Communications Officer

Gordon Lyon
Communications Officer
Woodhill House
Aberdeen

What does your role involve?

It is a vastly varied job and you never know what’s going to happen in the course of a day. On any day I could be handling media inquiries, setting up press conferences, writing and issuing press releases, or taking on a reporter’s role at a committee meeting to communicate what’s taken place. Our unit produces Accent - the Aberdeenshire Council internal magazine - news content for the website and Intranet, runs the new Aberdeenshire Live system and tries to promote and maintain a positive overall public image for the authority. We work closely with the Chief Executive and service directors to assist them with the media and strategic communications plans.

What do you enjoy best about your role?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the chance it gives me to continue to write creatively and make good use of my media knowledge and communications skills. It is not an ordinary desk job, there is excitement amongst the usual day to day business, the chance to find out more about the inner workings of the council and to meet other people who have an interest in the future of Aberdeenshire.

Tell us about your background and experience.

I have lived in the north-east for most of my adult life and originally studied law with French law in Aberdeen. I later studied for an HND in Practical Journalism, learning skills such as shorthand, desk top publishing and design, before starting as a reporter on a weekly newspaper. I moved on to the Press and Journal for a few years before working with a news agency in Aberdeen, covering stories for the national newspapers. Prior to joining Aberdeenshire Council, I worked as a freelance court reporter in London, specialising in serious criminal cases at the Crown Courts.

What makes you stay with Aberdeenshire Council?

I have only been here for a few months, but already the authority is showing itself to be a progressive employer, with positive ideas for the future. The work is varied and training is more important than anywhere else I have worked, giving me confidence that I will get the chance to develop my skillset. The council also realises that its employees have lives outside of work, and provides an environment where it is easier for people to pursue outside interests, such as the system of flexible working hours.