Contract opportunity: Marketing and Communications Services

Why the Town Council requires communications support

Glastonbury Town Council plays a visible and increasingly influential role in the life of the town. Effective, proactive and transparent communication is essential to ensure residents understand the Council’s responsibilities, decisions, services and opportunities for involvement.

The Council requires dedicated communications support to improve engagement with residents, businesses and community groups, ensuring information is timely, accessible and consistent across all channels and platforms. Clear communication strengthens local democracy by helping people understand how decisions are made and how they can participate.

Professional communications support will also help promote the town’s facilities, events and initiatives, supporting community pride, local economic activity and the effective use of Council assets. It will enable the Council to respond quickly and confidently to media enquiries, misinformation, crisis communications, and emerging issues – protecting the Council’s reputation and maintaining public trust.

As communication channels and public expectations evolve, particularly online, the Council must ensure it reaches diverse audiences, including younger residents and those who do not traditionally engage with local government. Dedicated support will allow the Council to modernise its approach while maintaining inclusivity and accessibility.

Growth of Glastonbury Town Council and its expanding role

Glastonbury Town Council has experienced significant growth in responsibilities and public expectations in recent years. The reorganisation of local government in Somerset and the creation of a single unitary authority has changed how services are delivered and how communities interact with local governance and administration.

As upper tier structures have consolidated, town and parish councils have taken on a more prominent role in representing local interests, shaping place-based services, and ensuring that community voices are heard. Glastonbury Town Council has increasingly become the most immediate and accessible tier of government for residents.

The Council has also taken on additional assets and services through devolution and local management arrangements. This includes the stewardship of community spaces, events, environmental initiatives, and local facilities that contribute directly to the quality of life in the town. Managing and promoting these assets requires clear communication to maximise community benefit and encourage responsible use.

As the Council continues to grow in scope and influence, a structured and professional approach to communications will help ensure it can meet rising expectations – while strengthening trust, transparency, and community participation.

The Contract

Download the draft contract here.

Proposals

Proposals to provide services in line with the contract should be submitted to the Town Clerk by email using [email protected] by 12 noon on Friday, 10 April. As part of your proposal, the Council requires a CV (if applying as an individual), a covering letter, a portfolio of past and current work, and client testimonials.

Shortlisted contractors will be invited to meet with the Town Clerk and elected members to discuss their proposal on Monday 20 April.