Press Realeases About Guildford

Communication

One of Guildford Borough Council's priorities is to be a communicating authority that informs and listens to the public about matters that concern them.

The Public Relations and Marketing Section carries out the work of communicating and consulting with the general public. The following are just some of the ways in which we do this.

About Guilford - the official Council newspaper. It appears every other month and is sent to every address in the Borough. About Guildford covers a wide range of subjects from major news on new construction projects, to information on transport, crime prevention and refuse collection times.

Publications
The PR and Marketing section produce a range of information leaflets eg. Council Tax leaflet, Business in Bloom direct mail print.

News Releases and Media Enquiries
The PR team send news releases, organise photographic and film coverage in the media and answer hundreds of queries from the local and national newspapers, radio and TV each year. This ensures that the media is up-to-date with important issues for the public.

Events, Exhibitions and Community Competitions
These include: the annual Christmas lights switch- on event, exhibition stand at the Surrey County Show, the organisation of the Guildford Heritage Awards and the Guildford Calendar Competition .

Web site
The PR team manages the Guildford Borough Council web site, an important and developing medium for communication.

Consultation
The Council is also committed to be a responsive authority in the way it cares for customers and provides services.

The PR section organise consultation exercises with the general public to give Councillors and Council staff the very best information - direct from you the public - on which to base our decisions.

Partnership Initiatives
The Guildford Business Forum is a partnership between Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Chamber of Commerce and businesses based in the Borough. It enables a frank dialogue between all parties, an opportunity to hear all sides of an issue and the opportunity to work together to maintain a dynamic commercial environment. The Council is represented on the six specialist groups: High Technology & Manufacturing, Professional Services, Property & Construction, Retail, Rural Industries, Town Centre Management and Tourism.

Customer Care
As part of the Council's Customer Care programme we are committed to high quality and good value services for everyone in the community.

There is no complicated procedure for giving us feedback. You can do it by telephone, letter, E-mail or in person. If you are making a complaint whoever receives it will ensure that it is registered formally and relayed to the appropriate Senior Officer. You should receive an initial response within seven working days. If you are not satisfied, you will be advised of ways in which you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman

Leaflets on Customer Feedback and Customer Care are available from the Information Officer on the main switchboard number Tel: 01483 505050.

© Guildford Borough 2002