Case studies:

Mars Catalyst [an internal think-tank within Mars inc]

The project was to communicate an internal pilot initiative demonstrating a unique approach to income generation. Video link: https://vimeo.com/128297310 [Password ‘Mars’]

Mahabba [A Christian outreach to Muslims]

The project was to revamp the internal and external communications and raise the public profile of the organisation. Restructured website: www.mahabbanetwork.com

We Love East Oxford

The project was to design a set of communication resources to publicise the vision of Magdalen Road Church in East Oxford to buy a £1.5m building in order to expand their work. Website: www.weloveeastoxford.org [includes imbedded film]

PR - Church Mission Society

CMS is one the oldest Christian agencies in existence. Our PR challenge was to raise the profile of the organisation, establishing it as a leader in its field and still relevant to a 21^st century audience. Solutions

• Developed a PR strategy highlighting main messages, target audiences, key media to influence, communications channels and barriers to success
• Our tactical approach has been built around a regular stream of press releases, media interviews and social media posts, to the local, Christian and where possible national media, announcing key activities, anniversaries and appointments, and generating;
  • Regular interviews on BBC Oxford and national radio stations
  • Regular feature articles and thought pieces in strategic publications
  • Coverage in numerous print publications
• Media training – an interactive workshop arranged with a BBC journalist plus additional mentoring and coaching as required
• Arranged meetings with journalists to develop understanding and working relationships
• Crisis management – advice and drafting statements to handle potential crises
• PR plan and process now in place to identify future opportunities and maximise effectiveness of PR activity

Benefits CMS is being recognised as a dynamic organisation active around the world, supporting individuals and communities both here in the UK and overseas. Its public profile is consistent with its agreed brand messages and key personnel have confidence and opportunity to approach and engage the media Personnel Regular meetings with Chief Executive, operational directors and communications manager to prepare and manage plan effectively Time management To manage the activity outlined above involves us being on site one day per week and available for phone calls and quick enquiries at other times

Communications MOT - Cumulus Consultants

About – Cumulus Consultants is a specialist rural consultancy working in the land and environment sector, supporting and advising government bodies, NGOs, landowners and farmers Project challenge – Review current communications and recommend solutions Solutions

• SpiritLevel ran a communications MOT to highlights areas of weakness across comms channels and to check alignment with business plan

• The MOT also examined publications, website, emails, social media and PR activity
• Initial findings were that a clear communications strategy is not yet in place, the website needs updating and there is no clear link between organisational objectives and communication channels
• SpiritLevel met with owner, Paul Silcock, to review findings of MOT report and clarify understanding

Benefits

• Face to face meeting highlighted key brand truths, target audiences and communications objectives, which will help the organisation build an effective communications strategy
• MOT highlighted the need to revise website in line with business objectives. It also highlighted mobile responsiveness, personalisation and topicality, as key areas to focus on
• The MOT identified which audiences are critical and the channels which are best suited to reach them

Key personnel

• Paul Silcock – Director

Date and consultancy days:

• May 2015 – 1 day only

Strategic Consultancy - Mahabba

Mahabba is a Christian outreach to Muslims Project challenge

• To make Mahabba ‘known’ in the UK, and through external PR, better use of internal channels and strategic campaigning, increase understanding of Mahabba’s mission and levels of financial and non-financial support.

Solutions

• SpiritLevel reviewed all existing communications and related processes to highlight areas of weaknesses
• Produced a list of ‘key recommendations’ and prioritised project plan to address the weaknesses identified
• Set-up a ‘communications hub’ to meet weekly, and review existing communications, identify new opportunities and develop campaigns
• Introduced new procedures to address deficiencies in project management, editorial production and strategic planning.
• Designed a PR campaign to run throughout Ramadan 2015, in conjunction with Evangelical Alliance and Hope for Muslims, comprising media interviews, magazine articles and video, a short story series running through Ramadan and a Facebook Q&A session.

Benefits

• Increased traffic to www.mahabbanetwork.com and to social media Mahabba pages
• Coverage in the Christian media
• Revised internal processes have resulted in increased output and more targeted dissemination
• Clarity established in management team, around mission and vision, and proposition to supporters
• Relationships built with key influencers in the faith community

Key personnel

• Gordon Hickson – Director

Date and consultancy days:

• Feb – June 2015 – 10+ days only