Action and activation

Preparing for a crisis – Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)

2021

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)

How might we produce a crisis communications strategy?

ACSO delivers programs to help break the cycle of people repeatedly entering the justice system because they lack the support to make change.

ACSO had a need to develop a robust crisis communications strategy. Their involved complex and sensitive issues, and they recognised the importance of being well-prepared to address potential crises swiftly and effectively.

Our approach was not only crafting a crisis communications strategy but also providing a comprehensive toolkit to equip ACSO with the resources and knowledge to respond effectively to crises. This added value was instrumental in safeguarding their reputation, maintaining stakeholder trust, and fulfilling their mission of supporting vulnerable individuals within the justice system.

 

 

 

 

Our toolkit included the following elements:

  • Crisis communications strategy
    We developed a tailored crisis communications strategy that outlined key principles, roles and responsibilities, escalation procedures, and messaging guidelines. This strategy served as the foundation for crisis response efforts.
  • Crisis response plan
    In addition to the strategy, we created a detailed crisis response plan that offered step-by-step guidance on how to manage various crisis scenarios. This plan included communication protocols, contact lists, and predefined response actions.
  • Media relations handbook
    Recognising the critical role of media in crisis situations, we prepared a media relations handbook. It provided instructions on engaging with the media, key talking points, and tips for maintaining a positive public image.
  • Stakeholder communications template
    We designed a set of templates for communicating with ACSO’s various stakeholders, including government, clients, employees, partners, and the media. These templates ensured consistent and empathetic messaging during crises.

 

Greater value was achieved by:

 

  • Rapid response
    With the toolkit in place, ACSO could respond swiftly and efficiently to crises, minimising potential damage to their reputation and operations.
  • Consistency
    The predefined messaging and communication templates ensured that ACSO conveyed a consistent message across all channels and to all stakeholders, enhancing credibility.
  • Stakeholder trust
    By proactively addressing crises with empathy and transparency, ACSO maintained the trust and confidence of their clients, employees, and stakeholders.
  • Media management
    The media relations handbook enabled ACSO to effectively manage media interactions, ensuring that their narrative remained aligned with their values and mission.