For the attention of headteachers, senior leaders and governors

With a new academic year now underway, we are pleased to launch our new Crisis Communications pack for schools.

Developed by our experienced in-house Corporate Communications team and informed by years of supporting schools through a wide range of communications challenges, this comprehensive resource is designed to help school leaders communicate confidently and effectively when responding to difficult situations. 

Whether dealing with media enquiries, complaints, safeguarding incidents, cyber incidents or unexpected events, the pack provides practical guidance to support an appropriate response. It includes:

• General crisis communications principles and best practice
• Template media statements and letters for parents and carers
• Stakeholder management guidance
• Example scenarios and practical communications advice
   

The Crisis Communications pack should be the first port of call when responding to communications issues. It has been designed to provide practical, accessible guidance that can be used independently by schools in many situations. 

The Corporate Communications team remains available to provide additional support where needed. If an issue is not covered within the pack, or if further advice is required after consulting the guidance, please contact the team at corporate.communications@hants.gov.uk.

The pack is intended to provide communications advice and support only. Schools should continue to contact the local authority, including Children’s Services and any other relevant teams, to seek other advice outside of communications and, crucially, to notify them of any incidents and issues, in line with established processes and reporting requirements.  

Please note that for sensitive HR or safeguarding matters, including cases where the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is involved, schools should continue to contact the Corporate Communications team directly for specific advice. While these issues are covered within the pack, individual communications support should still be sought in these circumstances.