Communication for Positive Change - CommsConsult...She has extensive knowledge of evaluating media...
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Communication for Positive Change Empowering voices and inspiring global development
Transcript of Communication for Positive Change - CommsConsult...She has extensive knowledge of evaluating media...
Communicationfor Positive
ChangeEmpowering voicesand inspiring global
development
W H O W E A R E
CommsConsult believes that communication
drives social change. Without it, the best
ideas aren’t heard and the best research
isn't used.
Based in Zimbabwe and the UK, we are a
small consultancy of multi-lingual
communication professionals specialising in
the global development sector. We work with
institutions, government bodies, think tanks,
NGOs, researchers and the media to
establish effective communication strategies
and to deliver crafted products and services
that maximise the impact of their work.
The company is structured around four units:
Strategic Communication; Editorial; Training;
and Monitoring and Evaluation.
CommsConsult also manages Research to
Action, a digital platform which brings
together voices and learning on maximising
the impact of development research.
An international team of storytellers and
communications experts, we have a
meticulous eye for detail, a flair for
captivating communications and an
eagerness to ensure that all our clients
experience the best service possible as they
interact with us.
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
CommsConsult was set upin Zimbabwe in 1995. Its foundingmission statement was ‘tocommunicate clearly in a world full ofnoise’, and it took this message toclients that included the UN, NGOsand community groups.
The organisation wanted to learn howto make communication really workfor development: not as an ‘add-on’ todevelopment programmes, but as afundamental strategic instrument.
Farai has been at the heart of Africandevelopment and knowledge dissemination forseveral years, as the Africa Regional Directorof Inter Press Service and a communicationand advocacy specialist for international non-governmental organisations and the UnitedNations.
Farai has trained and mentored journalists,communications staff and researchers todeepen their understanding of the role ofcommunications as well as arming them withtactics to do their work better. She hasextensive knowledge of evaluating media andcommunication programmes as well asdeveloping communication strategies.
Farai has been a juror on a number of mediaand development awards and is an advisor tothe Gender Links’ Media and Diversity projectand Communications and PartnershipsProgramme of the Southern Africa Trust. Shesits on the IPS Africa board and is also amember of the ODI Secure LivelihoodsResearch Consortium Advisory Group.
"We empowerpeople at all levelsto find their voice,to communicateclearly, tomaximise theirimpact and toevidence theirvalue."
At different stages of her career, Megan hasbeen a science journalist, a policymaker, anNGO development worker and a trainer.While working for DFID’s Research andEvidence Division, she quality assured thestrategic communication and policy influenceof up to £30m global public good research. Shehas helped researchers systematisecommunication throughout the research cycleto maximise uptake; and has conductednumerous evaluations of the policy uptake andimpact of multi-country, multi-partnership,long-term research programmes.
She has led teams that help policymakers, suchas the World Bank, to understand and meetdemand for information, and to improveknowledge networks. She has also reviewedthe effectiveness of many organisations’communications and influencing activities, suchas IFPRI, and performed trouble-shootingassignments for both research anddevelopment projects such as the DFID-fundedAAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programmein Pakistan.
MEGAN LLOYD-LANEYFARAI SAMHUNGU
THE DIRECTORS
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
Our strategic communication unit provides the backbone for all of our work.Ensuring that communication practices enhance influence and maximiseimpact, is critical in our approach to all services.
As well as providing comprehensive strategy building and implementationservices, we offer strategic on-hand support in social media, digital platforms,media engagement and search engine optmisation.
SERVICES
P O L I C Y E N G A G E M E N T
BRANDING
NEW MEDIA
SOCIAL REPORTING
DIGITAL ANALYSIS
We can provide ongoing strategicadvice and support to optimise Policy Engagement and improveunderstanding of the politicallandscape in which policies are madeThis support includes:
Audience mapping to identify keyplayers and critical issues; Developing output guidelines-ensuring the right projects aregenerated for different policyactors to maximise engagement.
We can provide support indeveloping cohesive organisationalbranding. Working with tone, styleand visuals, we can help ensure thatbranding is used as an effective toolfor increasing credibility andawareness.
We are experts in digital and newmedia for communication. We canprovide ongoing support aroundcorporate communications; socialmedia management services; andcapacity building around digitaloutreach.
Facilitating dialogue, increasingattendance and ensuring that voicesare heard beyond the event itself-our social reporting services enableevents to reach out to a wideraudience through digitalcommunities; live reportage andmulti-media legacy products.
To enable intelligent communicationpractice, CommsConsult cangenerate bespoke, detailed analyticsfor online communication activities.
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENTCommsConsult has an excellent trackrecord and a wealth of experience inwriting comprehensive communicationsand policy engagement strategies forglobal organisations.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
"Very detailed analysis and presentation of results. In many waysour expectations have been exceeded. The final report analysedall the key areas of communications and outreach for our team
and the recommendations were detailed and practical."
BORIS DIVJAK, U4
For the last decade of its 20 year history, CommsConsult has built a reputationfor working at the nexus of international development evidence and policy,both reviewing the impact of research on policy and practice andstrengthening individual and organisational approaches to maximisingevidence uptake.
So, whether you want to measure or explain your impact, we’ll work closelywith you to identify and deliver appropriate approaches, methodologies, toolsand outputs to meet your particular M&E objectives.
SERVICES
M O N I T O R I N G , E V A L U A T I O N &L E A R N I N G S Y S T E M D E S I G N
TOOL IDENTIFICATION &DEVELOPMENT
POLICY INFLUENCE PLANS
LEARNING & KNOWLEDGEMANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Our practical MEL systems identify anddescribe indicators and data sourcesselected, and ensure that different levelsof outcomes are tracked.
Based on an understanding ofassociated M&E literature, we willtailor and adapt tools to your needs.
We’ll ensure that activities have ahigh likelihood of influencing policy;we’ll help plan and monitor targetedstakeholder engagement and allrelated activities to maximise uptake.
We’ll help ensure the best use oflearning and new knowledge,designing strategies that effectivelycapture, develop and shareinformation, leading to improvedorganisational outcomes.
THEORY OF CHANGE We can develop from scratch, reviewor unpack your Theory of Change,ensuring that links between each phaseof the related ‘results chain’ are strongand that it is operational andmeasurable.
IMPACT REVIEWS We will review and describe differenttypes of potential policy influence.
BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSISWe can deploy a suite of traditionalbibliometric indicators and alternativealtmetric tools to substantiate boththe academic and the non-academicreach of publications.
EVALUATIONS OF INFLUENCE We will review key evaluation questionsconcerning the quality, process, reach orimpact that your influencing work has had.
MONITORING & EVALUATION
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
"When we came to CommsConsult asking for a range of ideasfor MEL tools that would help us define and map our impactwithin an advocacy capacity building project they were able to
come back to us with a broad range of options.."
KATE HUGHES, CONSUMERS INTERNATIONAL
CommsConsult’s Training Unit offers tailor made capacity strengtheningmodules to meet the immediate and long term needs of global developmentprofessionals. Using best practice extrapolated from considerable experiencein the field, the Training Unit offers communication solutions for a variety ofstrategic and tactical communication challenges.
Whether you are trying to map your audience, improve your social media skillsor develop a communication strategy, the Training Unit can find customisedsolutions to meet your capacity building needs.
SERVICES
O N L I N E L E A R N I N G
FACILITATION
MENTORING
We work with global audiences andare specialists in using online tools todeliver training; developing digitalcommunities in order to retain theelements of peer exchange and activeengagement which lie at the heart ofall of our training practices.
CommsConsult are very experiencedin coordinating workshops andconference sessions which areengaging for both attendees andpresenters. We also offer digitalsupport at all our facilitated events.
We are able to provide in-housecapacity building services on a oneto one basis or targeted around theneeds of a specific research groupor project team. This ongoingsupport enables the mentee ormentees to receive individualtraining which is responsive to theirneeds.
BESPOKE TRAINING Our training modules useparticipatory learning and peerexchange to ensure all participantsare able to articulate their needsand that these needs are met.
Modules include but are not limitedto:
Evidence-informed policymakingData visualisation Presentation skills Policy BriefsEngaging with the MediaDesigning a CommunicationsStrategyKnowledge ManagementSocial MediaStakeholder MappingNetmappingStrategic planningKey messages
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
"CommsConsult has terrific comms training staff who do notonly have excellent content knowledge but also possessawesome learner centred pedagogical skills. They are very
professional and above all do their job this with a very humantouch!!"
RONALD MUNATSI, ZEIPNET
TRAINING
EDITORIALAble to provide support, advice and practical services, the editorial unit workswith individuals and organisations to ensure that all publications, digital copyand outreach materials maximise impact and engagement. The team work to strengthen narratives within projects and organisations and tailor editorialoutputs which enhance and enable strategic outreach activities.
SERVICES
C O N T E N T S T R A T E G I E S
RESEARCH TRANSLATION
REPORTING SERVICES
EDITING & PROOFREADING
DIGITAL OUTREACH
CommsConsult are experts indeveloping and delivering serviceswhich enhance the effectiveness andclarity of editorial copy. Whetheracross a specific campaign or withinan organisational website, developinga content plan will maximise impactand engagement.
We are experts in communicating toa wide range of audiences within theglobal development sector. We canprovide specialist services whichrepackage and synthesise in-depthresearch for different users, pullingout key messages and ensuring thatit is accessible to target audiences.
Whether it is setting up a researchconsortium news service orproviding live blogging and digitalreportage at events, CommsConsultis able to maximise audienceengagement and communityexchange.
We conduct editorial reviews toensure all products are delivered toan impeccable standard.
We are to able to provide editorialproducts which complement widerdigital engagement strategies,including facilitating digital firstpublishing, creating striking visualand multimedia materials andgenerating online newsletters.
PUBLICATIONSWe can provide guidance andpractical support to ensure that allorganisational publications supportand enhance organisationalobjectives.
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
"From well thought-out plans to real-time delivery and usefulretrospective analysis, the team was with us every step of theway. We learned a great deal throughout this project, and these
lessons will inform our future programming and serve toenhance our approach to social media and real-time
communications."
SHANNON SUTTON, THINK TANK INITIATIVE
SOCIALREPORTINGThe CommsConsult social reporting package isdesigned to develop active communities ofengagement around your event. Raising theprofile of any occasion, our social reportingservices enable live peer exchange both duringand beyond the event itself, providing remoteparticipants with a means of digital interactionwhich encourages learning and knowledgeexchange.
Experienced in providing an innovative andpractical suite of digital services, we tailor eachpackage to the specific event to maximiseengagement and enhance its core message.
Social Media Audience Mapping Content Strategies Bespoke event social mediachannels Live coverage Hashtag feeds
Editorial Press Releases Live blogging and features Event ‘dialogue space’ Digital newslettersResearch translation(Post) Event magazine
Video Event trailers ‘Talking Heads’ interviews Retrospective event film
Photography High quality image captureDigital curation
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
WEBCONTENT The website is the digital face of anyorganisation with potential to reach a wider andmore global audience than any other form ofmedia. Therefore, it is necessary to make surethat content speaks clearly, so that it can beunderstood, and powerfully, so that it caninspire action.
Through strategic analysis, advice and real-timesupport and delivery CommsConsult can ensurethat the digital presence of your organisationenhances reputation and optimises audienceinteraction.
Strategy DevelopmentCapacity assessments Media mapping Content scheduledevelopment Healthchecks
Engagement Stakeholder mapping User experience reviews Social media integration
Quality assuranceEditorial code Copy Editing Proofreading
Design & RedesignBranding reviewBrief developmentProject management
Content GenerationNarrative development Theme identification Blogging Rewriting
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
MENTORINGWe know that communication activities are notalways prioritised. CommsConsult offermentorship services that work within teams andacross consortia to strengthen existing capacityand to ensure that principles of strategicengagement and tactical communicationare embedded into long term working practices.
Combining institutional support with group andindividual learning sessions, we use ourextensive network of expert mentors to maximiseorganisational reputation and impact, as well asproviding invaluable professional developmentfor mentees.
A tailored approach We conduct extensive diagnostics around organisationalobjectives and current capacity to establish the best approachfor each client.
Individual LearningWe provide training and support which explicitly speak to theneeds of each mentee, both remotely and face to face.
Peer Exchange We organise, facilitate and deliver workshops which enableknowledge exchange between team members and institutions.
Sustainable OutcomesOur mentors work with individuals and institutions to enablethem to implement learning in the workplace- providing adviceand critique on specific outputs. We provide lasting advice andbuild the confidence of individuals and institutions to work ontheir own in future.
Digital CommunitiesTo ensure ongoing development we set up and monitor onlineforums where mentees can interact and share learning.
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
NEWS WIRESANDOUTREACHEvery project and every organisation has a storyto tell. Taking the time to find those stories andto share them in a compelling way cansometimes be difficult.
Our team can bring your stories to life; we canbuild communities who want to listen anddevelop narratives which illustrate the impact ofyour work and give a human voice to yourresearch.
Stories of ChangeSource, research and craft individual features Develop ongoing series which profile successes Conduct key ‘on the ground’ interviews to capture realimpact
News PortalsNews wires, which are associated with an organisation butwhich provide considered and wide ranging news andinformation around specific topics, can prove an invaluablemeans of building reputation and in reaching new untappedaudiences.
We can:
Digital Newsletters Design bespoke digital and interactive newsletters Manage online subscription and distribution Monitor engagement and reach
Set up, populate and manage a digital news portal aroundrelevant themes Write regular news articles featuring the work of yourproject/organisation Source and write news from external sources to broadenaudience and consolidate organisation reputation andcredibility
www.commsconsult.org | [email protected]
Research to Action is an onlineplatform that brings together the bestresources on how to get impact fromdevelopment research. A community ofleading practitioners create and curatecontent that is immediately relevant toindividual researchers and to researchmanagers and networks looking to gettheir work noticed by influencers anddecision-makers.
The platform is an initiative ofCommsConsult, a team of specialists instrategic communications for globaldevelopment based in the UnitedKingdom and Zimbabwe.
Research to Action offers a suite ofinformation resources and capacity-building tools including How To Guides,Reading Lists and Webinars on
topics like Knowing Your Audience,Writing Policy Briefs and Using DigitalTools. A vibrant and vocal digitalcommunity interacts through blogs,comments, polls and social mediadiscussions around research uptake andsuccessful, replicable communicationpractices.
With an ever-increasing emphasis withinthe global development sector on impactand evidence, Research to Action offersan invaluable knowledge and learning hubfor those who need to make their researchtravel, and to document the journey.
In addition to serving the broad researchuptake community, the platform providescustomised spaces and services to meetthe needs of specific research events,programmes and teams
THE GLOBAL GUIDE TO RESEARCH IMPACT
www.researchtoaction.org
@research2action
Dialogue Spaces
Online learning
Highlighted Content
Research to Action can provide a customised on-linelearning platform for your team, through all the stagesof the research cycle.
In addition to guiding you through our publiclyavailable tools, our team of experts will design anddeliver customised learning materials and webinars foryour team.
The platform has functionality as an on-line classroomand as a help desk, so training programmes can beenhanced by individualised follow-up and mentoringfrom our team.
Research to Action provides an online home forcapturing the knowledge and interaction at events (orother initiatives) focused on research uptake.
Using a suite of multi-media formats, a Dialogue Spacedeepens and widens the engagement and reach of yourevent, and preserves a dynamic record of the learning.
Our team will work with yours to produce a news flowof articles, blogs, videos, briefings and social mediacontent, which is anchored on your Dialogue Space onour platform. We can help you to re-package thematerial for your own website and audiences, and wewill share agreed content with our community.
Research to Action partners with intermediaries in theresearch impact sector, like global and regionalnetworks and peer-reviewed journals, who want tohighlight their work and tell their stories.
A partnership arrangement guarantees space andprominence for this content on the platform, andthrough our social media streams.
In keeping with the independent and open-sourcespirit of Research to Action, all partners and theircontent will be quality-assured and transparencyabout highlighted content ensured.
R2A SERVICES
Laurie HuggettEditorial
Nyasha MusanduTraining
Betty PatonStrategic [email protected]
Joanna ReidMonitoring & Evaluation
Farai SamhunguDirector
Megan Lloyd-LaneyDirector
Unit LJubilee Warehouse
PenrynCornwallTR10 8AE
+44 (0)1326 375528
2a Serendip CloseEmerald Hill
Harare +263-4- 302 244
CommsConsult Africa
CommsConsult UK
