Colchester City Council is proud to announce that its innovative approach to social media in the public sector has been shortlisted for two national awards: Best Social Media Account and Best Communications Team, at the Comms2Point0 UnAwards 2026.
This recognition follows the council’s decision to transform its online presence into a vibrant, authentic space where the community and council connect meaningfully.
Three years ago, the council moved away from a traditional public sector model and embraced a fresh, content-first strategy seeking to build on authenticity, simplicity, and engagement. Today, Colchester’s social channels are thriving, with record-breaking engagement, viral moments that celebrate civic pride, and a tone that resonates with its residents.
Key achievements include:
- Average reach of 32,000 per post, with standout posts reaching over 1 million views.
- Engagement rates that have soared, including posts with 25,000 likes and 1,500 comments.
- A dramatic shift in sentiment of comments from negative to positive, creating spaces for dialogue and community connection.
This success is not just about numbers, it’s about people. It reflects the voices and stories of Colchester’s residents and the strong connection the council has built with its community. At the heart of this achievement is our communications team, whose creativity, human approach, and sense of humour have transformed how we engage. By listening, responding, and sharing content that feels real and relatable, we’ve created a space where residents feel heard and valued. This approach has not only strengthened local trust but has also inspired councils across the UK, setting a new benchmark for authentic, people-first public sector engagement.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: "We are setting a great example for others in local government, with a social media presence that catches attention and informs. We’ve created a space where residents feel heard, informed, and proud of their city. A place where even when they disagree, they’re encouraged to engage constructively. That’s something worth celebrating.”
The UnAwards acknowledges and celebrates creativity, innovation, and results across the marketing, advertising and media sectors. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 December in Birmingham.
Page last reviewed: 24 November 2025