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HOME · LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Supporting local authorities through critical communication moments.
Local authorities operate under constant scrutiny while delivering vital services to their communities. From budget pressures and organisational change to emergency planning, public engagement and reputation management, effective communication has never been more important.
Media First helps local government organisations create, test, develop and embed communication capability. Through consultancy, training, coaching, simulations and ongoing support, we help leaders, communicators and spokespeople communicate with clarity and confidence when it matters most.
COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES
Explaining difficult decisions.
Local authorities are increasingly required to make complex decisions in challenging circumstances.
Budget pressures, service changes, regeneration projects, emergency situations and rising public expectations mean councils must communicate clearly and transparently with residents, stakeholders, elected members and the media.
The organisations that navigate these challenges most successfully are often those that can explain decisions confidently, engage communities effectively and maintain trust even during periods of uncertainty.
At Media First, we help local government organisations develop the strategies, skills and confidence needed to communicate with impact when it matters most.
Trusted by local authorities.
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The Media First team are always so helpful and accommodating. They take pride in fully understanding individual and organisational needs and make sure that the intervention they recommend / supply meets those needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending Media First."
Scott Pawsey, Workforce Development, Islington Counc
Just a quick line to say how impressed I was with the training - from organisation to delivery to timely feedback, the process has been seamless, professional and delivered to an exceptionally high standard. It really has been such a delight to work with you and your team - thank you so much!"
Pam Turton, Assistant Director, Portsmouth City Council
The help, flexibility and professionalism of Media First ensured our first tailored media training programme for senior councillors and officers was a complete success. The feedback from those who attended was extremely positive, particularly for the two Media First trainers who ran both a challenging but supportive day. Post event feedback and DVDs of individual interviews were also extremely comprehensive."
Aidan Shutter, Team Leader, Media and Public Relations, Buckinghamshire County Council
The media training we received from Media First was excellent. It was highly practical, current and realistic. The focus on people over processes shone through and my team came away feeling more confident, able and willing to face the media."
Mareike Schmidt, Strategic Energy Programme Manager, Bristol City Council
FAQS
Frequently asked questions.
Have you worked with local authorities before?
Yes. We have extensive experience supporting local authorities, combined authorities, public sector organisations and local government communications teams across the UK.
Our experience means we quickly understand the challenges facing councils and public bodies, from budget pressures and service transformation to community engagement, public scrutiny and crisis response.
How can you help our organisation?
Our support typically falls into four areas: create, test, develop and embed communication capability.
We help local government organisations create effective communication strategies and frameworks, test plans and preparedness through realistic exercises and simulations, develop confident communicators through training and coaching, and embed lasting capability through consultancy, ongoing support and continuous development.
Whether you're focused on resident engagement, organisational change, reputation management, leadership communication, crisis preparedness or stakeholder communication, we can help.
Will your team understand local government?
Yes.
Our team has extensive experience working with councils and local government organisations and understands the realities of operating under public scrutiny while delivering essential services in challenging circumstances.
We understand the importance of transparency, accountability, community engagement and maintaining public confidence, particularly when communicating difficult decisions.
Can you help us communicate more effectively with residents and stakeholders?
Absolutely.
Local authorities communicate with a broad range of audiences, including residents, businesses, elected members, partners, community groups, regulators and the media.
We help organisations develop clear messaging, improve stakeholder engagement and communicate more effectively with the people and communities they serve.
Can you help us explain difficult or unpopular decisions?
Yes.
Many local authorities face the challenge of communicating service changes, budget reductions, planning decisions, regeneration projects and other sensitive issues.
We help leaders and communications teams explain complex decisions clearly, transparently and confidently, helping to build understanding and maintain trust even when messages are difficult to deliver.
Can you help us prepare for media scrutiny?
Yes.
Local government organisations frequently face interest from local, regional and national media.
We help spokespeople prepare for interviews, develop clear and consistent messaging, respond to difficult questions and communicate effectively under pressure.
Our support helps leaders and communications teams build confidence before media scrutiny arrives.
Can you help us prepare for emergencies or crises?
Yes.
Effective communication is critical during emergencies, major incidents and periods of heightened public concern.
We help organisations review communication plans, prepare leaders and spokespeople, test processes through realistic crisis exercises and strengthen their ability to communicate quickly, confidently and effectively when communities need information most.
Do you only provide training?
No.
While training remains an important part of what we do, many local authorities work with us on consultancy projects, communication reviews, crisis preparedness exercises, leadership communication programmes, coaching and long-term capability-building initiatives.
We often combine multiple services to help organisations strengthen communication effectiveness and resilience.
How do you help organisations embed learning and create lasting change?
We believe communication capability should be created, tested, developed and embedded.
That's why we combine consultancy, coaching, simulations, practical application and continuous development through Thirty Seven. This helps individuals and teams reinforce learning, strengthen behaviours and continue building confidence long after a project or training programme has ended.
Our goal is not simply to deliver a successful workshop. It's to help organisations create lasting communication capability.
Where can your support be delivered?
That's entirely up to you.
We work with local authorities across the UK, delivering consultancy, training, coaching and exercises both in person and online.
Many clients choose to use our dedicated TV, radio and podcast studios in Berkshire for media training and simulations, while others prefer delivery at council offices or virtually through Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
We'll recommend the approach that best supports your objectives, people and budget.
How quickly can you understand our organisation and challenges?
Usually much faster than clients expect.
Our experience across local government means we quickly become familiar with organisational structures, stakeholder relationships and communication challenges. We'll ask the right questions, review the right materials and work closely with your team to ensure our support is practical, relevant and aligned to your objectives.
We'll do the heavy lifting, allowing your people to focus on serving their communities while ensuring our support reflects your organisation's specific priorities, challenges and environment.