Hosted by Katherine Sykes Chart.PR, FCIPR, Co-Chair of the CIPR Crisis Communications Network – Crisis Communications for Boards – features Dr Jon White Chart.PR, Hon FCIPR, a researcher and consultant in public relations and corporate communication management, and Kerry Knight Chart.PR, a senior strategic communicator specialising in crisis preparedness, reputation management and AI governance.

The episode draws on the handbook of the same name, published by the CIPR Crisis Communication Network in partnership with the Institute of Directors.

The panel discuss how interconnected risks have turned crises from isolated events into fast-moving, highly visible shocks that can escalate within hours. They set out the handbook's five-stage crisis cycle of predict, protect, prepare, respond and recover, and make the case for investing in preparedness before a crisis hits through scenario planning and horizon scanning. The discussion also covers how public inquiries and the duty of candour can give a crisis a long tail after organisations believe it is over.

For PR professionals, the episode makes the case for framing advice in terms of consequences, business outcomes and organisational resilience, and for learning the language of the boardroom. It argues that crisis response cannot save bad decision-making, and that communicators add most value when boards bring them in to the spaces decisions are made.

• Listen to the episode on Apple and Spotify
• Download the handbook, ‘Crisis Communications for Boards’
• Learn more about the CIPR Crisis Communications Network 
   

The new autumn issue of Influence, the CIPR's exclusive and award-winning magazine, is out today.  

The latest issue is packed full of exclusive interviews and features from the world of public relations and beyond with topics on managing a crisis and building trust, reframing taboos, and an exploration into how public relations has significantly contributed to decision-making on major issues of the day.

Log in to read the latest issue with articles including:

• Ryan Herman on the story behind Hollywood buying lower-league football outfit, Wrexham AFC
• Anna Melville-James on the key points to consider for successful internal crisis management
• Kitty Finstad on reframing the “last taboo” - grief
• An interview with former CIPR President and director of public affairs at the BBC, Paul Mylrea
• Rod Cartwright on practical ways to manage risk, build trust, and enhance resilience
• City AM editor, Andy Silvester on the challenges facing Turkey as they get set to celebrate 100 years as a republic

In the latest Access series, readers can meet Charlotte Richards, Lifestyle Content Director at Future, as she details her journey from junior sub editor to Lifestyle Content Director as well as  Simon Tapscott, co-founder of Nearfield, who sat down with Christian Koch to talk the power of regional, the joy of print, and how he wants to connect with a culturally hungry audience.

• Each badged article is worth 1 CIPR CPD point.
• Log in to access the latest issue of Influence.