Is communication prepared for the uncertainties?

Under Pressure 8 September 2021

Is communication prepared for the uncertainties?

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being ready for the ups and downs that will inevitably hit us all in the months and years ahead. Being prepared to face the challenges ahead is essential for communicators. PR and communication has a key role not just in dealing with a crisis but in being crisis ready and managing the move into recovery and beyond.

Readers of this newsletter who are based in America will know that September is National Preparedness Month. In the UK the month the authorities are trying to focus on encouraging people to be prepared by making 30 steps of action under the hashtag #30days30waysUK.

One of the biggest problems I have seen so far is that many organisations are talking to themselves, other institutions or to the few people who are already interested in being ready should the worst happen. The real conversation needs to be with communities that are not interested and will only become interested when they are face-to-face with the crisis. Often these are the most disadvantaged and poorest communities. If you are struggling to put food on the table and to heat your home how can you be interested in the possibilities that some further problems may happen? Authorities need to make it easy for people to get crisis ready and plan ahead.

For me, that is where communicators can get involved and make a real difference. We can all play a part in getting people and communities interested in preparing to deal with the uncertainties that are ahead.

If you want to know more about how to engage communities and start conversations about getting prepared email me amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

Leadership and communication in crisis: time to problem solve

I was due to speak at the Emergency Services Show on 7 September only to be stuck in standing traffic for hours as the M6 was shut due to an accident. My heart went out to those involved in what became a fatal accident. So, I had to find a plan B. When I am training I tell people they need to plan but also be flexible to changing circumstances. I had to do that today. So when I finally got back to base I recorded my presentation and have made it available online.

If you are interested the 30 minute video is available here. If you want to discuss the issues raised with me then get in touch amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

Why governance is critical in an emergency

The United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) team have posted a video worth checking out. It highlights how good governance and leadership is critical to avoiding disasters and emergencies. It opens on the still shocking footage of the explosion in Beirut last year. Watch it here.

Good governance is essential to communicators in developing the crisis response. Planning should ensure that there is a structure and framework being used that people are aware of and understand. Do that planning now while you have the time.

In Brief:

• The World Health Organisation has launched a new global hub looking at gathering data and information about pandemics and epidemics. The new centre is based in Berlin with a view to improving responses by having better data. For more details click here.

• The September edition of my case study Testing Times is available now. This edition looks at the significant and growing problem of cyber risks and threats. For a copy email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

Diary Dates:

• If you are interested in crisis management Amanda is running a PRCA webinar on the subject on 15 September. Find out more here.

• Developing a corporate communication strategy will be the subject of a half day workshop Amanda is running on behalf of the PRCA. It takes place on 15 September. Find out more here.

• Amanda will be running two sessions at the Emergency Planning Society conference on 20 and 21 September. Find out more here.

• On September 23, Amanda will be joining fellow crisis author Kjell Braatas to discuss recovery in a world of crises at the Canadian Public Relations Society conference. Find out more here.