Katie Whirledge
In this new article, Katie Whirledge, Managing Director at Papillon Communications, reflects on the context of the last few months, and shares ten hints and tips on how trust leaders can ensure that communications both reassure and support their communities during difficult times.
As usual, the summer weeks have passed by in a blink and the sector is preparing, with excitement and trepidation, for the new academic year.
Whatever your political allegiance may be, the change in government and the emergence of yet another Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has clearly brought about opportunities to reflect upon, and a surge of energy and hope for, some much-needed changes for the sector. Those of you who were fortunate to hear former secretary of state for education Estelle Morris (Estelle Morris, Baroness Morris of Yardley) ahead of Forum Strategy’s Symposium last term will have noted her advice to embrace the excitement of change and the potential possibilities that this change will allow.
Election results aside, it is impossible not to feel the weight of the horrific violence against several young girls (and the adults who tried to intervene) in Southport and the riots and unrest that have followed. I know this has impacted us all and devastated many of the communities we serve. It is important, however, to also remember, and feel encouraged by, the many stories of community spirit that have gone a long way to counter the criminality and acts of aggression by some.
“It is our job to provide reassurance and stability, and to do this we need to be communicating effectively.”
Ahead of the National #TrustLeaders CEO conference in just a few weeks, we have been talking about generating and leading with ‘contextual wisdom’ and what that really means in application. I, personally, can’t wait to explore this theme with you all in greater depth and, yet again, the speakers and resources available at the event look so timely and relevant for us as CEOs.
