A few cautious steps
The situation in India that is being overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases is a sharp reminder that we are all still living with the pandemic. I have written many times about how this is a global problem and it requires a global solution, and we are seeing this now. It is rapidly becoming a humanitarian emergency that needs urgent action.
In the UK we are pushing to relax restrictions and are feeling complacent as the levels of vaccination continue to increase. But as we see what is happening in other countries we need to remain alert to the pandemic and ensure we are continuing to take steps to prevent transmission. Last week was World Vaccination Week (find out more here) and it was something we should all support by encouraging people to be vaccinated.
It may not be a popular message to urge caution but now more than ever the ‘hands, face, space, and open spaces’ slogan needs to be heard. Caution needs to be exercised as we take the next steps, and to keep watching the global situation. There is still a lot that we don’t know about this disease and that requires caution. Crises can remain with us for some time and it is clear that this situation is not going to disappear quickly.
I spoke with Nicole Machado about the situation in India and what we could learn from it and how crisis communication could be more effective. You can watch the conversation here.
Crisis Media Training
Being ready and able to deal with media interviews when a crisis hits remains a key skill. Over recent years media training for senior leaders in organisations has been squeezed or cut. It has led to a generation of managers who are not aware of how the media work, what communication and PR teams do, and how they can get the most from a media interview.
This is why I have developed a one day virtual crisis media training course. It provides all the basic information about the media and the do’s and don’ts of interviews. But it also includes a focus on the principles of media interviews in a crisis, what to do and how to prepare for them. The day includes a chance to test out skills with a down-the-line interview using Teams or Zoom.
To find out more and how you could skill up your top team email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
CIPR Award Nomination
I am delighted and honoured to be shortlisted for the CIPR Excellence Awards 2021 in the Independent Practitioner of the Year category. As this is the first year operating as an independent crisis communication specialist, it is a huge achievement. I am grateful to all my clients and those I have, and currently, am working with for helping me get to this point.
Fighting Misinformation
More details about the collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK government to tackle misinformation around Covid-19 can be found on the WHO website. ‘Stop the Spread’ has been circulating since June 2020 and it remains a key focus particularly around the vaccination programme. Read more here.
In Brief:
The PRCA has produced accessibility guidelines to help communication professionals produce content that is accessible. Find out more here.
The World Health Organisation has released information about digital crisis interactions involving Millenials and Gen Z. It highlighted the issue of misinformation and the concerns among young people. Find out more here.
The May edition of my monthly crisis communication case study is due to be published this week. If you would like a copy just email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Diary Dates:
1 June - Amanda will be presenting the Maximum Impact from a Disappearing Budget webinar for the PRCA. It looks at home to make the most of your PR and comms when it is on a shoestring. Details here.
The 8 June half day session on Developing a Communication Strategy that Amanda runs for the PRCA is sold out but keep a watch out for future dates if you are interested in looking at bringing all you communication together in one clear strategy.
Starting on 1 June and running on 8, 15 and 22 - Amanda’s Practical Crisis Communication course will be running. The comprehensive training is support by P World. Details here.
If you are new to running an in-house comms team, or you are looking to take that next step, join Amanda for a full day session looking at the skills required to be effective leading an in-house team. The session is run virtually with the PRCA. Find out more here.