Reputation management and communications consultancy

News from Insignia Communications and University of Wolverhampton

Conflicting advice about swine flu from a range of “experts” has left the public reeling. Now, people from the Midlands are being invited to share their views as a new study aims to highlight how people can receive clear and effective communication about this and other health concerns.

The study, being conducted by the University of Wolverhampton, Institute of Media Arts, together with reputation management and communication consultancy, Insignia Communications, hopes to reveal the true impact of a variety of commentators – doctors, health experts, politicians - on the news-viewing public.

Jonathan Hemus, director at Insignia, explained: “The general public has been bombarded with information on the subject of swine flu by a whole host of experts. Some have done a superb job in simplifying and clarifying what has proven to be a frightening and often confusing subject. Others have simply added to the confusion.

“In the event of a health scare, it’s essential that people receive clear guidance and reassurance from those responsible for communicating with them. We hope that this study will help to ensure effective communication not just about swine flu, but also any other future health concerns”.

Midlands’ volunteers to take part in the study are being sought from three different groups: mothers, business professionals and young people. They will be shown examples of recent interviews and asked to assess the impact of each spokesperson on their understanding and attitude towards the story being reported.

Sarah Williams, Course Leader in Public Relations at the University said: "This research aims to understand how people, specifically mothers, business professionals and young people, interpret important health messages and who they trust most to impart that information to them. We are keen to hear from people in these three groups who would like to take part."

Sam Hope, Director of the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Media Arts added: “We are very excited to be working with Insignia on a study which will not only expand this field of research, but more importantly should help reduce unnecessary fears and confusion associated with a health scare like swine flu.

“Given Sarah Williams’ track record in this field of research, we are confident that this study will lead to a better understanding of how high risk health scares are communicated to the public and provide guidance as to how healthcare professionals, politicians and company spokespeople can most effectively reassure people at a time of heightened anxiety”.

The focus groups will be held at the University of Wolverhampton on 7, 8 and 9 October: refreshments will be provided and participants will be able to claim travel expenses. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Insignia Communications on 0121 382 5304/0786 832 9102 or email: jonathanhemus@insigniacomms.com.

Insignia Communications

Insignia offers reputation management and communication consultancy which makes a real difference to an organisation. The consultancy specialises in corporate reputation management, communication planning, crisis management, issues management, reputational risk management, internal communications, communication and media training. Insignia’s approach is based on top quality, purposeful communications advice delivered by trusted consultants with a personal touch.

University of Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton has around 23,000 students, including a growing number from Europe and overseas. It is based across four easily-accessible campuses - Wolverhampton, Telford, Walsall and Compton - which benefit from outstanding facilities and new buildings. The University promotes innovation and enterprise and has a successful focus on employability, with excellent business links and collaborative working. The National Student Survey rated the University as one of the best in the country for the quality of its learning resources.

For further information about the research project, please contact:

Jonathan Hemus, director, Insignia Commmunications, 0121 382 5304/0786 832 9102, or jonathanhemus@insigniacomms.com

Sarah Williams, Course Leader in Public Relations, School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications, University of Wolverhampton
E: s.williams9@wlv.ac.uk; T: 01902 323398; M: 07981 705942