Overview
When a crisis strikes, communication determines whether communities act, trust, and recover. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global research revealed that nations with higher public trust in government experienced lower infection rates and stronger compliance with health measures. Conversely, unclear, inconsistent, or delayed messaging eroded trust and compliance — a stark reminder of how critical effective crisis communication truly is.
This two-day virtual workshop equips communications professionals with the strategies, tools, and confidence to navigate crises effectively and ethically — from preparation through to recovery. Delivered live online, the program combines expert facilitation, real-world case studies, and interactive breakout sessions to ensure participants gain both insight and hands-on experience.
Across two immersive days, you’ll:
- Respond to a live crisis simulation — for instance, a cyber-attack or community safety issue — collaborating in breakout rooms to coordinate and adapt in real time.
- Design a strategic crisis communications plan that anticipates stakeholder needs and aligns with organisational values.
- Master digital media strategies for monitoring, responding, and mitigating misinformation during fast-moving events.
- Examine ethical dilemmas in transparency, accountability, and decision-making under pressure.
- Develop a recovery roadmap for restoring trust and strengthening long-term public confidence.
Who Should Attend?
Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, Health Services and other Local, State and Commonwealth government departments and agencies' Advisors, Coordinators, Leads, Managers, Officer, Specialists of:
Public Information | Community Engagement | Communication | Crisis Communications
Media liaison | Public affairs | Public Relations
Social Media | Emergency Management | Policy
Response and Recovery | Stakeholder Engagement | Marketing
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Develop strategic crisis communication plans that align with organisational objectives, stakeholder expectations, and ethical standards.
Enhance digital media capabilities to effectively manage online platforms, monitor misinformation, and assess communication impact during crises.
Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to maintain transparency, accountability, and public trust under pressure.
Strengthen post-crisis recovery and resilience strategies, focusing on stakeholder engagement, reputation rebuilding, and long-term preparedness.
Collaborate confidently in high-pressure scenarios, demonstrating leadership and coordination within dynamic, virtual environments.
Online Training
Effective Crisis Communication
Session details
- Gain specialised knowledge in managing various types of crises effectively.
- Learn to leverage digital platforms optimally during crisis situations.
- Develop strategies for future crisis anticipation and management.
No previous experience necessary
Key Sessions
- Principles of strategic communication in various crisis contexts
- Crisis identification and scenario analysis
- Audience analysis, media channel selection
- Developing tailored crisis comms plans
- Case studies and simulations
- Ethical considerations in crisis comms
- Role of digital media in crisis comms
- Platform strengths and limitations
- Tackling misinformation and virality
- Monitoring and analytics tools
- Informed response strategies
- Evaluating effectiveness of digital media communication
- Core ethical principles: integrity, accountability, respect
- Balancing transparency with legal/sensitive issues
- Managing stakeholder expectations
- Ethical planning and decision-making
- Building a culture of ethical awareness
- Organisational resilience and reputation rebuilding
- Recovery components and stakeholder management
- Best practice case studies
- Future planning: risk assessment and scenario planning
- Proactive crisis preparedness
Meet Your Facilitator
Philip Wagner
Principal Cyber Security Specialist, Leadership & Cyber Educator, CISO
Philip is a distinguished cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in civilian and military environments. He has advised industries ranging from finance and education to government and technology.
Notable roles include Director of Cyber Security and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the National Disability Insurance Agency, and Senior Project Manager for a major Australian health provider’s cybersecurity program.
Philip’s expertise in leadership, training, and incident response makes him an invaluable resource for public sector professionals seeking to enhance their digital forensics capabilities.
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Join this training for professionals working within the Public Sector
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