How the ESRC can help
The ESRC's Communications team promotes all aspects of the ESRC's work and a greater appreciation of the social sciences to national and local government, business, the voluntary sector, the media, the academic community and the general public. It produces and promotes corporate publications and events, runs campaigns and a public affairs and parliamentary affairs programme.
The Communications team is a good source of advice on putting together a communications strategy and is happy to comment on drafts and to provide practical assistance in finalising strategies. The team can also give guidance on specific communications activities and can put you in touch with experienced media and communication professionals who can provide extra help.
We strongly encourage you to talk and meet with the Communications team at the initial stages of your planning. We also recommend involving your steering group at this stage. Steering groups can be a valuable source of information and advice. It is also important to include all your colleagues and project holders in the communication strategy process. Internal communication is invaluable in making your strategy work, you need to nurture and create internal buy in from an early stage to ensure success.
Also don't forget your university press office and external relations departments. They may well be able to help and advise on a range of issues.
To help you with your strategy we have provided a template. Before starting your strategy we suggest you familiarise yourself with the advice in this toolkit. The step by step guide in this section will be particularly helpful.