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Last updated 31st October 2021

Welcome to the communications resource area

Welcome to the Communications Resource area of the Diocesan website which is regularly updated with helpful advice.

’m Ronnie Semley, the Diocesan Communications Manager. I have worked in the media and communications industry for many years first as a journalist and later as a strategic communications manager in the public sector. 

You can read more about my career on my LinkedIn page where you can also connect with me. 

My role encompasses all the major communications needs of the Diocesan Bishop as well as communications support and advice for the other senior clergy and the senior staff. I am a member of the Bishop’s Leadership Team.

In the communications resource area you will find comprehensive advice about all aspects of communications to assist parishes in their work. These pages are continually growing and being updated. Headings include: 'Get Your Church Noticed'; 'Copyright Advice'; Effective Digital Communications'; 'Template Press Releases' and much more ...

Please take some time to explore this section via the links under 'Communications Resources' in the menu on the right and if you have any comments, compliments or other feedback you always can get in touch via communicate@blackburn.anglican.org 

My own strategic communications work includes the coordination of ...

  •  proactive media relations (including writing and issuing press releases); also reputation management and crisis communications support
  •  internal communications: including coordinating and editing the Parish Update ebulletin every two weeks plus advice to colleagues producing our other less frequent ebulletins, such as Safeguarding Matters. 
  •  online communications, including overseeing the news pages of this website and our social media channels including Twitter, YouTube and Flickr
  •  support for large-scale Diocesan-wide events, everything from the four day 'Crossroads' Northern Bishops' Mission in September 2016 to the Diocesan online #HomeGrown conference in 2020 and many more events
  •  production of other key publications and coordination of communications, everything from promotion of Whalley Abbey to Parish Share  
  •  brand management – for the Diocesan logo and the Vision 2026 branding
  •  communications advice and training for clergy and parishes, including the annual 'Get Your Church Noticed' event; and continual development of online communications resources as a member of the Online Resourcing Group chaired by Bishop Jill

I also provide (principally reactive) communications support for the Diocesan Board of Education, Whalley Abbey (our Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer) and also Blackburn Cathedral as and when required.

Working together

  • If you have a story of regional or possibly even national interest I will be happy to discuss it with you and, if it is suitable for a wider audience, I will work directly with you on the publicity.
  • As one person, sorry, but it would be impossible for me to do press releases for every parish event! That's why, for everyday publicity, parishes are strongly encouraged to produce their own press releases and to liaise with their local media directly. It is also why loads of advice and help is available to do this is, including in the aforementioned Communications Resources section of this website where you will find helpful templates and via the training course 'Get Your Church Noticed'. 
  • In the unlikely event you should have a crisis of any kind in your church which could spark the attention of regional or national media, then I will be on hand to support. If your crisis is related to a safeguarding issue however you MUST inform the Safeguarding Team first and, if necessary, I will then get involved at the appropriate point. Contacts for the Safeguarding Team are under the 'Safeguarding' heading on the homepage of this website. 
  • I am also available to offer general advice on any aspect of communications – just drop me an email (see below) or give me a call. Also, look me up on Linkedin and connect with me.
  • I am supported by my administration colleague Karen Ashcroft and by Mark Ashley, an experienced retired journalist, who provides volunteer support a few hours a week writing good news stories about the work of the Diocese.
  • There is also freelance support for photography and video work as and when required and as a limited budget availability allows.

Contacts

Ronnie Semley, Diocesan Communications Manager

E: ronnie.semley@blackburn.anglican.org or communicate@blackburn.anglican.org

T: 01254 503416

Karen Ashcroft, Senior Administrator (including support for communications) 

E: karen.ashcroft@blackburn.anglican.org or communicate@blackburn.anglican.org

T: 01254 503070 

Mark Ashley, Diocesan News Reporter (volunteer , a few hours a week)

E: mark.ashley@blackburn.anglican.org

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