The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met to determine a longlist of applicants for the role of Director of Communications and Community Engagement. The panel, consisting of five councillors, was scheduled to discuss apologies for absence and any urgent business, as well as declarations of interest. The majority of the meeting was expected to be held in closed session.

Director of Communications and Community Engagement Longlist

The main item for discussion was to determine the longlist of applicants for the Director of Communications and Community Engagement position. According to the job description, this role is the:

Organisational lead for communications and community engagement. Responsible for defining and delivering the overall communications strategy for the Council aligned with the Council's overall objectives.

The Director is also expected to lead the council's community engagement function, manage media relations, and serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive, the Leader, Cabinet, and the Council on all aspects of communications and community engagement.

Key responsibilities associated with the role include:

• Developing and delivering the council's communication and community engagement strategies.
• Ensuring effective communication both internally and externally.
• Leading the community engagement function to deliver modern and meaningful engagement.
• Ensuring the council's communications are innovative and inclusive.
• Managing the council's reputation and profile with stakeholders.
• Working with directorates to deliver communication and marketing programmes.
• Managing communications during emergencies.
• Maintaining relationships with the media.
• Contributing to the modernisation of the council's services.
• Formulating corporate policies and initiatives.
• Acting as an ambassador for the borough.
• Mentoring and developing senior staff.

The person specification indicates that the successful candidate should have significant experience in leading communications and public relations, corporate experience in setting communication and engagement strategies, and an understanding of issues affecting local government. They should also possess high-level influencing and interpersonal skills, the ability to mentor senior staff, and the capacity to contribute to the corporate leadership of the council.