PR & Crisis Communications
Case Study
Bournemouth & Poole College
Bournemouth & Poole College is a leading further and higher education provider on the south coast of England, serving thousands of learners each year across its campuses in Bournemouth and Poole.
Sector
Education
Services
Crisis Communications
Public Relations
The Brief
Crisis Communications
The college first approached the Inspiration Agency during a particularly challenging period when it needed external expertise in crisis communications. While previous approaches to media escalation provided useful, the team recognised an opportunity to strengthen planning and bring in professional support to manage future incidents even more effectively.
Following a successful tender process, we were appointed to provide ongoing crisis communications support. Our role focused on creating a proactive framework for identifying and mitigating risks, strengthening the college’s media relations, and equipping staff to respond calmly and confidently when under pressure.
Public Relations
Impressed by our expertise, passion for the further education sector, and understanding of the college’s community impact, Bournemouth & Poole College invited us to extend our partnership beyond crisis communications.
With an internal marketing team already managing PR, the organisation was keen to strengthen and refine its communications. Together, we agreed on a PR consultation arrangement to support this aim.
Our focus was on developing stronger strategic messaging and enhancing media effectiveness. Working closely with the college’s team, we helped define their core messages, refining straplines, mission statements, and key positioning statements into clear, impactful language that reflected their values and vision. We further supportthem with reviewing and refining press releases and developing media pitches to achieve extended media coverage.
Crisis Communications
Through bespoke crisis communications planning, we developed tailored holding statements, scenario-based response plans, and 24/7 on-hand support for real-time issues. We also delivered media training sessions for senior leaders and key staff, helping them understand the risks, opportunities, and best practices in media handling. This approach has left the college with a solid foundation of preparedness and confidence for the future.
Our tailored training and planning have significantly strengthened the college’s ability to handle sensitive issues confidently. With pre-prepared statements, clear escalation pathways, and trained spokespeople, they are now better equipped to manage high-pressure media situations. The collaborative workshops have also improved understanding across the leadership team about how proactive, transparent communication protects reputation and builds public trust.
Public Relations
Our PR consultation delivers measurable improvements in the clarity and effectiveness of the college’s communications. Our partnership helps them identify their core story, communicate with more consistency, and achieve increased engagement across their channels.
“Their expertise makes for a great working relationship, helping us push our communications to the next level.”
Testimonial
“The Inspiration Agency has been an invaluable partner for me and the college as a whole. It is hugely reassuring to have their support, whether we are on the front foot leading with the right messaging at the right times, or reacting to events in a professional and co-ordinated manner. Their expertise makes for a great working relationship, helping us push our communications to the next level.”
Gavin
Director of Marketing & Communications
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