ADD2069 Digital content for social media

1.1 The GLA’s digital channels are key opportunity areas for providing information about the work it does and driving engagement with Londoners. In 2014, the GLA introduced a new social media strategy. In 2015, it introduced a new email strategy and launched a brand new London.gov.uk.

1.2 The GLA currently has 17 core social media channels, one email marketing communications master list and one core website. Through strategy work in 2014 and 2015, the GLA has come a long way in terms of how it communicates with Londoners through digital channels. However, the digital landscape is always changing and there is scope to further improve the GLA’s digital output which will lead to even better results for the organisation. The ambition is to build upon the GLA social media initiatives that are already demonstrating engagement via digital channels.

1.3 There is a requirement for these campaigns to be produced and shared reactively, with very fast turnaround. Significant resource is required to do this which is not available in house due to other high priority workloads across all policy areas, such as Homes for Londoners, air quality and consultations. It is also crucial to seek an outside perspective to ensure that the GLA is growing and learning from the examples of other organisations, both public and private sector.

1.4 The audience will be reflective and representative of London’s incredible diversity.

2.1 The GLA’s aim is to use data to bring the work of the Mayor to life digitally through end-to-end multichannel digital marketing and engagement campaigns. This will be a cost-effective way to communicate policies and priorities to Londoners and help them engage in the development of new policies for London.

2.2 This project will enable us to increase awareness of the work the Mayor and the GLA are doing on behalf of Londoners; increase understanding and participation in key projects and events; and open up the ability for Londoners to access and influence London government.

3.1 The construction of all GLA marketing campaigns take into consideration the audience for which the campaign is aimed at. In every case, materials are assessed to ensure they are fully accessible and in line with the public sector equality duty.

a) Key risks and issues

4.1 If the GLA did not carry out this piece of work, there is a risk that it would fall behind in how it communicates with Londoners through digital channels. These channels are crucial for speaking to particular demographics in a cost-effective way. This could lead to a decline in those who are informed about the work of the Mayor and GLA, which in turn means we are not delivering our strategic aims and not keeping Londoners aware of our work.

b) Links to the Mayor’s strategies

4.2 This work is linked directly to the GLA’s core business objectives to:
• Raise awareness about the work of the Mayor and GLA
• Increase understanding and participation in key projects and events
• Open up the ability for Londoners to access and influence London government

5.1 The £20,000 cost of this initiative will be funded from the 2016-17 Marketing budget held within the External Relations Unit. Any changes to this proposal, including budgetary implications will be subject to further approval via the Authority’s decision-making process. All appropriate budget adjustments will be made.