Crisis Communications Services
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS & CRISIS MANAGEMENT
In today’s world, it’s not a matter of if a situation will occur, but when. How and when you communicate – and what you say when you do – are of paramount importance, particularly given 24/7 news coverage and the viral nature of social media. You must be well prepared to effectively and efficiently manage situations and communications with various stakeholders to help minimize exposure and manage reputational risk.
The Castle Group has extensive crisis management experience guiding clients through sensitive and often highly charged matters around issues such as Title IX, discrimination, sexual harassment, diversity and inclusion, ESG, leadership misconduct, theft, bankruptcy, cybersecurity/data breaches, regulatory investigations, litigation, and financial malfeasance, among others.
Our clients often comment on how quickly we jump in and become trusted members of their team. They also appreciate our ability to anticipate and consider all potential angles and pitfalls, the short- and long-term, and the nuances of their organization and the situation at hand. We work closely with communications and legal teams to deliver timely, consistent, and concise messages to the audiences that matter most, in preparation for or in reaction to high-visibility issues.
While there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to managing a crisis, our ability to work quickly and effectively across all industries – and with clients of all sizes – provides the foundation for immediate action based on proven, successful crisis communications practices.
OUR APPROACH TO CRISIS MANAGEMENT SERVICES & CRISIS CONSULTING
- Integrate quickly with leadership, legal and communications teams
- Assess the crisis
- Understand the context and available resources
- Identify internal and external stakeholders
- Develop and implement an integrated crisis communications strategy
- Provide ongoing strategic counsel, crisis management and communications support
ON-CALL CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES & CRISIS MANAGEMENT RETAINER
Our on-call, retainer-based services allow for immediate, 24/7 access to crisis communications counsel and support. This arrangement also includes media monitoring, reporting, and analysis of news/incidents/trends that affect or could affect the organization and its stakeholders, as well as regular and ad-hoc correspondence with leadership to understand issues that might warrant careful proactive planning and communications.
HOURLY CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING & CRISIS SUPPORT
We are available on an hourly basis on matters requiring communications counsel and support. Each new matter requires an initial payment. Work that exceeds the initial payment is charged hourly.
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PRE-APPROVED BY RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE COMPANIES
Risk management and insurance companies recognize the importance of expert guidance during turbulent times. Castle’s crisis communications expertise has resulted in the distinction of being named:
- one of 14 pre-approved crisis communications PR firms by United Educators (UE), the nation’s leading provider of risk management solutions for higher education
- a preferred crisis communications provider of the Florida Independent Colleges and Universities Risk Management Association, a private educational risk retention pool that offers comprehensive risk management services to members of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and the Florida Council of Independent Schools.
- a crisis communications partner to Utica National Insurance Group, a nationally recognized group of companies organization providing personal and commercial insurance products and services, and its school policyholders
UE, FICURMA, and Utica National member schools, including colleges/universities, K-12, and independent and private schools, have partnered with Castle for crisis communications and public relations services to support a covered crisis.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
141
Issues
Affirmative Action
Athletic Sanctions
Antisemitism
Antitrust Lawsuit
Board Governance
Current World Events
Death/Suicide
Donor Policies
Employment
Leadership Transition
Gender Expression
Hostage
Labor Negotiation
Land
Layoffs
Missing Employee
Online Threat
Proactive Crisis Plan
Protest and Free Speech
Religious Discrimination
Renaming of Buildings
Reputational Audit
School/Organization Closure
Sexual Abuse/Assault
Swatting
Violence
65
Clients
Higher Education
K-12
Construction
Energy
Hospitality
Insurance
Nonprofit
Professional Services
Retail
Real Estate
Technology
22
U.S. States +1 Country
Alabama
Alaska
California
DC
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
+ 1 Country: Afghanistan
OUR SERVICES
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS FAQ
WHAT IS CRISIS COMMUNICATION IN SIMPLE WORDS?
Communicating in times of intense difficulty, trouble, or disruption to help bring order to an event or situation that, if not managed properly, could bring additional harm to people, property, or reputation. Effective crisis communications requires timely and factual responses to minimize the potential negative impacts of a situation.
WHAT CRISIS COMMUNICATION SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
- 24/7 management and response
- Messaging and stakeholder communications, including statements, talking points, letters, FAQs, social media strategy, etc.
- Audience mapping
- Crisis communications plans
- Crisis communications tabletop exercises
- Crisis management messaging
- Internal and external communications strategies
- Media training
- Media monitoring and analysis
- Reputation Management
- Threat assessments
WHO NEEDS CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS?
The short answer: everyone. Given the 24/7 news cycle and the viral nature of social media, how and when (or if) you speak on issues is incredibly important. We like to say it’s not a matter of if a situation will occur; it’s a matter of when a situation will occur. Now more than ever, companies, institutions, and brands are asked to speak about issues of significance. Unsure what your organization would say or do? That’s where Castle comes in. Learn more about our services here
DO YOU WORK WITH ATTORNEYS?
Yes. We work closely with legal counsel to protect privilege to the extent possible, particularly on matters that are the subject of – or could become the subject of – litigation. We aim to ensure that our communications strategy aligns with legal strategy for both the short- and long-term.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE ON SHORT NOTICE?
Yes. Due to the fast-paced nature and dynamic evolution of a crisis, our team is available on short notice and is accustomed to quick turnarounds on tight deadlines. Contact us to get started.
WHY IS CRISIS COMMUNICATION DIFFICULT?
Communicating about adverse events or situations is inherently difficult, particularly given the emotions involved. Our team provides an objective perspective – taking into account how various audiences will see and receive the message – as we guide clients through sensitive situations.
DOES THE CRISIS TEAM TRY TO PREDICT CERTAIN SITUATIONS? HOW DO THEY WORK TO STOP THEM BEFORE THEY START?
Crisis communications requires planning for the worst so you can be at your best when a situation occurs. Following a structured plan and moving quickly to implement the rules and rubrics of that plan allows the crisis communications team to respond swiftly and effectively without disrupting day-to-day operations.
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS FIRM?
As is the case with any professional service, sometimes you just know, or maybe you don’t have time to speak with others. Sometimes, however, your leadership team or board has asked you to contact multiple firms for bids. While there may not be a tried-and-true formula that leads you to the right fit for your organization, it’s important to look for the right qualities in a firm. A stellar crisis communications firm is experienced, compassionate, calm, and knows how to listen and ask the right questions. While leaders and organizations often wish they didn’t have to talk to us, they are always glad they did. Read more about our tips for finding the right firm for you here.
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