Time to think global
Working across borders
Covid-19 has been a global pandemic. There is no part of the world that has avoided being affected in some way. So why have we not seen a global response? The challenges of country focused responses are being seen clearly with the roll out of vaccinations and the attempts to find a way forward.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken about the G7 nations needing to spend more to ensure there is global mass vaccination. (Read the BBC article here) There is an opportunity for this to be discussed and progressed when the G7 countries meet in June this year. The United Nations has also called for urgent action on debt relief for developing countries.
“To avoid a development crisis, the world must avoid a debt crisis,” UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said on behalf of the United Nations in statements to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Development Committee and to the International Monetary and Financial Committee Board of Governors, gathered virtually for their yearly Spring Meetings. “This is no time for austerity.” (From the India Education Diary)
The recovery from Covid-19 could present a huge opportunity for countries to find a new way of working that can significantly improve the response to any future crises including pandemics. It will be interesting to see whether these opportunities are taken in the months ahead.
I recently joined the International Public Relations Association to look further at how I can join communication colleagues around the world. If you have any thoughts on global communication post Covid-19 and how we can develop and work closer together email me at amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Exercising plans
I have recently been working with a few clients looking at how to test their crisis, emergency and critical incident communication plans. Having an up-to-date plan is the first test, and this means one that has taken account of all the learning from the past year. But to be truly crisis ready you need to have tested the plan to find areas where improvements can be made.
Many people are put off from doing this because of the time, cost and resource implications. The reality is that you can develop a test of the plan to suit your available time and budget. It ranges from having someone quality assure your plans through to a full scale exercise.
The past year has been a huge learning experience and to build resilience through into recovery remember to review and test your crisis plans. If you need an initial free consultation about what you could do get in touch with me at amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
The aftermath of a data breach
There is an interesting analysis of the importance of transparent communication in the aftermath of a data breach. ISMG are considering the best ways to handle a security breakdown. With us all doing more work online, and holding data, it is a risk we need to prepare for. To find out more about the article read here. (Thanks to Cyber Security Resource for highlighting).
In Brief:
Ipsos Mori have released an interesting report on views across the world about when the Covid-19 pandemic will be contained. It shows marked differences in when people think there may be a return to more usual lifestyles. Only a small percentage of people think it will never be brought under control. Read the details here.
There was an interesting article on the Forbes website looking at how home working demands updated crisis management plans. You can read more here.
Our ability to manage risk is becoming a critical point of the way forward living with Covid-19. I explored some of the issue in a recent blog you can read here.
My crisis communication case study for April is still available. This edition looking at social media driving a crisis. Read more here.
Dates:
On 1, 8, 15 and 22 of June I will be running my Practical Crisis Communication course running in collaboration with the P World. It covers everything from understanding risk through to building for recovery. Find out more about the weekly sessions here.
