Case study

Building trust for Oaklands College

Issue
Oaklands College needed to rebuild its corporate reputation when it was severely damaged by community opposition to its estates development plans and to achieve community support for its proposals.

Strategy
A programme of rebuilding trust through profiling staff and student achievements was launched whilst support was engaged for its development plans through public consultation, briefings, events and media relations.

Impact
After six months the College began driving the communications agenda and media coverage changed from hostile to neutral reporting of accommodation issues and an average of one to two positive good news stories appearing about the College each week. Agreement was reached on its development plans.