David J. Renshaw’s Post

In the fast-paced world of PR and communications, the need for approvals and sign-offs from third parties for press releases or other client projects is not just good practice; it's essential in building trust and forging positive relationships. 🤔Content requiring third-party involvement should be run by corporate communications – not, for example, the engineering contact, even if they are the head of engineering, as one client stressed. Obviously, other firms, those without a comms team, will have their own in-house protocols. 🙏 As one communications director for an operator aptly put it, "We appreciate you getting in touch to run this by us. My managing director is fed up of reading about a supply chain contract for the first time in the newspaper while having his cornflakes." ⚔ Corporate comms are the guardians of reputation and information. 📢 While your release is important to your business, there may be other things going on that impact the flow of information or the timing of press releases. They will appreciate that you have been in touch. 😠 The corporate comms team you're trying to get sign-off from may have an ongoing emergency issue, a potential reputational concern, be about to make an announcement on job losses, or have an announcement of their own that needs to go out to media. They are the all-seeing eye of the business and usually have a direct line to the CEO, so disregard them at your peril. ⛔ The phrase "hung for a sheep as a lamb" is sometimes mooted in PR meetings - "let’s ask for forgiveness rather than permission" is another. STOP! The better route is transparency, keeping everyone in the loop and maintaining a sound commercial and professional relationship by seeking formal approval for your content. ✅ No surprises should be your maxim. #CorporateComms #Marketing #PressReleases #Collaboration #PR #Transparency #ReputationManagement #CommunicationSkills

Anyone else hate fractions at school?! 🙋♀️ I’ll admit, maths wasn’t one of my favourite subjects anyway, but I really HATED fractions. Roll on (ahem!) quite a few years and the irony has not escaped me that one of the key services I offer as a communications consultant is as a Fractional Communications Director. But what does this mean in reality? ✅ Are you looking for someone that can provide senior level strategic counsel in both internal and external communications? ✅ Do you need someone that can quickly understand your business strategy, goals and vision, and turn it into a compelling comms strategy and plan? ✅ Have you got key events coming up that require clear, punchy messaging to resonate with your audience? ✅ Do you have an executive team who need extra comms support but with limited internal resource to support them? ✅ Do you have a fab comms team in place that could be even greater with some mentoring and guidance? ✅ Or are you not sure what you need? You know that you need to improve your communications, but you don’t know where to start? If you’re one of the many organisations that need a sprinkling of senior support, or you DON'T have the budget for a full time senior resource but DO have a need, that’s where fractional support comes in. You get my experience, knowledge, counsel, ideas (and sense of humour!) for a fraction of the time (and cost) – be that a certain number of days a month or specifically for a project. Suddenly fractions sound more appealing, don’t they?! 😂 ---- Hello, I’m Liz, a seasoned communications consultant with extensive experience in both external and internal communications. 🔔 Follow Liz Oakley for communications advice and insight. 👀 Looking for some strategic communications support or content? Fractional senior communications resource? A clear narrative and messaging? Or some bespoke communications, presentation, or media training? Get in touch via DM 📩 and we can have a chat 😊 #communicationsconsultant #fractionalcommunicationsdirector #communicationsfreelancer #internalcommunications #emnployeeengagement #communicationsagency #externalcommunications

How do you define the communications practice/profession? I have been in communications for over 13 years. I’m what many call a generalist, although more strategic over the years. My job titles have included Press Officer, Strategic Communications Manager, Head of Internal Communications, Digital and Print, Communications Service Manager, and Head of Strategic Communications, so I’ve delivered or managed media handling, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, crisis communications, internal communications, print and branding, social media, events, and strategic communications and planning. Yet when I recently needed to supply a definition of the communications practice/profession I was stumped. Obviously I googled. No quick solution. I asked ChatGPT and got this: “Communications practice or profession involves the strategic management and dissemination of information between individuals, groups, or organisations. It encompasses various methods such as writing, speaking, design, and digital media to convey messages effectively. Professionals in this field aim to build and maintain positive relationships, enhance reputation, and achieve specific goals through clear, targeted communication strategies.” Meh. So I drafted this definition: “A communications practice is vital for organisations. It defines, explains, and amplifies objectives, values, policies and deliverables - aligning staff to an organisation’s strategy and delivering effective storytelling to external audiences. It provides clarity in crises and supports organisational growth and change. Its core purpose is to nurture positive relationships internally and externally, enhancing reputation and awareness through audience understanding, channel selection, and consistent look, tone and message. Deliverables span written, spoken, and visual content, while specialisms include marketing, internal communications, press and PR, digital and social media, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.” What would you change? How would you define the communications practice/profession? #communications 🙋🏻♀️ I’m Georgia, I’m a strategic comms specialist with over 13 years' experience 👩🏻💻 I post about comms - from neuroinclusive comms to leadership in comms - and the importance of flexible working as a tool to tackle the motherhood penalty 👩🏻💼 All opinions are my own, not my employer’s Image description: White quote on a beige background which says “How do you define the communications practice/profession?”

Modern Public Relations and Communications means going direct. Here's why. The old PR strategy of relying on third parties with conflicting interests is outdated. Mainstream media, agencies, and distribution credibility have significantly declined. Most of the world is now directly accessible via social media or email. There's no longer a need to go through traditional gatekeepers of information and reputation. Communication norms have not kept pace with this change. Old habits remain entrenched: prioritizing traditional media over social media, chasing clicks instead of building communities and avoiding risks by recycling old tactics. “Corporate communications” has become an oxymoron, as nothing meaningful can be conveyed by a faceless committee. Press releases often sound like they were crafted by an AI robot or worse, middle managers, which they are. Their primary purpose seems to be avoiding controversy and protecting the future job prospects of those managers. The resulting stories are bland and generic, with passion diluted to nothing. Traditional communication methods are now anachronistic at best and, at worst, a waste of time and resources. Going direct means crafting and telling your story without being dependent on intermediaries. Build your own platform, build your own audience, and build your own narrative.

5 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Media and Communications Officer The world of media and communications is dynamic, fast-paced, and often unpredictable. As a Media and Communications Officer, I’ve worn many hats—storyteller, strategist, mediator, and sometimes even crisis manager. Over time, I’ve gained insights that have shaped not only my professional growth but also my perspective on effective communication. Here are five lessons I’ve learned along the way:  1. Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication  In communications, clarity is king. Whether drafting a press release, creating a social media post, or crafting internal messaging, I’ve learned that simplicity often carries the most weight. Complex jargon or overly technical language can alienate audiences, while clear and concise messaging fosters connection and understanding.  2. Adaptability is Key   No two days are the same in this role, and no plan is immune to last-minute changes. From unexpected crises to spontaneous opportunities, being flexible has been essential. Adaptability allows me to pivot when needed without losing sight of long-term goals.  3. Relationships are Everything   Media and communications are built on trust and relationships. Whether working with internal teams, external stakeholders, or the media, fostering genuine connections is invaluable. I’ve learned that showing empathy, being approachable, and maintaining consistent communication can turn colleagues into collaborators and stakeholders into advocates.  4. Content is Powerful, but Context is Crucial   A beautifully written message or a visually stunning post means little if it’s not tailored to the audience. Understanding your audience—their preferences, pain points, and cultural context—is critical. I’ve learned to always ask: "Who is this for, and why should they care? 5. Data and Creativity Go Hand-in-Hand  In the world of communications, creativity drives engagement, but data provides direction. I’ve learned to rely on analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, refine strategies, and make informed decisions. Combining the art of storytelling with the science of metrics has been a game-changer.    Being a Media and Communications Officer is both challenging and rewarding. It’s about more than just crafting messages—it’s about connecting people, ideas, and solutions in meaningful ways. These lessons have shaped my approach to this ever-evolving field, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing.  What lessons have you learned in your professional journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!

I’ve had a few new followers recently, so I thought it was about time I reintroduced myself! Hello 👋 I’m Liz, an in-house communications director turned communications consultant who loves to get under the skin of your business and fix your communications challenges. Now in year four of being a solo business owner, my clients frequently ask me to help them: 🛠 Understand how to effectively engage with their people and teams before supporting them to put in place the tools, resource and channels they need to do this. 🧾 Better position themselves in their core market with a clear narrative and messaging that will resonate with key audiences. 📈 Devise PR and stakeholder engagement strategies to drive brand awareness and reputation. 💡 Solve a wide range of communications conundrums, using my 20+ years of experience to provide strategic counsel, roll up my sleeves, and get stuck in. 👩🏫 Deliver communications, presentation and media training for senior leaders and comms teams. From one-off projects to ongoing retained support and training days, I tailor the way I work to suit my clients. I love the breadth of work that I get to do as well as the flexibility of being my own boss! It helps me to grow and develop as a comms professional and spend time with my two little ones – Imogen and Josh. 💚  If you’d like to know more about what I do and how I can help your business, get in touch and we can arrange a catch-up. 😊 -------- Hello, I’m Liz, a seasoned communications consultant with extensive experience in both external and internal communications. 🔔 Follow Liz Oakley for communications advice and insight. ❔ Looking for some strategic communications support? A clear narrative and messaging? Or some bespoke communications and media training? Get in touch via DM 📩 and we can have a chat 😊 #communicationgsstrategy #communicationsplanning #communicationsadvice #communicationsconsultant #communicationstraining

Are you looking to take your company's communication strategy to the next level? 🚀 Consider hiring a communications consultant to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing and public relations. From crafting compelling messaging to building strong relationships with the media, a consultant can provide valuable insights and expertise to help your brand stand out. #communicationsconsultant #digitalmarketing With a communications consultant on your team, you can save time and resources by outsourcing the complex task of managing your company's reputation and messaging. 🕒 Let the experts handle the nitty-gritty details while you focus on growing your business and engaging with your customers. Plus, consultants bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table, helping you stay ahead of the competition. #savetime #innovativeideas In today's fast-paced digital world, effective communication is key to success. 🗣️ A communications consultant can help you craft a cohesive and impactful strategy that resonates with your target audience and drives results. Whether you're launching a new product or handling a crisis, having a consultant by your side can make all the difference. Invest in your company's future and hire a communications consultant today! #effectivecommunication #driveresults #investinyourfuture Media Source: https://zurl.co/5MKP Photo by Fox on Pexels

Are you looking to take your company's communication strategy to the next level? 🚀 Consider hiring a communications consultant to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing and public relations. From crafting compelling messaging to building strong relationships with the media, a consultant can provide valuable insights and expertise to help your brand stand out. #communicationsconsultant #digitalmarketing With a communications consultant on your team, you can save time and resources by outsourcing the complex task of managing your company's reputation and messaging. 🕒 Let the experts handle the nitty-gritty details while you focus on growing your business and engaging with your customers. Plus, consultants bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table, helping you stay ahead of the competition. #savetime #innovativeideas In today's fast-paced digital world, effective communication is key to success. 🗣️ A communications consultant can help you craft a cohesive and impactful strategy that resonates with your target audience and drives results. Whether you're launching a new product or handling a crisis, having a consultant by your side can make all the difference. Invest in your company's future and hire a communications consultant today! #effectivecommunication #driveresults #investinyourfuture Media Source: https://zurl.co/5MKP Photo by Fox on Pexels

“What the professional role of a communications team can and should be” I talk a lot about showing the value of professional communications. Whether that’s by demonstrating impact, showcasing skills, leading on best practice and innovation or by simply showing up consistently. One of the ways I showcase the value of professional communications is by delivering strategic communications reviews. Last week I got the survey results back on my latest review at the University of Oxford and this quote from a faculty Dean made me very happy: “I am exceptionally satisfied with the review. Particularly valuable were insights as to what the professional role of a communications team can and should be.” 🎯 Why are strategic communications reviews great for showcasing the value of professional communications? - They provide a framework for demonstrating impact (or potential impact) - how often do you get to present communications as a business function? - They offer a platform to highlight best practice and innovation - They can be an opportunity to provide a clear vision for change or increased investment - They provide the opportunity to seek feedback, provide a context to frame challenging conversations and they put communications on the SMT’s agenda - They should always be an occasion to show up consistently and professionally, and educate about the professional role of a communications team In the last 2 years I have delivered 3 strategic communications reviews at Oxford which have all been rated 5 out of 5 stars and had a 100 Net promoter score, but above all they have each resulted in the SMT having a better understanding of what a professional communications team can and should be, and a commitment to the investment needed in increased resources. What is your experience of strategic communications reviews? Image description: White quote on a beige background which says “What the professional role of a communications team can and should be” 🙋🏻♀️ I’m Georgia, I’m a strategic comms specialist with over 13 years' experience 👩🏻💻 I post about comms - from neuroinclusive comms to leadership in comms - and the importance of flexible working as a tool to tackle the motherhood penalty 👩🏻💼 All opinions are my own, not my employer’s

What Does a Communications Officer Really Do? When people hear "Communications Officer," they often think of press releases and social media posts. But the role goes much deeper than that — I know this firsthand. A Communications Officer is the voice, heart, and bridge of an organisation. We craft narratives that inspire, connect, and clarify. We’re the ones behind the newsletters that keep employees informed, the social media posts that protect and promote a brand, and the crisis messages that require empathy and precision. It’s not just about writing well — it’s about listening. Listening to employees, customers, stakeholders, and sometimes, even the critics. This role demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and a whole lot of emotional intelligence. Why does it matter? Because clear, honest communication builds trust — and trust is the foundation of every successful brand, inside and out. If you’re curious about what it takes to thrive in this role or how it could benefit your business, I’m happy to chat. After all, great communication starts with a conversation.