Finance and Governance Standing Committee

Notice of Meeting

Monday, 09 October 2017

 

 

Thursday, 05 October 2017

 

 

A Meeting of the  Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting will be held at 6.00pm on Monday 09 October 2017 at Level 1, Georges River Civic Centre, corner Dora and MacMahon Streets, Hurstville for the consideration of the business available on Council's website at http://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Meetings.

 

 

 

 

 

Gail Connolly

General Manager

 

 

BUSINESS

1.      Apologies

2.      Disclosures of Interest

3.      Minutes of previous meetings

4.      Committee Reports

 


Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting

Summary of Items

Monday, 09 October 2017

 

Committee Reports

FIN001-17         Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils SSROC - Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting

(Report by Executive Manager, Office of the General Manager)........................... 2

FIN002-17         Georges River Council Access to Information Policy

(Report by Governance Consultant)........................................................................ 10

FIN003-17         Cleaning Services Tender for Georges River Council buildings

(Report by Manager Infrastructure)........................................................................... 19

FIN004-17         Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan

(Report by Governance Consultant)........................................................................ 21

FIN005-17         Investment Report as at 31 August 2017

(Report by Chief Financial Officer)........................................................................... 77

FIN006-17         Grant Days and Working Arrangements During the Christmas Period 2017-18

(Report by Executive Manager People and Culture)............................................. 91

FIN007-17         Communications and Media Management Policy

(Report by Manager Communications and Customer Service)........................... 97   

 


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 1

AGENDA

1.      Apologies 

2.      Disclosure of Interest

3.      Minutes of previous meetings - NIL


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 2

4.      Committee Reports

Item:                   FIN001-17          Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils SSROC - Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting  

Author:              Executive Manager, Office of the General Manager

Directorate:      Office of the General Manager

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

Recommendation

(a)     That Council note the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) held on 17 August 2017.

 

Executive Summary

1.      The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) held on 17 August 2017 are presented to Council.

 

Background

2.      The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) held on 17 August 2017 are included as an attachment.

 

Financial Implications

3.      No budget impact for this report.

 

File Reference

08/683

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

SSROC Ordinary Meeting Minutes 17 August 2017

 


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN001-17              Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils SSROC - Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting

[Appendix 1]          SSROC Ordinary Meeting Minutes 17 August 2017

 

 

Page 4

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 10

Item:                   FIN002-17          Georges River Council Access to Information Policy  

Author:              Governance Consultant

Directorate:      Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

 Recommendation

That Council adopt the Georges River Council Access to Information Policy as contained in Attachment 1.

 

Executive Summary

1.      At its meeting of 7 August 2017 Council resolved to place the draft Access to Information Policy on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.  Following this period of exhibition it is now recommended that the Access to Information Policy be adopted.

Background

2.      The GIPA Act promotes public access to government information, aiming to make certain types of information held by Council freely available.  The Act encourages Council to release as much other information as possible, giving members of the public an enforceable right to make access applications for government information.

3.      The draft policy outlines the principles regarding public access to information, and provides the framework for processing of requests for such access in accordance with the provisions of the GIPA Act. 

4.      The adoption of an Access to Information Policy demonstrates Council’s commitment to operating in an open and transparent manner and forms part of Council’s overall Governance framework.

5.      The draft Access to Information Policy was endorsed by the Executive Team on 12 July 2017.

6.      The draft Policy was then presented to the Council Meeting on 7 August 2017 and it was resolved:

“That Council endorse the draft Georges River Council Access to Information Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days”.

 

7.      Following this recommendation the draft policy was placed on public exhibition between 10 August and 6 September 2017.  There were no submissions received during the exhibition period.

8.      No additional amendments have been made to the draft Policy, and it is recommended that the Access to Information Policy now be adopted.

 

Financial Implications

9.      No budget impact for this report.

 

File Reference

D17/161558

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

Georges River Council Access to Information Policy - 9 October 2017

 


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN002-17              Georges River Council Access to Information Policy

[Appendix 1]          Georges River Council Access to Information Policy - 9 October 2017

 

 

Page 11

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 19

Item:                   FIN003-17          Cleaning Services Tender for Georges River Council buildings  

Author:              Manager Infrastructure

Directorate:      Assets and Infrastructure

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

 Recommendation

(a) That the report be received and noted.

(b) That the separate report on this agenda relating to the Tender for Cleaning Services at Georges River Council be considered in closed session, in accordance with Part 1, Chapter 4 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 10A(2)(c) as it is considered the information, if disclosed confers a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business with.

 

Executive Summary

1.      This report is presented to the Standing Committee to recommend a preferred supplier for the provision of Cleaning Services to Georges River Council buildings.

 

Background

2.      On Tuesday 17 July 2017, Council called an Open Tender “RFT No. T17/010 Georges River Council – Cleaning Services Contract” for the provision of cleaning services to Council’s buildings.

3.      The tender was advertised through Tenderlink and at the close date on 16 August 2019, a total of 12 submissions were received, 11 electronically and 1 as a hardcopy. 

4.      The organisations that tendered are listed below;

·    GJP Property Services

·    The Sparkle Team

·    Storm International

·    SKG Cleaning Services

·    Menzies International

·    VDG Pty Ltd

·    Ultimate Cleaning

·    Mastercare Property Services

·    Academy Services

·    International Cleaning Services

·    GJK Facility

·    Advance national

 

5.      The Council buildings included for cleaning under this tender include;

·    Hurstville Civic Centre

·    Marana Auditorium

·    Civic Theatre

·    Hurstville Senior Citizens Centre

·    Kingsgrove Community Centre

·    Mortdale Community Centre

·    Oatley Community Hall

·    Carss Park Lifesaving Hall

·    PJ Ferry Reserve Community Hall

·    Kogarah School of Arts

·    Kogarah Library

·    Hurstville Library

·    Penshurst Library

·    Oatley Library

·    South Hurstville Library

·    Jack High Child Care Centre

·    Penshurst Long Day Care Centre

·    Hurstville Early Learning Centre

·    Carss Park Narani Child Care Centre

·    South Hurstville Kindergarten

·    Ocean Street Kindergarten

·    Riverwood Child and Family Health

·    Hurstville Child and Family Health

·    South Hurstville Child and Family Health

·    Oatley Child and Family Health

·    Kogarah SES

·    Hurstville Museum and Gallery

 

6.      The assessment panel was formed comprising of;

·    Coordinator Property & Assets

·    Team Leader Entertainment Centre Operations

·    Manager Library Services

·    Manager Children’s Services

 

 

7.      Submissions were evaluated according to a range of criteria as agreed by the tender assessment panel and as outlined in the closed report to the Committee.

 

Financial Implications

8.      The total cost for the provision of cleaning services to Council’s buildings will be $507,858.32 (exc GST) annually for the period of the contract. This will be funded from Council’s budget allocation for cleaning services.

 

 

 

 

  


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN004-17              Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan

[Appendix 1]          Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan - 7 August 2017

 

 

Page 21

 

Item:                   FIN004-17          Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan  

Author:              Governance Consultant

Directorate:      Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

Recommendation

(a)     That Council adopt  the Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan as contained in Attachment 1.

(b)     That it be noted that following adoption a copy of the Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan will be provided to the NSW Privacy Commissioner.

Executive Summary

1.      At its meeting of 7 August 2017 Council resolved to place the draft Privacy Management Plan on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.  Following this period of exhibition it is now recommended that the Privacy Management Plan be adopted.

Background

2.      The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (the Act) requires all councils to prepare a Privacy Management Plan outlining their policies and practices to ensure compliance with the requirements of that Act and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.

3.      The Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan provides an overall framework to direct strategies and practices which will enable compliance with Council’s legal obligations in relation to the collection, use, management and storage of privacy and health information.

4.      The Plan is based on the Model Privacy Management Plan for Local Government released by the Office of Local Government in 2013, with some very minor modifications (as shaded in grey).

5.      The draft Privacy Management Plan was endorsed by the Executive Team on 12 July 2017.

6.      The draft Plan was then presented to the Council meeting on 7 August 2017 and it was resolved:

“That Council endorse the draft Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days”.

 

7.      Following this recommendation the draft Plan was placed on public exhibition between 10 August and 6 September 2017.  There were no submissions received during the exhibition period.

8.      No additional amendments have been made to the draft Plan, and it is recommended that the Privacy Management Plan now be adopted.

Financial Implications

9.      No budget impact for this report.

 

File Reference

D17/105332

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

Georges River Council Privacy Management Plan - 7 August 2017

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 77

Item:                   FIN005-17          Investment Report as at 31 August 2017  

Author:              Chief Financial Officer

Directorate:      Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

 Recommendation

That the Investment Report as at 31 August 2017 be received and noted.

 

Executive Summary

1.   This report details Council’s performance of its investment portfolio for August 2017 and compares it against key benchmarks.  The report includes the estimated market valuation of Council’s investment portfolio, loan liabilities, and an update on Council’s legal action against various parties.

2.   Council’s annualised rate of return is 3.34%, which is 1.52% above benchmark. Income from interest on investments and proceeds from sale of investments totals at $834,467 is $44,738 above 2017/18 year-to-date adopted budget.

 

Background

3.      Council’s Responsible Accounting Officer, is required to report monthly on Council’s Investment Portfolio and certify that the Investments are held in accordance with Council’s Investment Policy and Section 625 of the Local Government Act.

 

Investment Performance Commentary

4.      Council’s performance against the benchmark for returns of its investment portfolio for August 2017, are as follows:

 

 

1 Month

3 Month

12 Month

Portfolio Performance

0.26%

0.86%

3.34%

Performance Index

0.14%

0.43%

1.82%

Excess

0.12%

0.43%

1.52%

                         

Notes                                                       

1       Portfolio performance is the rate of return of the portfolio over the specified period

2       The Performance Index is the rate of return of the market (comparable securities) over the specified period                                     

3       Excess performance is the rate of return of the portfolio in excess of the Performance Index.

5.      Council’s investment portfolio as at the end of August was as follows:

Security Type

Market Value $000's

% Total
Value

Cash at Bank

13,157

6.74%

11am Cash

9,339

4.79%

31 Day Notice Account

22

0.01%

Flexi Deposit (Fix/Float)

4,006

2.05%

Floating Rate Deposit

5,002

2.56%

Floating Rate Note

64,582

33.11%

Floating Rate TCD

3,534

1.81%

Term Deposit

89.509

45.88%

Managed Funds Trust

5,947

3.05%

Total Cash and Investments

195,098

100.00%

 

 

 

Investment Properties

16,345

 

Portfolio Total

211,443

 

 

 

6.   At the end of August 2017 Total Cash and Investments were $195.098 million and have increased by $25.1 million from July 2017 as a result of receipts significant developer contributions and first quarter rate instalments due at the end of the August.

 

7.      The investment property valuations listed above have been undertaken in accordance with the revaluation process to ‘fair value’ by an independent value, in compliance with the Australian Accounting Standards.

 

8.      Council continues to utilise the Federal Government’s current guarantee   ($250,000) investing in Term Deposits with a range of Authorised Deposit Taking Institutions (ADI’s) on short to medium term investments (generally 30 days to 180 days maturity) where more competitive rates are available.

Legal Issues

 

9.      Nil.

 

Loan Liability

 

10.    Council’s loan liability as at 31 August was $2.625 million which represents the balance of $5 million ten (10) year loan drawn down on 16 November 2012 for Jubilee Park upgrade in Mortdale. Next repayment of $125,000 is due 28th September 2017.

The outstanding balance on this facility is at a variable interest of 194 basis points over 3 month BBSW. At the current 3 month BBSW rate, the interest rate payable is 3.63% pa.

11.    Council receives a 4.00% pa subsidy under the NSW Government’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme funding agreement for this Jubilee Park upgrade facility. It is intended to continue this financially-advantageous arrangement through to full term in 2022.

 


 

Policy Limits

 

12.    The following graph shows the limits, as a percentage of total cash investments, of the amount by periods, as allowed under Council’s policy, and comparing them to the amounts actually invested, as a percentage of the total cash investments.

 

13.    It shows that the funds invested are now within the limits set in the Investment Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

14.    Income from interest on investments and proceeds from sales of investments totals $834,467 at 31 August and is $44,738 above year to date adopted budget.

Certificate by Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer): Rob Owens

 

15.    Investments have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Minister’s Guidelines, Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Analysis of Investments

Investment Duration

 

Investment Term

Market Value

% Total Value

Policy Limits %

0 to < Year

54,603

27.99%

100

1 to < 3 Years

73,508

37.68%

70

3 to < 5 Years

66,987

34.34%

50

> 5 Years

-

 

25

Portfolio Total

195,098

100.00%

 

 

17.    Council’s portfolio is very liquid, with 27.99% of assets maturing within 12 months. FRNs, funds and fixed bonds also provide additional liquidity in an emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.    The following graphs show analysis of the total cash investment by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.    Council’s investment portfolio is mainly directed to term deposits, which account for approximately 48% of total investments. Yields have steadily contracted, while tracking bond market volatility in the short term.

 

20.    Bank Floating Rate Notes (FRN) offer liquidity and a higher rate of income accrual, which is highly recommended by our Investment Advisors (CPG Research & Advisory) going forward.

 

21.    The following are the types of investments held by Council:

 

a)      At Call refers to funds held at a financial institution, and can be recalled by Council either same day or on an overnight basis.

 

b)      A Floating Rate Note (FRN) is a debt security issued by a company with a variable interest rate. This can either be issued as Certificates of Deposit (CD) or as Medium Term Notes (MTN). The interest rate can be either fixed or floating, where the adjustments to the interest rate are usually made quarterly and are tied to a certain money market index such as the Bank Bill Swap Rate.

 

c)      A Fixed Rate Bond is a debt security issued by a company with a fixed interest rate over the term of the bond.

 

d)      A managed fund is a professionally managed investment portfolio that individual investors can buy into, purchasing 'units' rather than shares. Each managed fund has a specific investment objective. This is usually based around the different asset classes (cash, fixed interest, property and shares). The money you invest is used to buy assets in line with this investment objective. When you invest in a managed fund, you are allocated a number of 'units'. The value of your units is calculated on a daily basis and changes as the market value of the assets in the fund rises and falls.

         

* These managed funds have been grandfathered since the NSW State Government changed the list of Approved Investments as a result of the Cole enquiry (which was reflected in the Ministerial Order dated 31/7/2008).

 

Credit Rating

 

22.    Credit ratings are generally a statement as to an institution’s credit quality. Ratings ranging from A1+ to NR (Short Term) & AAA to BBB- (long term) are considered investment grade.

 

23.    A general guide as to the meaning of each credit rating that Council deals with is as follows:

 

Short-term

A1+: the best quality companies, reliable and stable. An obligor has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments.

A1:    Adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, many positive investment attributes but also elements susceptible to adverse effects of changes in economic conditions.

A2:    Adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, but also speculative s or lack of protection against changes of economic conditions.

B1:    Moderate characteristic capacity to meet financial commitments, also in good economic conditions.

Unrated:   This category includes unrated Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADI’s) such as some Credit Unions and Building Societies to the extent not Commonwealth-guaranteed. No rating has been requested, or there is insufficient information on which to base a rating.         

Long-term

AAA: the best quality companies, reliable and stable. An obligor has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments.

AA:   quality companies, a bit higher risk than AAA. An obligor has very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree.

A:      economic situation can affect finance. An obligor has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in higher-rated categories.

BBB: medium class companies, which are satisfactory at the moment. An obligor has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments.

Unrated:  This category includes unrated Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADI’s) such as some Credit Unions and Building Societies to the extent not Commonwealth-guaranteed. No rating has been requested, or there is insufficient information on which to base a rating.

 

24.    The credit quality of Council’s portfolio is relatively high with approximately 56% of assets rated ‘A’ or higher. The ‘AAA’ assets represent the deposit investments covered by the Federal Government’s Financial Claims Scheme (FCS).

 

25.    The remaining 44% rated ‘BBB’ or ‘unrated’ reflects the attractive deposit and Floating Rate Notes (FRN) investments with the regional and unrated ADIs.

 

Council’s Investment Powers

 

26.    Council’s investment powers are regulated by Section 625 of the Local Government Act, which states:

 

•        A council may invest money that is not, for the time being, required by the council for any other purpose.

 

•        Money may be invested only in a form of investment notified by order of the Minister published in the Gazette.

 

•        An order of the Minister notifying a form of investment for the purposes of this section must not be made without the approval of the Treasurer.

 

•        The acquisition, in accordance with section 358, of a controlling interest in a corporation or an entity within the meaning of that section is not an investment for the purposes of this section.

 

27.    Council’s investment policy and strategy requires that all investments are to be made in accordance with;

 

•        Local Government Act 1993 - Section 625

 

•        Local Government Act 1993 - Order (of the Minister) dated 12 January 2011

 

•        The Trustee Amendment (Discretionary Investments) Act 1997 – Sections 14A (2), 14C (1) & (2)

 

•        Local Government (Financial Management) Regulation 1993

 

•        Investment Guidelines issued by the Department of Local Government

 

 

 

File Reference

< Enter Records Reference Number Here >

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

Investment Portfolio as at 31 August 2017

 


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN005-17              Investment Report as at 31 August 2017

[Appendix 1]          Investment Portfolio as at 31 August 2017

 

 

Page 85

 


 


 


 


 


 


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN006-17              Grant Days and Working Arrangements During the Christmas Period 2017-18

[Appendix 1]          Hours of Operation 2017-2018 - 04-10-17

 

 

Page 91

 

Item:                   FIN006-17          Grant Days and Working Arrangements During the Christmas Period 2017-18 

Author:              Executive Manager People and Culture, Fiona Campbell

Directorate:      Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Matter Type:     Council Reports

 Recommendation

That Council;

 

(a) Approve that staff not required to work during 2017/18 Christmas and New Year period receive three grant days (additional paid annual leave days).

(b) Approve that staff required to work over the Christmas and New Year period be credited three grant days which are to be taken by 1 March 2018.

(c)  Acknowledge that the proposed working hours detailed in the Appendix to this report during the 2017/2018 Christmas period provide an appropriate level of service to the Georges River community.

 

Executive Summary

1.      Both former Hurstville and former Kogarah Councils provided three paid grant days to eligible staff over the Christmas and New Year period. Georges River Council approved the awarding of three paid grant days during the Christmas 16/17 period.

2.      The cost of providing three paid grant days to all eligible staff between Christmas and New Year is $495,000 per annum.

3.      This practice exceeds the leave provisions provided to staff under the Local Government State Award 2017 and does not form part of employees’ formal terms and conditions of employment.

Background

4.      Traditionally both Councils have closed to the public for a period of three days between Christmas and New Year. Both Councils provided staff with three paid grant days to cover this period, in addition to Award entitlements, which was also granted by Georges River Council during the Christmas 2016/17 period.

5.      Staff that are required to work during this period have previously received three grant days to take at a later date.

6.      Council maintains appropriate staffing levels to meet the community’s needs, particularly in the city works and waste areas.

7.      Many areas of service have customised hours of work around this time, those include services such as libraries, customer service, childcare centres and outdoor operations.

Financial Implications

8.      The approximate cost for the 3 grant days of paid leave between Christmas and New Year is $495,000.00.

File Reference

D17/173694

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

Hours of Operation 2017-2018 - 04-10-17

 


 


 


 


 


Georges River Council – Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting -  Monday, 9 October 2017        Page 97

Item:                   FIN007-17          Communications and Media Management Policy  

Author:              Manager Communications and Customer Service

Directorate:      Community and Culture

Matter Type:     Committee Reports

 Recommendation

That Council adopt  the attached draft Communications and Media Management Policy.

 

 

Executive Summary

1.   In February 2017, Council’s Executive Team endorsed the Georges River Council Communications and Media Management Policy (Policy).

2.   Since February, this policy has been adjusted, as per the request from the Office of the General Manager, to accommodate the inclusion of the newly elected Councillors and Mayor.

3.   Policy elements for communication devices and social media elements have also been included into the policy.

4.   This document also been reviewed by Council’s Governance Officer and the feedback has been incorporated within.

5.   As the Policy pertains to the new Mayor and Councillors, it is recommended that it is tabled at the Finance and Governance Standing Committee (Committee) for discussion and feedback prior to being endorsed by the Committee.

6.   Once the Policy is endorsed by the Committee and adopted by Council, it will be implemented across Council’s day to day business operations via face to face and electronic methods.

Financial Implications

7.   Within budget allocation.

 

 

File Reference

16/182, D17/165370, D17/165397

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment View1

Communications and Media Management Policy FINAL 28 SEPTEMBER 2017

 


Georges River Council - Finance and Governance Standing Committee Meeting - Monday, 9 October 2017

FIN007-17              Communications and Media Management Policy

[Appendix 1]          Communications and Media Management Policy FINAL 28 SEPTEMBER 2017

 

 

Page 98

 

 

 

 

 

Communications and Media Management Policy

 

 


POLICY ADMINISTRATION

Dates

Version 1.0 of policy approved by Executive Team on 15 February 2017

Version 1.1 of policy for approval by Executive Team on 27 September 2017.

Policy is due for review (up to 4 years)

Approved by

TBC Council

Policy Owner

Director Community and Culture

Related Documents

Georges River Council Media Management and Communications Procedures

Georges River Council’s Code of Conduct

Georges River Council Social Media and Communication Devices Policy

References & Legislation

N/A

Document Identifier

Policy #: Allocated by Governance once policy is approved (includes the version number)

Doc #: Please enter Trim/Document identification number

Breaches of Policy

Breaches of any policy will be dealt with and responded to in accordance with adopted codes and/or relevant legislation.

Record Keeping

All documents and information obtained in relation to the implementation of this policy will be kept in accordance with the NSW State Records Act 1998, Georges River Council’s Corporate Records Policy and adopted internal procedures.


 

PURPOSE

The Communications and Media Management Policy provides a framework to enable Council officials to promote a positive image of Council. It also outlines the appropriate channels for communicating internally with staff members, or externally with the community and members of the media.

This Policy should be read in conjunction with Council’s Code of Conduct, Communication Strategy and Council’s Media Management and Communications Procedures.

Scope

The policy applies to all Council officials and the functions that relate to Council’s internal and external communications, and media management procedures, including:

o Producing media releases and speeches

o Producing promotional materials

o Lodging advertisements

o Responding to and interacting with members of the media.

Definition of Terms

Term

Meaning

Council

Georges River Council

Media

All media outlets – local, state, national or international. This also includes trade media publications, freelance journalists and bloggers.

Social Media

Any websites and applications, which enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Examples include:

·    Facebook

·    Twitter

·    Instagram

·    Snapchat

·    YouTube

·    Google+

·    LinkedIn

Media user

Any person or account using media or social media to comment, post, or message in public, including online, or directly to Council.

Interview Requests

Consists of any invitation from the media to talk directly with a journalist where their comments will be broadcast live, pre-recorded or in print.

Policy Statement

1.   Council’s Spokespeople

Staff members are not authorised to comment to the media and should refer the journalist or media outlet directly to the Communications Team.

 The only authorised members of Council that can speak directly with the media are:

·    The Mayor – Council’s official spokesperson on all Council matters, projects, initiatives and matters of public interest.

·    The Deputy Mayor – Council’s second authorised official spokesperson on all Council matters, projects, initiatives and matters of public interest, only if the Mayor is unavailable.

·    Councillors – as delegated by the Mayor, to express and support Council’s position on issue/s as directed

·    The General Manager

·    Directors – as delegated by the General Manager to speak on operational matters

·    Manager of Communications and Customer Service – as delegated by the General Manager and Director Community and Culture

·    Communications Coordinator – as delegated

2.   Responding to the Media

All media requests must be raised with the General Manager to determine if a response is required. In the case a media request will be responded to, it must be addressed as a priority in order to meet a media outlet’s nominated deadline and to ensure Council is represented in the news piece.

Only members of the Communications Team are authorised to receive and respond to media enquiries outside of Council’s designated spokespeople.

2.1 Interview Requests

Where a request is made to a Council representative for a radio or television interview , both the Mayor and the General Manager must be informed via the Office of the General Manager to determine if they will proceed with the interview.

The Communications Team will assist with all interview requests.

2.2 Requests for comment outside of business hours

Any enquiries outside of business hours (8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday) must be dealt with as a priority on the following business day. If the media request relates to an urgent matter, emergency communication will be carried out in accordance with Council’s Business Continuity Plan. For all emergency management processes, Council’s Local Emergency Management Officer should be contacted, who will then advise the General Manager.

2.3 Requests for Contributions

A request for a contribution from Council can consist of any invitation from a media organisation to produce and publish content within a publication.

Only Council’s General Manager and Mayor are authorised spokespeople and are permitted to produce content for publication. Other members of Council will require the permission of the General Manager.

Should a request for a contribution be received, the Communications Team will provide assistance.

2.4 Presenting at Conferences

For all Council staff members, approval for presenting at conferences must be given by the General Manager.

3.   Producing content

3.1 Media Releases or Statements

Only members of the Communications team can draft and distribute media releases or statements to the media.

All press releases and media releases must be approved by a Director or General Manager and, if necessary, the Mayor.

While the Communications Team will openly explore opportunities to promote Council initiatives, projects or activities, Council staff members are also encouraged to raise ideas for press releases.


 

3.2 Speeches

All speeches must follow a set format and be within a set template, and as such must be drafted by the Communications Team to ensure those requirements are met. Refer to the accompanying procedural document for this policy to see this set format.

4.   External Publications

 4.1 Newsletters and Publications

All of Council’s authorised publications – including Community – are produced by the Communications Team.

All publications must be made available for members of the community via all of Council’s Service Centres, Libraries, and Childcare Centres and via Council’s website.

4.2 Promotional Materials – Posters, Flyers and Brochures

All promotional materials required must be completed by Council’s Graphic Designer.  Council’s Graphic Designer will ensure that appropriate Corporate Branding is applied and Council’s material reflects a consistent look and feel.

In the event that an event is being jointly shared with an external organisation or group and promotional materials are required, it is preferred that the content is created by Council’s Graphic Designer. However, in the instance where the external group has their own Graphic Designer wishing to do the work, Council’s Communications Team must proofread the document and provide approval prior to distribution. The document should also have Council’s correct logo visible.

4.3 Council’s Corporate Branding and Logo

All authorised Council publications must have Council’s correct logo displayed – the red dragon. The logo must be produced with the correct colours which are red, teal and grey.

Council’s logo must not be handed out without approval from the Office of the General Manager or the Director Community and Culture.

5.   Advertising

Council uses advertising as an additional channel for communication and to meet statutory requirements.

All advertisements must be placed with the relevant publication by the Communications Team. Refer to the accompanying procedural document for how to lodge advertisements.


 

6.   Internal staff communications

          6.1 Newsletters

Only authorised internal staff newsletters can be distributed across Council,for example:

o General Manager’s Message – fortnightly

o Connect – Monthly

o News Briefs – As needed 

These newsletters are drafted by members of the Communications Team.

          6.2 Council-wide emails

Occasionally a Council-wide email may need to be sent out. Staff members must seek permission of their Manager and Director prior to issuing a Council-wide email.

Staff members should not send Council-wide emails for:

o Announcing holidays

o External social events

o Selling personal items

Instead, staff members should only email their relevant department / team regarding holidays or flex leave. The social Yammer feed available through Georges River Council’s intranet, Rivernet, can also be used for these topics.

7.   Social Media

7.1 Council-Owned Accounts

Council’s official social media accounts are monitored and managed by the Communications Team and other teams within the organisation as delegated. Only designated staff members are authorised to post material across these social media accounts.

Staff members must not:

·    Imply that they are authorised to speak as representatives of Council, nor give the impression that the views expressed are those of Council on a social media space

·    Use the identity or likeness of another Council worker in a social media space

·    Use their Council email address or any council logos or insignia that may give the impression of official support or endorsement of their personal comment via a social media space.

·    Use their position with Council when providing online recommendations or referrals for friends or associates via a social media space in any way that would expose them or Council to a conflict of interest.

·    Use or disclose any confidential information or personal information obtained in their capacity as a worker of Council via social media.

·    Post any material that is, or might reasonably be construed as, offensive, derogatory, threatening, harassing, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or discriminatory via social media. Harassment in this context also includes sexual harassment which is deemed unlawful.

 

          7.2 Use of Personal Social Media Accounts

Staff members are welcome to inform people of their affiliation with Council in a professional capacity via social media. Although, in line with Council’s Code of Conduct, all staff members are to refrain from making negative comments about Council and other staff members via social media accounts.

Staff are also not to act as a spokesperson on Council issues or comment on Council issues. This is reserved for Council’s designated spokespeople. Any posts, comments or messages which can be deemed as harassment, derogatory, threatening, or bullying in nature towards another member of Council will be addressed in line with Council’s Code of Conduct.

Members of Council should not disclose any confidential, sensitive, or non-public information via social media accounts. Any member of Council found to be doing so will be addressed in line with Council’s Code of Conduct.

Personal social media accounts should be accessed via personal devices. Council permits a reasonable use and access to social media during work hours.

7.3 Council’s Yammer Account

Council’s Yammer account is for staff members only. It is not to be accessible or accessed by non-staff members. This includes Councillors and Mayors.

Council’s Yammer account, accessible via the staff intranet platform Rivernet, is for professional intra-Council communication. Only the designated social Yammer feed is for non-work related communications. Any comments deemed as harassment, derogatory, threatening, or bullying in nature will be addressed in line with Council’s Code of Conduct.

8.   Council Devices

Council-issued devices, including mobile phones, tablets and computers remain the property of Georges River Council.

8.1 Mobile Devices

Work phones and devices must be used in a professional capacity. All mobile phones and devices are monitored for internet usage and all calls and texts.

Staff members are responsible for accounting for, and payment, of any personal use of Council mobiles in excess of any nominated allowances.

8.2 Computers and Laptops

Council computers and laptops must be used in a professional capacity. All work computers and laptops are monitored for internet and email usage. Reasonable personal use of Council’s internet browsing and e-mail facilities is a privilege and, as such should be used in staff members’ own time and kept to a minimum.

All Council business that requires the use of a computer/laptop must be done so through a Council-owned computer/laptop.

8.3 Inappropriate use of Devices

It is not acceptable to intentionally create, send or access information that could damage the Council’s reputation, be misleading or deceptive, result in victimisation or harassment, lead to criminal penalty or civil liability, or be reasonably found to be offensive, obscene, threatening, abusive or defamatory.

Any comments deemed as harassment, derogatory, threatening, or bullying in nature will be addressed in line with Council’s Code of Conduct.

9.   Email  

All email messages and their attachments are corporate records. They serve to document Council’s business and activities and need to be retained as evidence of those actions.

 

Responsibilities

Position

Responsibility

Director Community and Culture

To review policy when required.

Manager Communications and Customer Service

To ensure the policy is rolled out across the organisation.

Local Emergency Management Officer

Must advise the General Manager of all emergency management processes

Communications team

Receiving and responding to media enquiries outside of Council’s designated spokespeople

Providing assistance to authorised staff in preparing for interview requests

Drafting and distributing media releases or statements

Producing authorised Council newsletters and publications

Graphic Designer

·    Preparing any promotional material

All staff

·    Referring any media requests directly to the Communications team

·    Referring any urgent media enquiries received outside of business hours to Council’s Local Emergency Management Officer

·    Raising ideas for press releases

·    Gaining appropriate approvals as required under this policy, for example gaining the approval of Manager and Director prior to publication.

Version control and change history

 

Version

Amendment Details

Policy Owner

Period Active

1.0

New Policy

Director of Community and Culture

February 2017 – October 2017

1.1

New inclusions:

·   Social Media Usage

·   Usage of electronic devices

·   Replace reference to the Administrator with the Mayor and Councillors

Director of Community and Culture

TBC