Communication
The way you and your team communicates to those most important to your success is vital to your reputation yet this is rarely addressed or prioritised in many organisations. It matters.

A 30-point self-assessment that can help future-proof your organisation against reputational damage. It's not an exhaustive list, but it's a great start to assess your crisis vulnerability.
Inside the checklist
Each checkpoint covers areas that we know from experience can expose you to issues that can escalate. Answer honestly, fix the gaps, and you can avoid problems - and you'll be better prepared when issues do arise. Here are some of the key areas the checklist covers.
The way you and your team communicates to those most important to your success is vital to your reputation yet this is rarely addressed or prioritised in many organisations. It matters.
What happens when the media comes knocking with questions? Do you team know what to say and who to contact? Are your spokespeople prepared? If not the consequences can be dramatic.
It's used by almost every organisation and can add great value. But what when it goes wrong? We've all seen it happen – a post that backfires, a comment that offends, a personal post that impacts your organisation?
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This well known saying hits the mark when it comes to crisis preparedness. Yet many organisations have no plan, no crisis-ready team, and are not ready when an issue escalates.
What do your customers, suppliers, donors, supporters and staff do when they can't resolve an issue and are angry? Social media! Maybe even the mainstream media! It should never get to this point and smart organisations prioritise this.
Most crises that damage reputation start from within the organisation, not externally. Your employees are your most important stakeholder, and without the right procedures, communication, policies and values, it can – and does – get ugly.
Every day businesses and organisations – small and large – are being targeted by cyber-attacks, scams and social engineering. Thinking it won't happen to you is naïve, and planning for it is essential.
Why trust this checklist
Each checkpoint covers areas that we know from experience can expose you to issues that can escalate. Answer honestly, fix the gaps, and you can avoid problems. You'll also be better prepared when issues arise. Here are some key areas the checklist covers.
Found gaps? Here's the fix.
The checklist tells you where you are. These programs move your organisation to where you need to be - each one led by public relations related experts.
Built for this
Australia's premier crisis communications program - the full training for leaders whose reputation can't afford a bad 48 hours. Built in partnership with the Crisis Ready Institute.
See the masterclassSector programs
Full-year programs for Schools, Industry Associations, Business and Charity - each with sector-specific crisis content and a senior-led delivery team.
Browse programsLaunching 2026
A short, focused course on walking into an interview with a plan - core messages, bridging, the killer question, and what to do when the reporter has already made up their mind.
See the pipelineLatest insights
Discover practical advice and expert insights on crisis communication, media relations and reputation management to help protect and enhance your organisation's standing.

If your organisation is facing an active or sensitive situation right now, don't wait on a PDF. A senior adviser will review the matter in confidence and recommend the fastest sensible next step - with no obligation.
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