Bespoke crisis communications training for UNHCR

The UNHCR faces a complex communications environment, with teams dispersed across the globe, a diverse range of potential issues and incidents to manage, and varying levels of crisis communications experience across its workforce. To strengthen capability and ensure consistent preparedness, they wanted to move beyond PowerPoint presentations and discussion based exercises to immersive, live simulation training

We work with the organisation to provide a bespoke crisis communications training programme for their global, country specific teams across all levels of seniority, helping them prepare for fast-moving events.

The two day programme begins with a theory based workshop focused on identifying risk, mapping audiences, and responding effectively to a crisis. The session is highly interactive, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, challenge existing practices, and stay actively engaged throughout.

This is followed by a live, immersive simulation that provides a realistic, high pressure environment in which participants must respond to events in real time.

Throughout the simulation, participants engage with a wide range of dynamic inputs through our Social Simulator platform, including stakeholder emails, social media activity, live media coverage, briefings, and press conferences.

Participants must conduct briefings for role-played journalists and  donors, selecting a spokesperson from each team and preparing them to deliver clear, accurate information. Throughout the exercise, they respond to questions from journalists and other stakeholders, in real time.

Results  

These simulations are designed to translate theory into practice, testing decision making, coordination, and communication under pressure. They ensure participants understand UNHCR’s plans and procedures and are prepared to apply them effectively when a real crisis arises.