When was the last time you reviewed your crisis communications plan or rehearsed for a pressurised and uncomfortable interview?
When it comes to communicating in a crisis, preparation needs to be at the forefront of your thinking. This is hardly a new argument, but the reality is somewhat different for many councils. Both intense pressure on budgets and increasing demands on staff time means investment in crisis comms gets pushed down the priority list. Regular media training for senior staff and elected members becomes irregular, and the review and updating of those vital plans you intend to rely on in the first hours of an unfolding situation becomes sporadic and inconsistent.
So, what happens when the worst happens, and you can no longer simply hope for the best? Thanks to the experts on its Talent Bank, EELGA can help.
We can now deploy our comprehensive media training packages at short notice. Incorporating print, radio and TV interviews as required and tailored to your specific needs with expert trainers, all working under non-disclosure agreements to ensure confidentiality. This means that if you see a problem on the horizon, you can ensure your spokespeople are trained, and your key messages tested ahead of time.
EELGA can also provide senior-level crisis communication experts to train and support your comms teams, review your comms plans and ensure you have everything in place. Accustomed to working at board level, they can also be called upon to offer vital communications advice and support in the first hours of a crisis.
This combination of training and expertise means you can be confident that everything is in hand before the flurry of request for interviews and statements begins.
To find out more Joe Winter, Head of Business Development, Marketing and Communications joe.winter@eelga.gov.uk