This event will transform your understanding of council communication, highlighting how effective engagement with residents can ease the impact of difficult decisions.
Parish and town councils face unprecedented demands and pressures, requiring increasingly complex decisions and expanded responsibilities. In this challenging environment, having robust communication skills is more crucial than ever.
This event will transform your understanding of council communication, highlighting how effective engagement with residents can ease the impact of difficult decisions. Attendees will gain redefined communication strategies to help manage and improve resident interactions, learn actionable tips and best practices for enhancing communication with the community, and hear from communication experts specialising in local government.
Sponsors: Blachere Illumination, CCLA and Clear Councils Insurance
NB: NALC reserves the right to change the programme at any time.




Chief executive officer, Witney Town Council
Sharon Groth is the chief executive officer of Witney Town Council, serving as the officer responsible for overseeing all council staff and working closely with the council leader to advise on strategy, policy development and governance. As the designated head of paid service and proper officer, she carries significant statutory responsibilities. Sharon provides leadership in both operational and strategic matters, ensuring that the council’s decisions are implemented, resources are managed effectively, and that the council remains accountable to its community. She brings extensive experience in senior roles across local government, and is known for her strong planning, organisational, financial and administrative skills, combined with a commitment to delivering high standards of public service for Witney.

Communications and community engagement officer, Witney Town Council
Polly Inness is the communications and community engagement officer at Witney Town Council, where she manages the council’s website, social media and all other communications, and is responsible for organising community engagement events. With over 20 years of experience spanning communications, PR, marketing and community engagement in both corporate and local government settings, she combines creativity with strategic insight. Polly holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in English and is skilled at turning complex information into clear, engaging content, ensuring effective communication with members and the wider community.

Director, Breakthrough Communications
Daniel Purchese is the director of Breakthrough Communications, a specialist consultancy providing advice to parish and town councils in areas such as communications, community engagement, data protection and Freedom of Information. He is an experienced speaker and thought leader in local government communications, having presented at multiple events nationwide.
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