Charity Comms exists to improve the standard of communications and champion its role in the charity sector. Set up in 2007, Charity Comms has over 4,000 individuals involved as members, from over 500 charities.

Working with independent comms consultants Champollion and a steering group of experienced and battle-hardened comms experts, Charity Comms has produced a practical guide to creating and implementing your own crisis comms plan.

While crises can’t always be avoided, they can be managed. That’s where well-prepared communications professionals are worth their weight in gold. A thoughtfully prepared and skilfully executed crisis plan can stop a crisis becoming a catastrophe.

The guide by Kay Parris (2015) explores what a successful crisis comms response looks like, detailing how to prepare for a crisis, understanding staff roles, what to do when a crisis hits and dealing with the aftermath. The role of social media is also covered, along with instructions on dealing with the ‘media spotlight’.

A crisis communications situation can present an opportunity for your organisation, allowing you to bolster your reputation through the professional and honest way you handled the crisis. It is hoped this guide helps you to achieve this.