I often choose to work outdoors, relishing the fresh air in my lungs and the feeling of space around me. Obviously, I don’t mean that I have become a landscape gardener or a tree surgeon – letting me loose with a chainsaw or strimmer would be a mistake for all concerned – but instead of … Read more
Yesterday was a big day for me – my 40th birthday! To celebrate the occasion, I have decided to write today about 4 communication lessons I have learnt during my 4 decades. (Don’t worry, I’ve also eaten cake, drunk champagne and spent lots of time with my lovely family and friends to celebrate – it’s … Read more
Today I have been reading a new, thought-provoking report released by one of my clients, ActionAid, and a number of their partners. The Transparency Report brings together contributions from 17 organisations, mostly in the not-for-profit sector but not exclusively, each of whom have shared their views on transparency with their stakeholders and why it is … Read more
[getty src=”185233364?et=oUbK_02DSexPH687ST2izw&sig=llYApuUbbXiR2pKy8H9rQnhIDl0c0omrGkqJ5FX6KCA=” width=”463″ height=”370″]After a fabulous summer recharging my batteries, I’m now back in the office and raring to go. Lots of new thoughts, ideas and plans are flying around my head, ready to be honed, perfected and released. These are exciting times! The first thing on the list is to continue my work helping … Read more
Anyone for tennis? Continuing the topical sport theme, this time I’m turning my attention to tennis and the Wimbledon championships. For me, Wimbledon fortnight is a fabulous example of a compelling, engaging story. There are many reasons for that and, as always, for those of us who are looking to develop these kinds of stories … Read more
World Cup fever has well and truly set in at my house. The sticker book is almost complete, the wall chart is up and the relevant match times have been written on the calendar. There is much excitement and anticipation as we await kick-off of the first game. As usual, my thoughts are turning to … Read more
A few months ago I was asked by the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) to write a piece for a new series they were developing of practical guides for communicators. As regular readers of this blog will know, I have a passionate belief in the power of effective planning when it comes to communicating well … Read more
I attended a really inspiring meeting of my local voluntary sector forum this morning. We were talking about coproduction, the term for involving service users and their experiences in the design and commissioning of the services they need and want. This isn’t in itself a particularly new concept, but in these difficult financial times, when … Read more
“I wish they’d communicate directly with us and tell us what they’re doing,” said the volunteer in her high-vis jacket, desperately trying to co-ordinate the efforts to help the wretched residents of her village as they were flooded out of their homes. The ‘they’ in question were the Government and she was talking to the … Read more