Communication Strategy
Devising a communication strategy requires you to know the difference between a map and a compass - and how to use them. We’ve experienced the journey, so we can help devise yours.
Our experience of devising communications strategies is second to none, whether these are for external relations, marketing, or internal communications and change management. We have worked with a wide range of organisations - including facilitating ‘awaydays’ for Board and management teams - to develop their strategic communications approach. We have particular experience of developing approaches for effective and inclusive partnerships, as well ensuring that communications strategies can meet the needs of so-called ‘hard-to-reach’ groups.
South London Healthcare NHS Trust
Following the merger of three NHS trusts, we were brought in by the newly created South London Healthcare NHS Trust to develop a communications strategy for the merged organisation. This enabled the Trust to steer through the complex overnight closure of an A&E department, and again to support further changes to emergency and maternity services to ensure patient safety.
Making changes to health services can be a controversial and difficult move. Motives are often good, but people may not understand them - and this can quickly lead to a communications crisis. We quickly built relationships with local politicians, partners and the community, and implemented a detailed plan of public information to ensure that patients knew how they could access urgent care services using many different channels. We also created internal communications processes to explain what was happening and why.
Carl Shoben, Communications Director, South London Healthcare NHS Trust, said
“Verve has supported us through major - and at times difficult - change programmes, and helped us open a dialogue with internal and external stakeholders. They really understand the crucial role that good communication plays in delivering transformational change.”
Developing new strategies for London Boroughs
Following the appointment of directors of communication at two high profile London boroughs, over the last five years, Verve was asked to support the development of communications strategies for each of the authorities. These strategies addressed the overall communication needs of the corporate strategy, assisted in streamlining the communications structures in the councils, optimised the development of channels of communication and set a framework and annual work plans and programmes, together with challenging and measurable performance indicators for the communications teams.