Managers resources
How managers should use these resources
Share the key messages with your team
Use the materials provided to keep your team informed, making sure all staff are reached, including those who are harder to reach or not regularly online. These messages are important and time-sensitive, so it’s essential they are shared clearly and consistently with everyone.
You can do this through team meetings, huddles, 1:1s, printed materials, or other appropriate communication channels.
Keep the message consistent
Use the information and wording in the toolkit to ensure everyone receives clear, accurate and consistent messages. Avoid adding unconfirmed details or personal interpretation.
Be open and honest
If there are areas where information is still developing, be clear about this. It’s fine to say when something isn’t known yet. Being open helps build trust.
Encourage two-way communication
Create space for questions and feedback. You don’t need to have all the answers. Capture any queries you can’t respond to and pass them on through your usual management channels. Alternatively, you can email lgrquestions@lancashire.gov.uk.
Signpost staff to further information
Remind teams where they can find the latest updates, frequently asked questions, and resources on the intranet. Encourage them to read the materials and stay informed.
Share updates promptly
When new information or guidance is issued, make sure you pass it on to your team as soon as possible, so everyone stays up to date.
Offer reassurance and support
Recognise that change can feel uncertain. Use the toolkit to help explain what’s happening, what it means for your team right now and where they can access support if needed.
Employees absent from work
It is important that all employees within your service are informed of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision, including those who are currently absent from work, such as colleagues on sickness absence, maternity leave or other types of leave.
For employees who are away from work, any communication should be appropriate and proportionate to their individual circumstances. You may already have agreed arrangements in place for keeping in touch with them and these are likely to remain the most suitable way of sharing information. Where appropriate, discuss with the employee how they would prefer to receive updates to ensure the most effective approach is taken.
The aim of this contact is to ensure that all employees have access to the same information, engagement opportunities and support as their colleagues. This includes communications, opportunities to ask questions and ongoing support following the decision and throughout the LGR process.
Resources
Videos
This video (on YouTube) can be shared with your staff.
Staff briefing sessions
You can also direct staff to the Staff briefing sessions where they can hear from senior leaders and ask questions.