The Carlisle-based authority scored a 'weak' rating in its last Audit Commission inspection in 2002; the council's next inspection is due in June 2006.
'One of the challenges for Stephen will be the council's management performance system and improving services to move us into the satisfactory grade,' said media manager Brian Hough.
Park is charged with a 21-strong team that covers media relations, campaigns, the council website, publications, corporate branding, FOI and data protection.
He replaces Paul Inglefield, who left after 14 months last September (PRWeek, 24 September 2004), and reports to corporate director of strategy and performance Anthony Gardener.
