SFHA Communications Conference: speaker interview with Josephine Graham
Ahead of our Communication Conference, taking place virtually on 31 March, we asked our speakers some questions about what they'll be discussing during their session and the impact of the pandemic on communication. Josephine Graham at Bradford Council shared her thoughts with us.
What are you discussing at the conference and why is this an important issue?
At the conference, I’ll be looking at how we use data to identify and target particular target audiences. The example I will discuss touches on mental health and inclusion themes, and also provides an opportunity for us as communicators to reflect on whether we are challenging our inherent bias, to ensure we connect with audiences different from ourselves.
Has the pandemic changed how your organisation approaches internal communication?
Our core channels and processes, such as intranet, and email newsletters, have remained largely the same, albeit increasing in frequency especially at the most challenging moments of the pandemic. But it’s been a two year period now so there have been some significant changes along that way, some of which have been reliant on technology which we didn’t have pre-pandemic. Our organisation entered the first lockdown with no video conferencing tool (strange to imagine now!), and really important, high level meetings were being done over teleconference. Since introducing Teams, we have been able to arrange online staff briefings attended by hundreds of colleagues – unconceivable before the pandemic – and we are absolutely going to continue with these into the future.
Going forward, what do we need to do more (or less) of to ensure progress?
We all need to keep learning, as individuals and a profession, and that is the key to progress in every sense. The world is constantly changing and new people are entering the profession. We need to be passing on our skills and experience to support the next generation while also ensuring we evolve and adapt, striving for our best effort at every step of the way. And while we should always be developing professionally, we also need to balance that with looking after our wellbeing and ensuring a work-life balance, otherwise we will burn out and that won’t do anyone any good.
Secure your place
Time is running out to book your place for our Communications Conference, which is taking place virtually next Thursday (31 March).
If you are planning on attending the virtual conference, please book one of our remaining places as soon as possible, via the SFHA Live! section of our website, to avoid disappointment.