Drafting a Crisis Communication Plan

The CIPR Crisis Communications Network’s first publication – Drafting a Crisis Communication Plan – was formally launched today and is available for CIPR members to download here. As an approved CPD resource, it carries 5 CPD points.

This skills guide has been written by Network committee members using their own extensive experience in the field. It is designed to help our members and the wider PR community upskill in crisis communications.  

The guide covers eight steps to writing a crisis communications plan, some general dos and don’ts, and concludes with a useful checklist for use in a crisis.  It also includes recommendations for further reading plus links to the excellent CIPR Crisis Communications training and qualifications that are available.

The CIPR Crisis Communications Network is now two years old, and we have over 660 members in over 30 countries.  Our purpose is to promote excellence and share best practice in crisis communications.  New members are always welcome.  To join the Network, simply log in to the CIPR website and to your Profile as a member, navigate to Groups, then Preferences and select Crisis Communications Network.

In today’s complex, fast-moving media environment, being prepared with a robust crisis communication plan is an essential part of protecting an organisation’s reputation. This must be a top priority for all business leaders but having a solid and robust plan will make a world of difference. 

This guide ensures that CIPR members have the best information to ensure their plan is effective and relevant. It features the latest insights from the Network to help teams quickly and confidently respond in urgent situations. This is the first guide from the Network and we hope it helps members to manage crises effectively and build resilience over the long term.

Chris Tucker, chair of the CIPR Crisis Communications Network

This new practical guide includes invaluable advice to help PR professionals plan for and manage crises effectively. By being prepared with crisis plans, teams can protect organisational reputation even in the most urgent situations. The mission of the Network is to promote excellence and share best practice in crisis communication and I have no doubt this guide will become an essential crisis toolkit for PR practitioners everywhere looking to hone their skills and build resilience.

Katherine Sykes, co-chair of the CIPR Crisis Communications Network