A school does not survive on its marketing. It lives on its reputation.
A reputation cannot be built overnight. It is passed down the generations and thrives on lived experience, word of mouth and the conduct of its ambassadors.
But it only takes a negative media article, the bad handling of an Ofsted report or a mis-managed piece of communications to all but tarnish a reputation. While all these scenarios are risks that each school must face, they are risks that can be overcome with first-class crisis management operation.
For many years, I was responsible for media relations and issues management for the Oasis Academies, a Multi-Academy Trust comprising over 50 primary and secondary schools. Having learnt my trade managing issues for some of the world’s biggest brands such as eBay, Mars and Unilever, I have discovered that applying the same principles to managing issues for schools can deliver the same results at a fraction of the cost.
My offer is simple: I work with schools to help head-off issues, manage those that arise and construct a plan to rebuild reputation in the aftermath.
Perhaps you have something on the horizon this year that you’re worried about. Maybe the past few terms have seen you hit with some negative media coverage that you just didn’t deserve. Perhaps you’re just looking to get your house in order.
Whatever the reason, if you think I can help, please let me know. I am very happy to come and meet with you to discuss any of this further.