Author: Vishnee Sauntoo
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Transforming Communications: From Broadcaster to Editor
Twelve years ago, I wrote a town hall script that I’m still not proud of. It was clear. It was on-message. It was signed off by everyone who needed to. And when the CEO read it word for word, the room went silent — not in shock, but in the way that says we don’t…
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Is Your Comms Strategy Working as Hard as You Are?
Most charities I work with are doing extraordinary things. Their teams are passionate, their programmes are making a real difference – and their communications? Stretched thin, reactive, and running on instinct rather than intention. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: you can have the best communications team in the sector and still have a communications strategy…
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Why Your Charity Needs a Communications Consultant
Running a charity or not-for-profit is no small feat. Between delivering programmes, supporting people who use your services, and keeping trustees in the loop, communications can quietly slip down the priority list, even though it’s one of your most powerful tools.
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Hasan Patel’s Newsroom Insights for Strategic Communication
In the world of communications, there is a distinct advantage to having a “newsroom heart.” For Hasan Patel, his career wasn’t built in a boardroom—it was forged at the BBC and Al Jazeera.
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Why I Chose Chartered Status After 25 Years in PR
After 25 years at the strategy table, here’s why I finally went for Chartered status – and what it’s actually changed. There’s a version of this post where I tell you Chartership taught me everything I know. That would be a good story. It would also be completely untrue. I’ve been doing this for 25…
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Empowering Stories: A Conversation with Sascha Gill-Chugh
In our latest episode of The Comms Collective, I sat down with Sascha Gill-Chugh, Communications Manager at CAMFED, to unpack a career that has been anything but linear. From a law degree to leading award-winning global campaigns, Sascha is on a mission to change how the world sees international development.
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How to Combat Public Apathy in Comms Strategy
Antonia May Cross, Director of Communications at Revolving Doors, challenges the notion of public apathy in campaigns, promoting evidence-based communication as a remedy. Her unconventional career path from homelessness to leadership illustrates her advocacy for autonomy in teams and strategic humility. She emphasises proactive narrative building and innovative campaign strategies.
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Impactful PR Strategies from Helen Crumley
In the second season’s first episode, communications expert Helen Crumley shares insights from her 20 years of experience, particularly her work with Kids Inspire, a charity supporting youth mental health. The discussion highlights purpose-driven PR, internal communications, resilience in the public sector, and strategic stakeholder engagement, offering valuable lessons for communicators.
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Championing Causes: Insights from Our Podcast
The Comms Collective explores communications in the charity sector, highlighting how leaders effectively manage limited resources to drive impactful movements. Through interviews, five core principles emerge: empowering narratives, building trust, fostering internal community, prioritising advocacy, and leveraging innovation to engage supporters. These insights promote effective communication strategies for mission-driven organisations.
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Transformative Leadership in Communications: My 2025 Journey
As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what has undoubtedly been the most transformative year of my career.