Managing risks at places of education

Under Pressure Friday 10 May 2024

Education establishments and managing risks

Many parts of the world have experienced threats and risks that impact on schools, colleges and universities. It is rarer for such situations to emerge in the UK but in the past few weeks there have been a series of horrific incidents that have taken place at schools. Despite the fact that schools are at the heart of communities they are often not included in local resilience forums and the crisis response frameworks.

I have had the opportunity this year to work with both schools and universities to provide crisis communication training and to run simulations that test existing plans. Being prepared is critical as education establishments are dealing with huge risks and are responsible for a large number of children and adults.

It is not just about having a plan but about testing and refining it, and making sure that people have a crisis mindset and feel able to implement the plan at a moments notice. A recent review of the December 2022 incident at Michigan State University found they had no plan in place. Read more here. Leaders had nothing to refer to should an incident happen and when it did there were significant issues. It is important to remember that effective communication relies on having effective leadership. The two need to be involved in tests and exercises, and when those tests highlight problem make sure changes are made quickly.

Whether it is a nursery or kindergarten through to a university, every education institution needs to be considering its risks, its response plans, and the communication that will be essential when something happens. The more we think the unthinkable and prepare the more we can be effective and help people through those difficult times.

Crisis-hit Coop Live: what is needed?

Amanda gave some thoughts on what is needed after Europe’s largest event venue was forced to cancel further shows. The Coop Live has yet to open and last week problems led to one event being cancelled as people were just moments from going in. Find out what Amanda said to ITV Granada News here.

The impact of misinformation and disinformation

MPs in the UK have said the Government needs a strategy to help address misinformation on TikTok aimed at young people. (Read more here) At the same time journalists have said that being credible sources of news is one of the biggest challenges they face. In the Cision 2024 State of the Media Report it highlights the issues being faced and also that PR information still has a part to play. Find out more about the report here.

Cyber threats: a communication priority

The threat of a business or organisation being the subject of a cyber attack continues and the UK Ministry of Defence has highlighted its experience this week. Being ready for a cyber issue is essential and planning needs to have been undertaken. PR News considered the lessons from the recent attack experienced by the streaming platform Roku, read it here. If you are interested in learning from others experiences an article by Information Week captures some of the lessons. (Find out more here.) The important take away has to be to prepare, plan and then test your response.

In Conversation with Professor Lucy Easthope

More than 500 people have signed up for the free online event on the evening of 21 May 2024. Amanda will be chatting to Lucy about her life, work and approach to crisis and disaster management. The session is not being recorded but highlights will be shared through social media after the event. If you are interested in attending find out more here.

In Brief:

• Reliefweb included a review of a conference looking at misinformation and humanitarian response. It considered how to avoid truth being the first casualty in a crisis. Find out more here.

• A recently published report ranks countries in order of how prepared they are to respond to a cyber attack. The World Cybercrime Index it highlights that a relatively small number of countries house the greatest cybercriminal threat. Find out more here.

• KPMG has recently supported the publication of a report looking at the vulnerability of supply chains. It considers the stress points which should help in considering how to build resilience. Read more here.

• The latest edition of the crisis communication monthly case study Testing Times has been published. To check it out go to Amanda’s website resource page here.

• A recent Forbes article looked at the potential impact of deepfakes on the animal agriculture industry. Find out more here.

• A short flood preparedness guide has been published by Philippe Borremans through his Wag the Dog newsletter. If you want to find out more check it out here.

• If you are interested in virtual reality and what it may mean to risk communication there is a webinar run by the IARCC that may be of interest. Thanks to Philippe Borremans for providing the link. Watch it here.

• Problems with a healthcare provider have led Massachusetts government to launch an emergency system which will help to connect health care services. Find out more here.

• KPMG have published a blog about preparing communications ahead of the introduction of anti-greenwashing rules that come into place at the end of the month. Find out what it means here.

Diary Dates:

• 16 May 2024 - Crisis Communication Masterclass - Amanda is running her first full day comprehensive training on crisis communication. To book a space or for more information email office@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

• 21 May 2024 - Amanda will be in conversation with Professor Lucy Easthope at 6.30pm BST. For more information check out the details here.

• 23 May 2024 - Amanda will be running a full day training session on Managing an In-house Communication Team. The session run through the PRCA will cover how to lead as well as manage. Find out more here.

• 24 May 2024 - the SASIG webinar will take place at 11am and Amanda is guest chairing the session. Find out about the session here.