The pre-election period starts on 13 March 2017 for this year's local election.

During this time, the rules change on what we can and can’t publicise on all channels of communication. In the run up to election, we can't carry out any communication activities that could be construed as promoting a politician or supporting any political party. This will affect the way we deal with media work on council services, and extra care must be taken in the use of social media.

To guide you through this period, the Local Government Association have produced a helpful guide. If in doubt, please contact the Communications team for advice at communications@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 252826.

It’s almost that time again…Friday 24 March is Red Nose Day 2017 when, as the organisers say, you can “help make the world a better place, simply by enjoying yourself”.

As in previous years the council will be supporting this great cause, and all staff are encouraged to organise and carry out fundraising activities on the day. All we ask is that you tell us what you'll be doing – and how much money you raised by doing it. Things to remember:

1. Once you’ve decided what you’ll be doing on the day, please let us know to see if we can promote your activity in advance.
2. On the day itself, send us photos and/or videos of your fundraising activities so we can put these out on social media to show the world what you’re up to – and use them in a future newsletter.
3. When you’ve counted all the money that you’ve raised, let us know so that we know how much money the council has raised in total.

Just email your information, photos and videos to communications@shropshire.gov.uk.

As in previous years, Shirehall will be getting in on the act by sporting a giant red nose in the week leading up to Red Nose Day.

Follow the link in this section to see an A to Z of acronyms used by the various service areas and partners of Shropshire Council.

Acronyms can save us valuable time and space in our work, but be sure to consider your audience before you use them – misuse can lead to confusion. The first time you use an acronym in your document, the words should be written out with the short form placed in brackets immediately after. Here's an example:

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing) offers tenants free advice on how to manage their money.

If you wish to add to the list, please email your request to staffnewsletter@shropshire.gov.uk with the subject line 'A to Z'.

Shropshire Archives this month celebrated being awarded Archive Service Accreditation, the UK quality standard which recognises good performance in all areas of archive service delivery.