Case Studies
Public Relations / Public Affairs
Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland lobby of the Scottish Parliament
Brief
To run a political and media campaign in order to influence the policy
of the then Scottish Executive towards Multiple Sclerosis health and social
care services in Scotland.
We initiated and coordinated a local (constituency level) and national
lobbying and press campaign which included a nationwide petition and cumulated
in a mass lobby of Parliament involving Multiple Sclerosis patients
from throughout Scotland and a parliamentary debate. This was the first
ever lobby of the Scottish Parliament.
Results
- Extensive media coverage of the lobby and debate including all Scottish nationals and broadcast media.
- Parliamentary debate extended by 30 minutes to accommodate those wishing to speak.
- First time that the late Donald Dewar, the then First Minister, attended a member’s debate in the Scottish Parliament.
- ‘I had not planned to speak in today’s debate, but I was moved to do so because of the lobby, which is the most effective that I have seen in my eight years as an MP and now MSP.’ – Malcolm Chisholm MSP, October 2000
Public Affairs / Internal Communication
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Scottish Office
Brief
To devise and implement a public affairs programme aimed at changing the accepted view of pharmacy as an activity on the fringes of the health service into one which placed pharmacists at the centre of the Scottish health services policy making group. Concurrently, to promote greater communication between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, the Scottish Pharmacy Board and its members.
We produced and delivered a public affairs and internal communications strategy which focussed on promoting the Scottish Pharmacy Board both to the political community and grass roots members. This was achieved through the use of a contact programme, successful party conference activity and political briefings which culminated in the publication and launch of The Manifesto for Scottish Pharmacy. In addition, we re-launched the internal newsletter, produced a regular e-bulletin for members and stakeholders and instigated a Scottish Pharmacy Board Roadshow to directly meet with members to outline the aims of the Board and to open up dialogue about professional leadership.
Results
- The launch event of the Scottish Pharmacy Board was well attended by MSPs, government officials and representatives from other health care bodies.
- Candidates and MSPs responded to receiving The Manifesto for Scottish Pharmacy and requested subsequent meetings.
- The Manifesto was used by MSPs as a basis for verbal and written parliamentary questions.
- It is acknowledged that pharmacy is now fully integrated into Scottish health policy development. The Scottish Government has recognised the role that pharmacy can and should play in making healthcare more accessible as illustrated in Better Health, Better Care.
- The Roadshows were well attended and well received. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society at a GB level is looking to replicate the formulae to further dialogue with members.
Event Management
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Science and the Parliament event
Brief
To project manage an event which forms an integral part of the political calendar; which brings together scientists and politicians for a dialogue on science and science policy, and raises the profile of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This annual event has been organised by McEwan Partners for four consecutive years.
We project managed the event in its entirety – initially working with the RSC to identify the theme for each event we then went on to secure the speakers, organise the exhibition and facilitate the reception. In addition we worked with the political community to instigate a parliamentary debate and subsequent parliamentary questions.
Results
- The establishment of Science and the Parliament as a valued and much anticipated annual event.
- Continued support from, and participation of, Government Ministers and the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Scottish Government.
- The establishment of cross party support with break out sessions facilitated by MSPs and a Question and Answer session with representatives from all leading political parties.
- The participation of 36 organisations in the exhibition.
- Since our involvement with the event, attendance has more than doubled, with over 300 attendees from the political, scientific and business communities.
Internal Communication
The Royal Bank of Scotland Information Technology Division
Brief
To devise and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy which would help ensure the smooth integration of the IT divisions of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and the National Westminster Bank (NatWest) post the RBS takeover of NatWest.
We placed a member of staff on permanent assignment to the bank and worked closely with the HR department to design and introduce a number of communication techniques aimed at fostering a ‘one company’ culture between both sets of employees. We devised processes by which the management could communicate change effectively and quickly and which enabled employees to feed into the change process. The activity included project management of monthly “meet the managers” events, leadership team focus groups with employees, production of appropriate and engaging employee focused literature and the editorial of the in-house magazine. The strategy culminated in the coordination and delivery of several all employee events focusing on team-work, collaboration and ambition.
Results
- Integration was completed six months ahead of schedule with no HR issues.
- The Employee Opinion Survey taken post integration illustrated an eighteen point rise in employee morale.
- The all employee events were attended by over 5,000 personnel.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Raytheon Systems Limited, Glenrothes
Brief
To review, enhance and implement the programme of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) Glenrothes site.
We identified the need to have key themes around which to progress a proactive CSR programme of activity and went on to instigate a more structured approach to CSR requests based on support for initiatives promoting maths, engineering and the sciences and in line with the company’s future recruitment requirements. Through work with local primary and secondary schools, young engineers’ clubs, Strathclyde University and Adam Smith College, we have assisted RSL Glenrothes to establish a progressive and cost effective CSR programme which has strengthened relationships with the local community and received praise from both the education and political communities at local and national level.
Results
- A structured CSR policy, operated within budget, is now in place at RSL Glenrothes.
- The CSR programme continues to receive positive media coverage and is well supported by Raytheon employees.
- One of the CSR activities, “Professor Bonkers” won a Raytheon Corporate award for innovation and effectiveness.