Crisis Communications Training for the Senior Leadership Team of an Independent School

Challenge

Following changes in personnel, the senior leadership team of a leading independent school had identified gaps in crisis communications and media-handling experience across the team. With the independent school sector facing a particularly testing period, the SLT wanted to build collective capability and ensure robust measures were in place to protect the school's reputation.

Solution

Alder developed a bespoke training day built around the school's specific risk profile and the realities of crisis management in the education sector. Support included:

- Sessions covering the core principles of crisis communications and media handling, tailored to an independent school context
- Desktop research and analysis of the school's particular risk areas to ensure scenarios were realistic and relevant
- Two in-depth tabletop exercises following each session, allowing the team to apply learning in a practical, pressurised setting
- Practical guidance on role clarity — ensuring each member of the SLT understood their specific responsibilities in a crisis situation

Outcome

- The SLT left with significantly greater confidence in their ability to manage a crisis effectively
- Team members gained a clearer understanding of the distinct roles each would occupy in the event of a cultural, behavioural or sudden incident
- The school has a stronger collective framework in place to protect its reputation when it matters most