Communications and compliance advice

Parish and town councils increasingly focus on improving communication with residents, especially when addressing complex or challenging issues. Effective communication and consultation are also key to parish and town councils developing annual plans and policies and engaging residents with their activities. Parish and town councils face the challenge of complying with data protection, Freedom of Information, and Subject Access Requests alongside their day-to-day work.

To support parish and town councils in this area, we have partnered with Breakthrough Communications to offer a free and confidential advisory and support service covering several facets of council communications and information compliance. The support includes assistance with crisis communications, community consultation and engagement, dealing with the press and media, and social media. Additionally, it provides help with Freedom of Information requests, Subject Access Requests, and other matters relating to data protection.

Breakthrough Communications brings extensive experience and sector-specific knowledge supporting parish and town councils and understanding their unique challenges. They work with county associations and a wide range of parish and town councils, delivering tailored support that includes developing communication strategies, running consultations and surveys, and advising on data protection and governance.

Our members can access the Breakthrough Communications service through their county association. Your county association will triage your query, signposting you to existing guidance and information or referring you to Breakthrough Communications for tailored specialised support. You can access the service by submitting an advice request if you have been referred. You must confirm that you have spoken to your county association, and they will confirm your referral.