Crisis communications services
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS AUDITS: OUR 4-STEP PROCESS
STEP 1. Review of existing crisis communications plans
Too often organisations find their plans are outdated or the individuals are unaware of how to access or implement them. This desktop research will identify the strengths/weaknesses and what is needed to improve them. We will look at:
- Ownership of Preparation
- Audience and Stakeholder Database data and updating
- Database security and back-up
- Database Access
- Leadership and internal communications in a crisis, including out of hours and holidays
- Media relationships and monitoring
- Incoming communications
- Outgoing communications
- Templates for likely scenarios
STEP 2. Interviews with key stakeholders (in person and on-line)
We will evaluate:
- how well they are prepared for and know their role in a crisis
- what needs to be done to enable them to be ready
STEP 3. Analysis and review
Once we’ve gathered the data and completed interviews, we will analyse them, score the organisation against industry standards and identify where there are opportunities for improvement.
STEP 4. Report and recommendations
A detailed report will be provided with a prioritised list of recommendations. We will also work with you to develop an action plan to implement the improvements, thereby making your organisation crisis-ready for the future.
FOLLOW-UP AND MAINTAINING READINESS - ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
We can help you improve and maintain your Crisis Communications readiness by providing a range of additional services as required
Development of Crisis Communications Plans and Manuals – a Workshop
We can help to create or update templates, plan or manuals
Organising media training
Key spokespeople should be prepared to face the media and handle telephone or online interviews. We can help with preparation and arrange appropriate training.
Testing – a 'fire drill'
To truly assess an organisation’s readiness for a crisis, the best way is to run a ‘fire drill’. By prior arrangement with the owner of the crisis communications preparations, we will contact relevant senior leadership team members out of office hours to advise them of a ‘crisis’ and ask what action that individual would take and assess their ability to do it.