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Brand identity:

4.Your council identity

On this page:

    Introduction

    It’s important that we all consistently use the council’s brand to build trust with our residents, businesses and partners.

    A consistent brand helps others easily recognise council-managed services and protects the council’s reputation and image.

    Simple actions can help reinforce this such as:

    ID badges

    Employees should wear an ID badge whenever they are in any council building or working externally on council business. There may be exceptions to this rule, please speak to the corporate communications team for guidance. You can:

    Email corporatecomms@eastriding.gov.uk
    The image shows an example of a council ID badge showing an image of the individual with their job title, name and the council logo.

    Badges must follow the agreed corporate style.

    Email signatures

    Using a standard email signature across the council ensures consistency in design and directs recipients to our preferred channels of communication. All signatures should use the standard template (shown below). Instructions on how to create and add a signature are provided. Social media handles have been included to promote and encourage take-up and usage.

    The image shows an example of a council email signature highlighting where you should add your name, pronouns (optional), job title and contact details as well as the social media and council logos.

    Changes to the email signature

    To make any changes to the standard email template for promotional purposes discuss with the corporate communications team. You can:

    Email corporatecomms@eastriding.gov.uk
    The image shows an example of four of our Teams backgrounds.

    Teams backgrounds

    Using a background effect while attending a Microsoft Teams virtual meeting is a great way to keep the focus on the conversation and remove the distractions behind you.

    We have created a number of virtual backgrounds for you to choose from. A few examples of generic backgrounds and ones created specifically for services are shown below.

    Download the Teams backgrounds and find the one you’d like to use.

    New Teams backgrounds

    If you would like to create additional Teams backgrounds for your use or that of colleagues, contact the corporate communications team. You can:

    Email corporatecomms@eastriding.gov.uk
    Find out more about our eyecare voucher scheme
    • Download the template

      You can download the latest email signature template below.

    • Update your personal details

      In the email signature document over type the bold Your name text with your first and last name.

      If you would like to add the pronouns that you’d like others to use when they refer to you, you can amend the word Pronouns inside the brackets after your name.

      Pronoun options include:

      • he/him/his
      • she/her/hers
      • they/them/theirs.

      Over type Your job title with your own role.

    • Update your contact details

      If you have a telephone number that you can be contacted on, amend Contact number (if available), otherwise you can delete this.

    You must not:
    • amend the font type or any sizes
    • add any extra graphics, such as banners or images
    • change any of the graphics that are already there.
    • Copy your email signature

      Once you have completed the template, you’ll need to copy it to your clipboard.

      Hold your mouse cursor just at the top left of your name.

      An icon should appear. Select the icon, this should select the whole signature.

      Right-click the icon and select Copy from the dropdown list.

    Take regular screen breaks

    Make sure you take regular screen breaks to give your eyes the rest they need. Here are some tips to help you do this:

    1. Vary your tasks

    Try to plan and switch between screen and non-screen work so that you naturally get a break.

    2. Set a timer

    Take frequent, short breaks every hour with 5 to 10 minutes away from your screen, this could be to:

    • make a drink
    • do some stretches
    • go to the printer.

    3. Follow the 20-20-20 rule

    Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eye muscles a rest.

    4. Remember to blink!

    Blinking is the eye’s way of getting the moisture it needs on its surface. It also cleans the surface of your eye of any debris and washes it out with fresh tears.

    If you're talking to someone or looking at objects in the distance, you normally blink 30 to 40 times per minute. But when you are reading on a screen, your blinking naturally slows to 3 to 5 times per minute.

    By making a conscious effort to blink more often, this will help to keep the surface of your eyes from drying out and also sharpen your vision.

    Make your display work for you

    1. Position your screen correctly

    If your screen isn’t set up correctly, you may be unnecessarily straining your eyes.

    Your eyes should be roughly the same height as the top of the screen. If you find yourself leaning forward to peer at the screen bring the screen closer and/or adjust the font size so it is easier for you to read.

    2. Reduce glare and reflections

    Make sure you have a clear view of the screen with no glare or reflections.

    If daylight is shining on your screen you could:

    • close the blinds
    • tilt the screen
    • reposition yourself and the screen.

    3. Check image quality

    Make sure that your screen display is clear and flicker free. You may need to adjust the colours, brightness or contrast to make it clearer.

    Any text should be crisp and readable. Try adjusting the zoom or making the text larger if you experience difficulty.

    Get your eyes checked regularly

    As a regular DSE user, you should get your eyes checked every 2 years.

    You can get a full eye examination at no cost to you. If you need glasses solely for the use of digital screen equipment, you can also get a contribution towards this.

    Create and add your signature

    Follow these steps to create and add your email signature to your Microsoft Outlook account.

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    Employee confidential helpline

    0330 380 0658

    Speak to fully qualified counsellors and support specialists at any time, 365 days a year.

    Use code 107574 to access the online resources.

    More about the employee assistance programme

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