Amplifying your message in a general election
If you’ve not already got a plan then there isn’t much time, but you can still make a big impact and call for the things that matter in what you do. And we can help you…
With a general election having been announced for the 4th July 2024, organisations – whether commercial or not-for-profit - will now be considering how the news impacts their communications plans.
For charities and public sector organisations, there are strict rules and responsibilities during an election period, and trustees and organisational leaders must ensure that campaigning work – calling for the specific changes they want to see – achieves the most impact while remaining within the rules and legal framework.
Charities and public sector organisations must also remain independent when responding – either positively or negatively – to specific policies by political parties.
A good starting point for charities is to read this blog by the Charity Commission.
For public sector organisations, this pre-election period - or purdah - comes with its own set of rules and guidance. You can find a report here from the House of Commons with more guidance.
For any organisation that wants to call for change in the run-up to the election, we’ve got a few things for you to think about…
1. Putting across your argument for change
Our tip here is to keep it simple but based on robust evidence. It may be that you’ve already conducted a survey or research and understand the needs of the people or sector you exist to support. Think about how you can simplify this insight into a handful of clear facts that show why change is needed. Maybe it’s about people’s access to services, to ensure we are future-ready and have the skills for industry, or perhaps it’s about the need for more investment in green technologies. Whatever your area, think about how you can summarise the big changes you’d like to see into 3 clear asks of the government. Be confident – say these are the changes we are calling for.
2. Statistics and statements are your friends
Under 10% of people in our industry are women. It’s time for change and we are calling for the government to…
Almost half of the young people we’ve spoken to have told us they need…
Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen a decline in funding for…
To ensure we have the skills needed for the future, there needs to be…
Without change, it will take 130 years to close the gap in …
The call for our services has increased 5-fold in recent years, that’s why we are asking for…
If we don’t make this change now, in the future this will mean…
A bold statistic or statement - like those above - can easily be turned into graphics for social media and communications. Given the short timescales before the 2024 general election, this would be a quick way to remind people of the vital changes that you are calling for.
Creating a set of clear attention-grabbing statistics is a simple but powerful way to ensure your message cuts through.
3. Involve your audiences
A pre-election period is a crucial time to remind people about why your organisation is so needed, why the cause is so important, and why the changes you’re calling for would make such a big difference. Many larger organisations will already have a campaign ready to go at this time, but if you’re still thinking about how to make the most of this opportunity, then think about how you could involve audiences in spreading the word for you. If you are a charity, could you involve the people your charity exists to support in recording some simple videos for social media for example? Can your supporters say in their own words why it’s time for change? It’s a great way to strengthen relationships with people who already have a strong affinity for what you do.
Really Good Things is a specialist insights, strategy, and communications consultancy.
The core areas we work in are infrastructure and built environment, green technologies, natural environment, science and innovation, education and healthcare, not-for-profit, culture and placemaking.
If your organisation needs help with messaging, understanding and engaging audiences, storytelling, campaigning, or public affairs - either in the run-up to the election, or generally - we can help.