Education

education2With school spending under threat, new models of school on the drawing board and question marks over the provision of specialist services like Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, the education sector is in a state of upheaval. Likewise, as the higher education landscape evolves in the face of funding restrictions, relationships between universities, businesses, students and government are changing. Fundamental questions regarding the sector’s purpose and funding are being asked, and students, among others, are increasingly making their voices heard in this debate. To prevent themselves being left behind, institutions will need to think carefully about the people they engage with and the messages they communicate.

Linstock can help you understand the fast-changing world of education, identify key audiences and deliver concise persuasive messages to stakeholders at the right time and in the right way.

Client case studies

  • Society of College and University Libraries (SCONUL)

    Brief: The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) engaged Linstock to help with internal member communications and external communications, with the aim of increasing media awareness of SCONUL and championing the work and interests of members.

    Activity: Linstock developed a regular e-newsletter, updating members on the work of SCONUL and its Working Groups. Linstock identified key proactive and reactive press opportunities, developing a story matrix to plan future media opportunities. Targeted press releases are used to support SCONUL’s corporate objectives.

    Results: Despite turbulent economic times, SCONUL has successfully increased its membership during Linstock’s representation. Linstock have also successfully placed SCONUL in key national and trade media, including the Times Higher Education, The Guardian and the Independent. The highlight was a seven page pull out supplement placed in Guardian Education entitled ‘Libraries Unleashed’, demonstrating the dynamic and forward thinking work of SCONUL’s members.

  • Durham University

    Brief: Durham University brought in Linstock to build its influence over higher education policy, bolstering this prestigious institution’s profile as an authority in the sector. The University’s senior academic board tasked us with developing a structure to relate corporate priorities to national policy issues helping to build a targeted Westminster presence.

    Activity: Working closely with senior university academics and staff we developed an ‘issues matrix’ – a tool testing public affairs priorities against criteria based on the university’s corporate objectives.  This has directed activity towards concentrated policy campaigns, backed by monthly reports giving incisive analysis and advice on developments within the higher education sector. Reports have included analyses of student demographics, the role of higher education in regeneration, and the 2008 party political conferences.

    Results: Durham University now has a structured approach for engaging politicians and policy makers; regular expert analysis of political and policy developments; and support in launching a major ‘issues commentary’ media campaign.

  • Treloar School

    Brief: Treloar is a school and college based in Hampshire. Linstock is retained to raise awareness of Treloar among potential students and parents. We work with the internal team to demonstrate the value of specialist schools, and position Treloar as an expert authority in the education and development of young people coping with severe and complex disabilities.

    Activity: Our PR campaign generates news stories around the Trust. Linstock created a stream of proactive and reactive opportunities including regular comment pieces and celebrity endorsement to create wider debate. Stories included student participation at the Paralympics, centenary year celebrations and Treloar’s annual gala dinner. We are currently looking at ways to engage local authorities and think tanks.

    Results: Extensive national, regional and broadcast media coverage. National examples include Guardian Education, The Independent and The Telegraph. Specialist hits have included Children & Young People Now and Community Care. We have consistently included key messages in all media coverage e.g. Treloar’s holistic approach to education and care which prepares students to become more independent.