Overview

As an organisation, we operate in complex environments. Our brand needs to work hard to provide clarity of responsibility and build trust in a wide range of circumstances.

Broadly speaking, these cover:

• Directly delivered statutory services with legally defined standards
• Commissioning services through others
• Work with public partners or the voluntary sector to support residents
• Wholly-owned arm’s length commercial trading

In each of those environments, our obligation as council officers is the same, to make it clear to the public who is responsible for the services they are receiving.

About Somerset Council

Somerset Council was formed in April 2023. The unitary council brought together the services provided by the four district councils in Somerset (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset) alongside the services provided by Somerset County Council.

Somerset Council combines the strengths of the five authorities to do even more for the people of Somerset and to simplify democracy. It works alongside our existing town and
parish councils to build a better future for the people of Somerset.

As a new council, these branding guidelines explain who we are and what we do, how to use our brand and what we are communicating.

Our brand builds trust in three ways

Ownership
Our brand informs Somerset residents that this is their facility and service. It demonstrates where their council tax is spent.

Transparency and accountability
Our brand demonstrates to residents who are responsible for this service, where praise and criticism can be directed, linking services to democratic accountability.

Values and quality
Our brand will, over time, demonstrate the quality of service that residents should expect and the values of those providing that service.