Isle of Wight council has created a top communications post to
spearhead its drive to make itself more open to the island’s
residents.
The communications head will oversee a team of six people and report to
the council’s new chief executive, Bernard Quoroll, who joined in
January from Kingston-upon-Thames council.
The new post oversees internal and external PR, including communication
with government, residents and the council’s partners.
’A consistent and coherent approach is vital in bringing all these
people and organisations together,’ said Quoroll.
The council employs 4,500 people, including teachers, and serves a
community of 130,000, which increases dramatically during the summer as
holidaymakers arrive.
PR is currently headed by public affairs manager George Chastney, who
along with one part-time member of staff, is responsible for media
relations and media advertising.
The drive towards openness and accountability is part of a
Government-backed initiative in local government. A white paper on local
government proposed the introduction of elected mayors and best value, a
method of planning and delivering council services which gives the
public a greater say in their design.
One of the first tasks of the communications head will be to review the
council’s communications, with particular reference to media relations
and presentational materials.
