The Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub (Policy & Resources) Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss an overview of communications and engagement activities, an update on preparations for political party conferences, and a review of the City Corporation's digital estate. The meeting also included an update from the Parliamentary Team.

Communications and Engagement Overview

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of communications, engagement, and corporate affairs activities that had taken place between 1 April and 21 May 2026. The report highlighted that this period followed the May local elections and national debates on economic growth and public sector reform. The arrival of a new Executive Director of Communications and Engagement, Robert Hall, on 11 May 2026, was noted, with plans for him to initiate a review of existing working practices and future direction. The report detailed communications efforts related to financial services reforms, with coverage secured in publications such as the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and The Times. It also outlined media engagement for the Lady Mayor's visit to India, which generated over 20 pieces of coverage, and the inaugural Global Risk Summit, which secured 25 pieces of mainstream media coverage. The Destination City initiative was also discussed, with an interview in The Economist highlighting the City of London becoming a seven-day-a-week destination. The report also covered communications supporting police reform, including an opinion piece in City A.M., and significant national coverage for Freedom ceremonies awarded to Penny Lancaster and Gloria Hunniford. A celebration of 1996: A celebration of the wildest year of Britain's wildest decade - 30 years on at the Barbican Music Library was also noted to have generated over 360 pieces of coverage. The report detailed political engagement activities, including meetings with ministers and senior government officials, and coordination of letters to political stakeholders. London and regional engagement activities were also summarised, alongside campaigns and community engagement initiatives such as the City Belonging Champions programme and preparations for Pride Month. Internal communications and engagement efforts, including those supporting the Ambition 25 programme and the May, We Grow campaign, were also outlined. Performance metrics for corporate social media feeds showed an increase in posts, impressions, and engagement compared to the previous year, with LinkedIn being the dominant channel. Media mentions for the City of London Corporation and associated key terms were also detailed. The forward look included plans for integrated communications supporting priorities such as the opening of the London Museum, London Climate Action Week, and the publication of research into the City Corporation's historic links with the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved African People.

Update on Party Conferences

The committee was scheduled to consider recommendations for the City Corporation's approach to political party conferences. The report noted that a targeted presence at these conferences is an important opportunity to build understanding of the City Corporation's work, particularly concerning the financial and professional services (FPS) sector. The overarching objective for 2026 was to increase understanding across the political spectrum of the City Corporation's convening power and its role in delivering economic growth. Following the May local elections, recommendations included collaborating on an event with other trade associations at the Reform Party Conference, officer observation of the Green Party conference, and revisiting the approach to the Liberal Democrat conference, moving towards a smaller dinner. The report also outlined the previously agreed programme for the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences, which included fringe events and additional events. The timeline for these preparations, including the Expression of Interest process for the member delegation, was also provided.

Digital Estate Review

The committee was scheduled to discuss the City Corporation's digital estate. The report indicated that the City Corporation operates a large and complex digital estate across multiple platforms, leading to fragmentation and duplication. A review of the situation was planned, with recommendations to be brought forward. The importance of clarity on responsibility for user experience was highlighted.

Parliamentary Team Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Parliamentary Team's activity in support of the City of London Corporation's political and parliamentary engagement. The report summarised the Government's legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session, as outlined in the King's Speech, highlighting Bills of interest to the City Corporation. These included the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, the Competition Reform Bill, the Courts Modernisation Bill, the Digital Access to Services Bill, the Education for All Bill, the Financial Services and Markets Bill, the European Partnership Bill, the Overnight Visitor Levy Bill, the Police Reform Bill, the Regulating for Growth Bill, the Small Business Protections Bill, and the Social Housing Renewal Bill. Carry-over Bills such as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, and the Representation of the People Bill were also mentioned. The report also detailed Acts that had received Royal Assent at the end of the previous session. Forward-looking engagement updates included work on the APPG on Financial Markets and Services, policing initiatives, a parliamentary reception for the Epping Forest Act 1878 anniversary, and progress on the City of London (Markets) Bill. Draft Bills, including the Draft Conversion Practices Bill, Draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Bill, Draft Ticket Tout Ban Bill, and Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, were also outlined.

Update on the Publication of the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved African People Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the publication of the report concerning the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved African People.

Risk Appetite Assessment - CR10

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the Risk Appetite Assessment - CR10 from the Remembrancer.