Safeguarding your brand’s reputation amongst your key funders, customers and partners is paramount, and a proactive approach to reputation risk management is the key to resilience.

Here’s a guide to preparing for any potential issues that, if were mismanaged, can escalate into communications crises: 

Identify key staff:

Establish a dedicated team who are fully briefed and prepared to know what to do when a potential crises hits: who will communicate internally? Who will communicate externally? Who will manage the fact finding and fully investigate the situation? Understanding who will take on these roles will ensure a swift and coordinated response when the need arises.

Clear internal communications plan:

Communication is the backbone of reputation risk management. Develop a transparent internal communications plan to keep all team members informed and aligned during crises. Clarity within the organisation is the foundation for a unified external response.

Draft holding statements:

Preparation is the foundation of effective crisis communication. Draft holding statements in advance, providing a starting point for responses. Having these statements ready allows for quicker and more composed reactions during a crisis.

Unsure what to include in your holding statements? Our media training will get you prepared. Find out more. 

Information gathering checklist:

In the heat of a crisis, obtaining accurate information is paramount. Have a comprehensive information gathering checklist to ensure that all pertinent facts are collected promptly. This empowers your team to respond with accuracy and confidence, and to fully assess the risk posed by the situation.

Stakeholder management checklist:

How you treat your stakeholders during a crisis can make or break your reputation. Develop a stakeholder management checklist to identify and address the needs and concerns of key parties.

Prepare for media enquiries:

Equip your staff to handle press inquiries effectively. Training and readiness ensure that your team can navigate media interactions with confidence, presenting a unified and controlled message. Not sure where to start with broadcast interviews? Our media training equips you with the skills to manage difficult interview questions. 

Reflection Plan:

Post-crisis, reflect on the experience. Establish a reflection plan to evaluate the effectiveness of your response. Learning from each situation allows for continuous improvement and enhances your preparedness for future challenges.

By incorporating these  proactive principles into your reputation risk management strategy, you not only build a shield against potential threats but also cultivate a culture of resilience within your organisation. Preparedness, clear communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement pave the way for a reputation that withstands the test of time.