The Head of Communications and Liaison is responsible for LCBA’s public voice, member communications, website and social media messaging, press contact, and liaison with partner organisations such as CRT, local councils, community groups, charities and waterways organisations. They are also responsible for ensuring that branding policies are followed.

This role helps make sure LCBA speaks clearly, calmly and consistently, rather than sounding like several different boats shouting across the cut at once.

What is expected of the person in the role:

• Be the point of authorisation for all public communications.
• Oversee public communications, including website updates, social media, newsletters and public statements.
• Line manage or supervise the Content Creator in relation to website content, social media content, photography, video, branding and public messaging.
• Line manage or supervise public awareness campaigns with the content creators collaboration.
• Approve or review content created by the Content Creator before publication where needed.
• Ensure communications are accurate, respectful and in line with committee decisions.
• Liaise with CRT, local councils, funders, partner groups and community organisations where agreed by the committee.
• Keep a record of significant external communications.
• Promote LCBA events, campaigns, surveys and membership.
• Work with the Events Manager to promote events before, during and after they happen.
• Work with the Content Creator to capture event photographs, member stories, volunteer activity and website updates.
• Work with the Membership Secretary to communicate with members.
• Work with the Fundraising Officer on fundraising messages, campaign wording and sponsor or funder recognition.
• Work with the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer to ensure sensitive welfare matters are not shared publicly.
• Work with the Chair on statements involving policy, disputes, complaints, CRT, facilities or reputation.
• Help the committee communicate complex issues, such as services, stoppages, welfare support or fundraising, in plain English.
• Make sure external partners know who is authorised to speak on behalf of LCBA.
• Attend any relevant training courses needed to fulfil the requirements of the position. 
• Maintain a good standing in the community and represent LCBA in accordance with all internal policies.

Reports to: 

• The Chair
• The full LCBA Committee.

Deputised by: 

• The Chair should deputise for official statements, sensitive liaison or reputation matters, with committee approval where possible.
• The Secretary may deputise for routine member notices, meeting notices or governance-related communications.
• The Content Creator may deputise for routine, pre-approved social media posts, website updates, event photographs, captions and simple event summaries.
• The Events Manager may deputise for practical event communications, such as timings, venue information, access arrangements and attendee information.

The Content Creator and Events Manager should not publish sensitive statements, complaint-related material, safeguarding information, allegations, political or policy statements, or material committing LCBA to a public position without approval from the Head of Communications and Liaison or the full committee.

Deputises for

• The Content Creator where urgent social media posts, website updates, event publicity, photographs, captions or public updates are needed.
• The Events Manager on event publicity, public information, member notices and post-event communication.
• The Boat Specialist on liaison matters involving CRT, local councils, partner organisations or external communication about boating issues, but should not provide technical boating advice unless competent to do so.
• Support the Chair with public statements and external liaison, but should not replace the Chair on formal governance or sensitive committee matters unless authorised.