Two months ago, I stepped into the world of local government and joined the Communications team for my first placement on the National Graduate Development Programme at Bedford Borough Council.
by Sarah Combes
Read moretv, film and cinema recs and reviews for comms people: december
If you’re anything like me a good TV or film recommendation is a handy thing to have. Especially in dark and gloomy January.
by Darren Caveney
Read morewhy new voter id legislation risks disenfranchising a generation
The new voter ID legislation confirmed this week, may on the face of it seem like a subtle progression to voting regulation in the UK. Look a little closer and you’ll see that it could be one of the biggest steps to youth audiences becoming disenfranchised with government and a move to restrict young voters from having a voice.
by Rebecca Roberts
Read moremy first year in local government, what a whirlwind it has been
They say a week is a long time in politics so what does that make a year in local government?
by Jade Parker
Read moremy day at the unconventional UnAwards
Finding out that a 2021 Black History Month campaign I'd created had been shortlisted for a second award has been one of the highlights of this year. Considering I'd gotten married in July, that's definitely saying something!
by Krystle Downie
Read morework in comms? not an octopus? extra hands could be the answer
We all know that working in comms means wearing lots of different hats – writer, proofreader, social media whizz, event organiser, project manager – and that’s before we start on the random tasks that always seem to be passed to comms, such as sorting out signage or arranging a car parking space.
by Ali Marsland
Read morethe most wonderful time of the year
Two days on, I still have a lovely warm glow from the 7th annual UnAwards.
by Darren Caveney
Read morethe #UnAwards22 - your guide to the big day
After a three-month build-up the #UnAwards22 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the big day…
Read moretv, film and cinema recs and reviews for comms people: october
Inspired by the genius comic, Stewart Lee, I’ve decided to keep a record of all of my TV, film and cinema viewing throughout 2022. Plus, I will write a micro review for each one and list where I watched it.
If you’re like me you’re always on the hunt for a quality watch in and amongst some very average fayre. So, these recs and ratings might be useful to you. Here goes for October
by Darren Caveney
Read morethe #UnAwards22 shortlist is live
the UnAwards22 public vote is open
hidden bylines: how metadata can link your name to news (and how to change that)
Having read the original anonymous blog ‘don’t become the story’ and the follow-ups, I wanted to offer a data perspective - and flag how individual names can inadvertently become attached to public content.
by Alex Waddington
Read morewhy we took the decision to close comments on social media
Nearly seven years ago, I wrote about how to deal with negative or inappropriate comments on social media for this site. I now realise I knew nothing about negativity on social media.
by Emily Taylor
Read moregot a problem? don’t forget to get creative
Crisis communication is all about structure and process. It is about following guides, checklists and steps that have been pre-agreed. There is no room for creativity in crisis, risk and issues communication. All these are inaccurate statements. Of course, preparation and structure are important particularly in the initial response to a crisis, but it is about a lot more.
by Amanda Coleman
Read moremeasuring up
Deciding what to measure and knowing if the results are good is one of the eternal challenges of PR.
by Mandy Pearse
Read morea right royal do
When I joined the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, I was given a huge folder and told ‘these are the plans for the funeral of Prince Philip and the Queen, you better have a look’
by Louisa Dean
Read moredon't become the story 2
The recent ‘Don’t become the story’ anonymous guest post has generated huge web traffic, lots of engagement and sparked others to come forward to share similar stories.
by Darren Caveney and anonymous comms pros
Read moredon’t become the story
I was so sad and disappointed to read this post. And worried too. Is this a sign of things to come?
by an anonymous comms pro
Read moredazzling creative campaigns - a brand new resource you might love
by James Morton and Darren Caveney
First up, Darren…
One of the things I love most about working for myself is the opportunity to collaborate. Either when it’s something I’m not the best in the world at, or to share the workload with other trusted advisors on big projects, or just for the sheer hell of doing fun things with people I like and on work which might be useful to someone somewhere. This new resource fits into that last category.
Read morenominate someone brilliant in the unawards22
We know that a common complaint from comms professionals is a lack of recognition for their work. The #UnAwards22 is your chance to change that. In a big way.
by Darren Caveney
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