Beneath the covers
Beneath the covers
In 2019 I was finalising my first book Crisis Communication Strategies and by the time it was published in May 2020 we were in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. The subject of crisis communication had suddenly become a priority for PR and organisations generally. Three years later I have revised the original book for a new edition out in March.
The world of crisis communication has developed and there are some important sections that I felt needed to be added. After three years of Covid-19 adding a section on long-running crises was essential. The aftermath of the pandemic also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and ensuring diverse communities and audiences are considered. This is a huge issue alongside intersectionality. (Watch the recent 10 minutes with Shanyn Silinski talking about neurodiversity and emergency planning.)
And the developments in behavioural psychology and communication are also important to modern crisis communication, which is also included in the new edition. The past three years have also given lots more case studies to focus on and there are many included in the edition.
I will be giving away a copy of the new edition in the next newsletter but if you want to pre-order a copy go to the Kogan Page website. I have to say a big thank you to my publishers Kogan Page for asking me to update the book, which was a challenge but a great opportunity to bring it right up to date.
Watch my social media for more updates when the book is published on 3 March 2023.
Countries not prepared for future pandemics
This is a worrying report from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) that identifies a lack of pandemic preparedness in all countries.
In the recently published World Disasters Report 2022 it highlights that despite Covid-19 and the deaths it caused being more than any earthquake, drought or hurricane in history countries are still ‘dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks’.
After every issue or crisis the debrief needs to not only happen but lead to change and improvement in both the way the organisation operates and how it prepares for future situations. Because we have experienced a pandemic in the past three years does not mean it won’t happen again.
To find out more about the report click here.
10 Minutes with…
In the latest 10 minutes with conversations Amanda talks to Alex Waddington about data and communication including how we can use it to help with crisis response - watch it here, and to Laura Sutherland about communication around climate change - watch it here.
If you have an interesting story or approach to communication particularly in a crisis get in touch with Amanda at amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk Check out Twitter and LinkedIn for more in the #10minswith series.
Training Update
After a successful issues management course in January, there is still a chance to take part in the next session on 23 March 2023. Spaces are limited and can be booked by contacting Amanda at amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk . The two hour session costs £50 and includes discount on Amanda’s books, the slidedeck, and a certificate.
In Brief:
The European Parliament received a study into the effect of communication and disinformation during Covid-19. The detailed report is one for all crisis, risk, and issues communicators to review. Find a link to the report here.
CEO World has featured an article looking at the role of leadership in planning for and managing a crisis. Read more here.
Find out what happens when two small businesses have a disagreement that sparks a social media backlash. Read about the dispute here.
The UK’s National Preparedness Commission has produced a report with case studies looking at resilient communities. Find out more here.
The important role of data in the modern world has been highlighted by corporate affairs leaders in an article in PR Week. Find out more here (subscription)
In a recent blog, Amanda looks at the importance of leaders being accountable and taking responsibility for crises. It follows further issues within the UK Government. Read more here. And if it took Nadhim Zahawi a long time to resign, check out the FDA Deputy Commissioner who has announced he is standing down after last year’s baby formula shortage in America. Read about it here.
The World Health Organisation has launched an appeal to raise funds to help people with complex health needs. Find out more here.
Sports teams and players need to have crisis communication training according to an article in The News on Sunday. In the article the author explains it may help reduce the amount of bad publicity. Find out how here.
The latest monthly case study produced by Amanda - Testing Times - has been published. This edition looks at the response to the Auckland floods at the end of January. To receive a copy get in touch with amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Diary Dates:
Amanda will be joining a panel at the Local Government Association’s webinar looking at Cyber Security and the role of crisis communication. It takes place on the afternoon of 6 February 2023. Find out more here.
Amanda will be running a half day session focused on how to develop a communication strategy in February. The session for the PRCA takes place on 7 February 2023. Find out more here.
On 16 February, Amanda is running a full day session looking at how to manage an in-house communication team. To find out more go to the PRCA website here.
Amanda’s popular crisis management webinar run on behalf of the PRCA takes place again on 7 March. Find out more about it here.