I specialise in working for education organisations and not-for-profits, helping them to tell their stories and communicate with their audiences through words and images.
How I work
On a one-off project basis. Examples include writing assignments, preparing a report or strategy, research or putting together a campaign.
On a daily rate. Examples include running a press office, interim support or training and mentoring.
On a word count for articles. (Fees will be based on National Union of Journalists recommended rates.)
Here’s how I can help you
Communications strategy
Are you struggling to see the wood for the trees? Maybe you’re just churning out emails, newsletters and social media posts without knowing why, or what your audiences want. You need to find a clear pathway through the thicket. I can work with you to clarify your messages, the audiences you want to reach, the best communication channels to use and how to evaluate the impact of your communication. Putting together a communications strategy is something that many people struggle with, but there are simple models I can show you how to use. And along the way I’ll help you come up with some creative ideas.
Communications audit
Do you want a fresh pair of eyes to take stock of where you are now and whether your communications are working? It’s too easy to just do what you’ve always done. But the world is changing fast. You need to have an up-to-date picture of how you are communicating with your audiences – the words and images you use, your tone of voice, the channels you use to reach them and whether they are engaging with you. I can conduct a simple communications audit to provide you with an overview of how well your current communications are working that covers both online and offline communication.
Writing and content creation
Are you finding writing a real chore? Maybe it’s just taking up too much time. Writing is what I do every day so I can work fast. Words combined with powerful images are at the heart of great communications and I know how to get the best from both. My experience covers feature writing, blogs, press releases, opinion pieces, award entries, case studies, reports, brochures, leaflets, newsletters, email campaigns and web content. I can bring in collaborators to help with photography, design and other types of content
Storytelling and thought leadership
Being able to tell compelling stories is what makes organisations stand out. (Just ask American billionaire Warren Buffett). Stories are what makes them human, helping them to engage with people. I can help you to tell your own story. I can help you to create a strong profile through thought leadership content. I can help you decide what to say, how best to say it and how to get the message out into the world.
Media relations
Do you want to get coverage in the media? As a former journalist I can help you craft your stories, write press releases and opinion pieces, coach your staff on how to handle the media, develop web content designed for journalists, or run a media campaign for you.
Training and mentoring
Do your communications, marketing and PR staff need support? I have a track record in building effective teams. I can identify your staff’s existing skills, where the gaps are and recommend ways to improve their knowledge and skills. Alternatively, I can offer mentoring and training online through Zoom or Skype.
