Master Crisis Response, Shape Public Perception & Drive Stakeholder Trust With Strategic Comms:

Purpose-Led, AI-Smart & Reputation-Resilient Corporate Communications Challenges Updates For 2026 & Beyond

A One-Day, Industry-Led Conference & Networking Exhibition, Central Manchester, 3rd June 2026

AI & The Future Of Communications • Crisis Comms In A 24/7 World • Rebuilding Trust Through Authentic Communication • Reputation In The Misinformation Era • The Evolving Comms Landscape • Purpose-Led Brand Storytelling • Proving Comms Impact
• ESG & Responsible Comms • Activating Employee Voices • Embedding Diversity & Authentic Representation • Communicating Through Uncertainty

08.30 Registration, Informal Networking & GIC Opening Remarks

OPENING REMARKS

09.00 Morning Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks

Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, Head Of Public Engagement, Cabinet Office

Mark St. Andrew, Senior Communications Manager, The Guardian

AI & THE FUTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS

NEW & UPDATED FOR 2026

DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE

09.10 Harness AI To Strengthen Trust, Sharpen Strategy & Elevate The Communications Function In A High-Scrutiny, Low-Trust Era

Navigate a landscape where audiences question everything they see by adapting messaging, verification processes and content standards to maintain credibility as AI-driven misinformation accelerates
Identify the AI tools that genuinely add value to comms, from horizon scanning to audience insight to automated Q&A assistants, and embed them without losing the human voice, intuition and judgment that make communications work
Prepare for a world where AI becomes a stakeholder in its own right – with search disruption, declining website traffic and algorithmic information shaping brand narratives – so you can take control of your organisation’s digital ‘source of truth’
Understand how AI will reshape skills, structures and entry-level pathways across communications teams, and develop capability plans that protect critical expertise while boosting productivity and efficiency

09.10 Perspective 1

Florian Vernay, Head Of Global Communications, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Home Care, Unilever

09.30 Perspective 2

Megan Johnson, Head Of Brand, PR & Advocacy, EDF Energy

CRISIS COMMS IN A 24/7 WORLD

NEW & UPDATED FOR 2026

PANEL Q&A

09.50 Lead With Clarity, Control & Credibility When Issues Escalate In Real Time

Strengthen your organisation’s readiness by mapping high-risk scenarios, pressure-testing response plans and defining clear decision rights to prevent confusion when the worst hits
Draw practical lessons from real, publicly scrutinised crises to uncover what worked, what failed, and how seasoned comms leaders rebuilt trust, controlled narratives and stabilised reputations
Respond at the speed of the news cycle by building rapid-reaction systems, cross-team coordination channels and approval workflows that keep messages aligned even under intense time pressure
Manage the long tail of a crisis – from misinformation spirals to social media escalation – with smart monitoring, message recalibration and proactive stakeholder engagement that accelerates recovery

James Barge, Senior Director Corporate Affairs, PR & Community Relations, Asda

Tamara Pickett, Group Communications & External Relations Director, Virgin

Laura Tickle, Associate Director, Engagement & Regional Growth (NW), AECOM

Robbie Sommerville, Managing Director & Global Head, Corporate Communications, Standard Chartered

Alex Saker, Head Of Consumer PR & Content, Experian UK&I

Emma Hope, Head Of Communications, British Cycling

Paul Street, Communications & Engagement Director, Network Rail

Rebuilding Trust Through Authentic Communication

10.20 Build Genuine Connection & Long-Term Confidence Through Openness, Consistency & Real Dialogue

Shift from surface-level messaging to richer, transparent communication that satisfies increasingly informed audiences who expect full context, not curated soundbites
Reinforce credibility during challenging moments by embedding openness, accountability and steady leadership voice across every stage of the communications process
Understand what’s fuelling today’s trust divide between the public and large organisations to shape communication that feels honest, human and worthy of belief
Demonstrate real organisational integrity by backing sustainability and purpose-led claims with proof points, clear explanations and consistent internal alignment

Steve O’Neil, Head Of Public Affairs, UCL

10.40 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner

11.10 Morning Refreshment Break With Speed Networking & Peer Discussion Zone

REPUTATION IN THE MISINFORMATION ERA

11.40 Protect & Elevate Organisational Reputation When Accuracy, Trust & Truth Are Constantly Under Pressure

Show stakeholders that your organisation is well-run, accountable and delivering on its promises by communicating performance, governance and outcomes with clarity and confidence
Defend reputation in an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly and small issues can escalate instantly, ensuring teams are ready to handle fast-moving narrative shifts
Establish credible, repeatable methods for evaluating reputation to understand perception accurately, justify investment, and influence long-term strategy
Draw inspiration from real-world case studies that reveal how leading brands repair damage, restore belief and sustain trust despite volatile public sentiment

Nikki Moore, Head of External Communications, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

THE EVOLVING COMMS LANDSCAPE

PANEL Q&A

12.00 Adapt To A Fast-Changing Corporate Communications World Reshaped By New Channels, New Expectations & New Pressures

Map the shifting demands placed on modern comms teams as digital acceleration, shrinking attention spans and multi-channel fragmentation redefine how organisations must communicate
Assess how changing workforce structures, hybrid models and cross-functional expectations are reshaping the role of corporate communications and the skills needed to thrive
Identify the platforms, formats and audience behaviours gaining traction to ensure your content, cadence and messaging meet audiences where they are now
Respond to rising organisational expectations by realigning priorities, balancing reactive vs proactive work, and proving the strategic value of comms in an unpredictable landscape

Nazaneen Challawala-Hatimi, Global Internal Communications Director, AXA XL

Shanna Wollack, Head Of Global Communications, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever

Esther Kuku, Director Of Communications & Engagement, Resuscitation Council UK

Laura Tickle , Associate Director, Engagement & Regional Growth (NW), AECOM

Scott Furlong, Communications Director, Evess Group

Mark Cazaly, Head Of ESG, Post Office

PURPOSE-LED BRAND STORYTELLING

DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE

12.30 Craft Stories That Reflect What The Company Stands For, Why You Exist & The Real Change You Stand Behind

Define what ‘purpose’ truly means for your organisation today by grounding your narrative in evidence, behaviour and measurable outcomes rather than high-level claims
Illustrate purpose in action through authentic stories that highlight employee voices, community value, customer impact and tangible change audiences can see and feel
Elevate your brand’s credibility by aligning messaging with lived organisational behaviours to avoid purpose-fatigue and steer clear of superficial or performative communications
Reinforce connection and loyalty by shaping stories that inspire belief, resonate emotionally and help stakeholders understand not just what you do, but why it matters

12.30 Perspective 1

Emma Hughes, Head, Corporate Content & Production, Standard Chartered

12.50 Perspective 2

Siobhra Murphy, Head Of Press Desk – Rail, Transport For London

13.10 Lunch & Informal Networking For Speakers, Delegates & Partners

14.10 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks

Eduvie Martin, Group Communications & Engagement Manager, BAT

Carey Pearson, Head Of Brand & Integrated Marketing, Wayfair Europe

PROVING COMMS IMPACT

14.20 Demonstrate Real Influence, Secure Budget & Elevate Comms With Credible, Outcome-Led Measurement

Move beyond counting outputs by uncovering what stakeholders truly think, feel and do in response to your organisation, and use real-time insight to shape messaging, priorities and risk decisions
Link reputation and perception shifts directly to organisational outcomes such as willingness to purchase, invest, support, or work for your company, strengthening the case for increased comms resourcing
Clarify what ‘good’ looks like in corporate reporting by identifying the common expectations of journalists, investors and analysts so your financial and corporate narratives land with clarity and confidence
Turn measurement into influence by presenting insight in a way that guides leadership decisions, supports budget conversations and showcases comms as an indispensable strategic function

ESG & RESPONSIBLE COMMS

PANEL Q&A

14.40 Communicate ESG With Transparency, Tangible Progress & Messages Stakeholders Can Rely On

Be the change! Shape ESG narratives that avoid overclaiming and withstand scrutiny by grounding messaging in transparent data, tangible progress, and realistic commitments that reflect where the organisation truly is
Build confidence with employees, investors, customers and communities through messaging that clearly explains why ESG matters to your business and links activity to measurable impact
Reduce reputational risk by aligning sustainability, social impact and governance communication with regulatory expectations, evolving stakeholder priorities and the growing demand for proof, not promises
Ensure your corporate storytelling resonates by presenting ESG as a business-critical value driver rather than a marketing add-on, empowering leadership to speak authentically and consistently across channels

Guy Mason, Head Of Public Affairs & Responsibility, HEINEKEN UK Limited

Robbie Sommerville, Managing Director & Global Head, Corporate Communications, Standard Chartered

Pearl Saadi, Corporate Communications Director, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation

Alison Last, UK & Ireland Corporate Communications Director, Kellanova

Activating Employee Voices

DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE

15.10 Activate Your People As Powerful Communicators To Strengthen Culture, Raise Influence & Amplify Your Corporate Narrative

Champion employees as trusted messengers by equipping them with the clarity, confidence, and guardrails to share organisational stories in ways that enhance reputation and build internal alignment
Mobilise advocacy programmes with purpose, from grassroots champions to structured ambassador networks, to expand reach, improve message penetration, and elevate employee voice across every channel
Uncover what truly drives engagement today – from belonging to leadership visibility – to shape communication strategies that boost morale, deepen commitment, and improve retention
Enable employees to speak up safely and responsibly with guidance, governance, and frameworks that protect the organisation while empowering authentic contribution and shared ownership of the brand

15.10 Perspective One

Yvonne Boateng, Senior Engagement Program Manager, Amazon

15.30 Perspective Two

Paul Gerrard, Director, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Director, The Co-Op Group

FEEDBACK & REFLECTION

15.50 Reflect On Key Insights Learned & Critical Takeaways From The Event So Far

Take a step back to reflect on the key insights from the day, share thoughts with peers, and discuss practical takeaways to drive real change. This interactive session offers a space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and leave feeling empowered with clear next steps for advancing corporate communications in your organisation.

16.10 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner

16.40 Afternoon Refreshment Break With Speed Networking & Peer Discussion Zones

EMBEDDING DIVERSITY & AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION

17.10 Elevate Inclusive, Representative Communications That Reflect Real Audiences & Strengthen Organisational Integrity

Shape messaging that reflects the richness of your workforce and communities to ensure campaigns, corporate updates and external narratives resonate authentically with those you aim to reach
Integrate diversity into everyday comms processes, from content planning to sign-off, so that representation becomes embedded practice rather than an occasional focus
Spot and address gaps in visibility, language, and cultural nuance to avoid tokenism, reduce reputational risk, and deliver communications rooted in genuine lived experience
Partner with employee networks, external voices and underrepresented groups to co-create stories, stress-test content, and elevate perspectives that enhance organisational integrity

Nazaneen Challawala-Hatimi, Global Internal Communications Director, AXA XL

COMMUNICATING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY

17.30 Deliver Steady, Clear Communications That Anchor Audiences & Maintain Confidence In Times Of Change

Provide clarity when circumstances shift fast, so employees, customers and stakeholders understand what is happening, why, and what it means for them without adding noise or confusion
Bolster organisational stability with thoughtful messaging frameworks that prevent information vacuums, reduce speculation, and keep audiences aligned during turbulence
React decisively to evolving situations using adaptable comms routes, tone guidance and scenario planning that enable teams to act quickly while remaining consistent and credible
Reassure stakeholders with transparent updates and realistic expectations to preserve confidence, even when full answers aren’t yet available

Rose Dooley, Communications and Content Manager, Liverpool John Moores University & Stuart Arrowsmith, Corporate Communications Manager, Liverpool John Moore University

17.50 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Closing Remarks & Official Close Of Conference

Eduvie Martin, Group Communications & Engagement Manager, BAT

Carey Pearson, Head Of Brand & Integrated Marketing, Wayfair Europe