highest point in the 2025-26 financial year. It listed productions that have filmed in the City over the past year, including feature films and television commercials. The report also highlighted the team's work in promoting sites through a new digital location library and social media, as well as their collaboration with Open Spaces teams to manage filming and grow income from these areas. Proposals for the Film Team's strategic objectives moving forward were also outlined, focusing on increasing efficiency, promoting the 'Film City' brand, establishing clear fee structures, and building relationships with the filming industry and City businesses.

Parliamentary Team Update

The report from the Remembrancer provided an update on the Parliamentary Team's previous and planned activity in support of the City of London Corporation's political and parliamentary engagement. It detailed the legislative programme, including updates on key Bills such as the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The report also listed Acts that had received Royal Assent, including the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act and the Employment Rights Act. Government announcements regarding the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners and reforms to policing were also covered, with specific attention to the implications for the City of London Police. The report concluded with a forward look at engagement activities, including work on the forthcoming Elections Bill, the APPG for Financial Markets and Services, and ongoing support for the City of London Police's advocacy work.

Innovation & Growth Quarterly Report

This report, presented in two parts (January-March 2026 and October-December 2025), detailed the impact of the City of London Corporation's work in support of UK-based Financial and Professional Services (FPS). The reports highlighted activities undertaken by the Innovation and Growth (IG) Department in collaboration with other departments. Key initiatives discussed included the Office for Investment: Financial Services, the Transition Finance Council, and the Mansion House Accord. The reports detailed international engagements, such as visits to Davos, China, Japan, and the US, aimed at promoting foreign direct investment and strengthening financial ties. The Open and Global section focused on promoting the UK as a global gateway for FPS business, while Sustainable Finance detailed efforts to position the UK as a hub for sustainable finance. The Innovation in technology section covered work on digital verification, AI, and RegTech. The reports also provided a high-level review of the 2025/2026 financial year, including key FPS metrics and IG's operational highlights.

Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2025

The Committee was scheduled to agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 10 December 2025.