Sustainability is a strategic priority for every organisation, and turning complex information into engaging stories is an ongoing challenge for internal communication professionals.

Sustainability communications need to effectively combine concrete metrics with valuable qualitative information, and highlight both measurable achievements and future ambitions. They need to be based on concrete evidence, but also be engaging and inspiring for people across the organisation.

This two-part course will cover a repeatable process for turning the raw materials of sustainability data into stories that will engage and inform your stakeholders. It will go from identifying messages and planning communications, through selecting the right visuals and formats, to applying design techniques within the constraints of the software you have access to.

It will highlight real-world examples from a range of sectors, and discuss common challenges and how to overcome them. You will also leave with a clear plan for how to create a sustainability report that can inspire, inform and persuade in equal measure.

The course will also cover common challenges in sustainability storytelling, including how to avoid greenwashing, and how to measure the impact of your communications.

Who should attend?

Any communications professional who needs to create or contribute to sustainability communications to internal audiences. The course will be relevant if you are working on ongoing sustainability communications or major reports.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Select the right visuals to turn raw data into engaging stories.
• Translate complex sustainability information into accessible storytelling.
• Evaluate the pros and cons of different formats for distributing information.
• Prepare a simple and effective style guide to ensure consistency.
• Assess the balance of quantitative and qualitative evidence.
• Incorporate case studies alongside numerical data.
• Measure the impact of your communications on individuals and the organisation.
• Know how to avoid greenwashing, and dealing with sensitive or negative messages.
• Apply repeatable and effective design techniques using readily available software.
• Source templates and imagery from high-quality (and free) sources.

Course Timings and Agenda

The course will take place over two mornings: 

Tuesday 1 April, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Wednesday 2 April, 9.30am - 12.30pm. 

The course will cover:

• A repeatable framework for identifying stories for internal audiences.
• Choosing the right charts, graphs, infographics and other visuals.
• Using colours for navigation and highlighting key messages.
• How to find and use icons and imagery to help tell the story.
• Effective visuals for inclusion and diversity data.
• Deploying quotes and case studies alongside the numbers.
• Providing context to help your audience understand the metrics.
• Finding quantitative and qualitative methods for measuring impact.

Additional benefits

Additional benefits include:

• Pre and post course access to Canvas, the IoIC's online learning environment, where you will find all course materials and be able to engage with their fellow participants through forum discussions
• Eight CPD Points for IoIC Members
• Case studies and real-life examples
• A network of like-minded professionals to connect with and learn from.

Please note that we use Zoom for our online courses. Please ensure that you are able to access this system where you are based before booking your place. All times are UK.

Trainer

Alan Rutter

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