The Charity Comms Edit: Issue 03
A few years ago I was told I had a reputation as the Head of Comms who always said no. Every no had a reason - an overstretched team, a maxed-out channel, a plan about to be derailed by someone's "quick" idea. But it got treated as a flaw, so I learned to say it less.
To be clear, I'm not talking about being a blocker - a good no usually comes with a "here's what we could do instead." But I don't think I'm the only one who's been made to feel that no isn't allowed at all. And it's no wonder this sector is so burnt out if none of us feel we can say it...
So consider this your permission slip: no, done well, is protection. For your team, your channels, your time, yourself.
Speaking of protection - if you use Beacon CRM (or even if you don't), this week's data breach is a good prompt. Do you actually know your charity's data breach procedure - not "does one exist somewhere" but what you'd genuinely do if it was your supporter data in the headlines? If not, now's the time to get your ducks in a row.
Make it count: a new cabinet (and PM)
Andy Burnham became prime minister a couple of weeks ago, reshuffling the cabinet as he went - and with summer recess ending on 1 September, MPs are about to come back to full diaries and a new political landscape.
That's your moment. New ministers need briefing. Old policy asks might land differently with a new government. And if you've been sitting on a "we should really talk to our MP about this" for months, now's the time to actually do it.
Before recess ends, get clear on: what's your one policy ask, right now? What do you want MPs to know about your charity - and, more importantly, what do you want them to do? A vague "raising awareness" ask won't cut through a packed September inbox. A specific one might.
Sector spotlight: The Charity Digital Skills Report 2026
This year's Charity Digital Skills Report is out, and it's a genuinely useful state-of-the-sector snapshot - a record number of charities took part, and the findings are worth your time whether digital and AI sit in your remit or not.
The headline: 79% of charities are now using AI in some form, but skills and confidence haven't caught up with adoption. Training on AI is now the top funding ask across both small and large charities.
If you're shaping any part of your charity's digital, content or comms strategy, the report is worth a read.
Comms that caught my eye: RSPCA
The EHRC's new Code of Practice came into force this week - a date the sector had known was coming. Rather than scrambling to react, Gendered Intelligence used the lead time to co-develop practical guidance with the trans young people and adults they support, ready to go live the moment the code took effect: how to assess safety in public spaces, what to do if challenged.
The lesson? When you know a date is coming, the strongest response isn't a same-day statement - it's preparing so you can turn up up on the day with something your audience actually needs.
Try this: Next time you know a date is coming, use the lead time to build something useful with your community, not just a statement for the day itself.
What I’ve been reading lately
Resources on children's images and online safety
Published this week - a useful roundup on the growing risk of AI-manipulated images of children. Worth a read if your charity uses any imagery of under-18s.
Get social media set up in Google Search Console
Google now lets you connect Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X to Search Console - so you can finally see which social posts are driving traffic from Google, and what people searched to find them. I loved this handy advice carousel from the team at Social Firefly on getting it set up.
What's the Chari-tea? podcast
Host Louise sits down with guests for honest, unfiltered conversations from the charity sector - the highs, the challenges, and the reminder that you're not the only one feeling it.
Whatever's on your plate this month - try saying no to one thing that doesn't need a yes. See how it feels!
Speak soon,
Abi
