If you work in change communications, you’ve almost certainly sat through a presentation where someone wheels out the Kübler-Ross curve as though it were unquestionable truth about human behaviour. Shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance parade across the slide deck, offering a deceptively simple way to describe how “people react to change”. It’s tidy,…
The blog:
The importance of communicating change timelines
When it comes to business transformation, few things are more powerful than clarity. Among the most vital forms of clarity is the timeline for change: a clear, communicated roadmap showing when things will happen, what the key milestones are, and how each stage connects to the bigger picture. While it might seem like a simple…
The role of internal communications in brand reputation management
The role of internal communications in brand reputation management isn’t always an obvious one. When we think about brand reputation, we tend to picture external stakeholders: customers, journalists, investors, regulators. We picture the crisis statements, the press briefings, the brand guardianship checklists. But in reality, the foundations of reputation management are laid far closer to…
The NHS: the perfect training ground for aspiring communications professionals
There’s something quietly powerful about beginning your communications career in the heart of the NHS. For all its complexity and constraint, working in the NHS gives aspiring communications professionals a grounding that few other organisations can match. It’s not just a job – it’s a front-row seat to human stories, a masterclass in navigating stakeholder…
Making strategy stick: understanding the OASIS framework for communications
If you’ve ever worked in government, the public sector or large-scale change environments, you’ll have heard of the OASIS framework for communications. Originally developed by the UK Government Communication Service (GCS), it’s designed to help bring structure, rigour and evaluation to campaigns. At its heart, OASIS helps communicators answer the fundamental questions: what are we…
Why FAQs are bad for internal communications
FAQs – those seemingly helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” – have become a ubiquitous feature on intranets, HR portals and internal campaign pages. So why are FAQS so bad for internal communications? They’re tidy. They’re familiar. And they give the impression that we’ve anticipated people’s concerns and addressed them in one easy-to-navigate place. But when it…
The four Ps of change communications: Purpose, People, Process and Presence
Change communications is the art and science of helping people understand, adapt to and support organisational change. Whether it’s a digital transformation, restructure, a new operating model or a cultural shift, the way we talk about change has a significant impact on whether it lands well – or not at all. Understanding the four Ps…
Overcoming digital exclusion: A roadmap for reconnection
Overcoming digital exclusion is rapidly becoming one of the most urgent social issues of our time. As more and more essential services move online, those who aren’t digitally connected are at increasing risk of being left behind – not just in terms of access to services, but in terms of community, identity and agency. Whether…
The latest trends in internal communications
In recent years, there has been a profound shift within the communications discipline. The latest trends in internal communications are being driven by both advancements in technology and the evolving needs of modern organisations; it’s no longer just about intranets or newsletters. Today’s internal communications professionals are leveraging new tools, methodologies and approaches to engage,…
Why a change communications strategy is essential for any major transformation programme
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organisations are increasingly undergoing transformation programmes – whether it’s through a major IT system implementation, a shift in organisational structure, or a change in business strategy. A well-thought-out and executed change communications strategy can make the difference between the success and failure of a transformation programme. In this blog, I…
Services
I am a CIM-qualified freelance marketing consultant based in Birmingham, UK. I work with SMEs across the West Midlands region, helping with marketing strategy, planning and implementation. If you would like advice on marketing your business please get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.