The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced plans to launch a Global Covid-19 Public Communications Taskforce in response to its Covid-19 Survey findings. This Taskforce will provide free practical support to practitioners around the world.
The survey – which gathered the views of around 200 PR professionals – found more than a third of practitioners (33%) believed the industry was underprepared for the outbreak.
The study revealed remote working policies (62%) and event cancellations (58%) were the most common responses to the crisis taken by organisations.
The research also revealed:
– 30% of people believed their organisations have made good progress on their communications plans as a result of Covid-19.
– 17% of organisations have not taken any precautions whatsoever as a result of the outbreak.
PRCA Director General, Francis Ingham MPRCA, said:
“The coronavirus is a human tragedy with serious implications for business and public relations. Our industry is uniquely positioned to adopt a leadership role during this time of crisis, and deliver a public good.
“The survey results also show our industry needs support. Our global taskforce will be specifically geared toward providing guidance, best-practice, advocacy, and support for the public relations profession over the coming months.
“This offering will be global and it will be free.”
Can you help?
The PRCA is assembling a team of senior professionals from across the world to help PR professionals deal with the impact of Covid-19. We want to hear from experienced practitioners interested in working on;
– Global advocacy of the need for the PR function to play a leading role in all planning, preparedness and response efforts
– Fast-shifting work-from-home and virtual models that PR professionals must embrace for themselves and assist other stakeholders in embracing as well
– Communicating for the mental health and well-being of the public in unprecedented, uncertain times
– Key crisis-response and best-practice guidance for all communications disciplines
– Collecting and reporting industry data pertaining to Covid-19 and its impact on role of PR professionals.
To apply to join the taskforce, please send a short email outlining your experience to PRCA Head of Communications and Marketing, Koray Camgoz.