Stronger voice: Introduction to reframing

Beyond crisis, cost and punishment: changing the crime and justice debate

Would you like to communicate more effectively? This introductory session will help you to be heard and understood better through small changes to the language you use, and the way you shape your stories.  

We'll kick off with some general storytelling insights before moving on to exploring ways to improve communications on criminal justice across audiences, in discussions and in writing. The session is designed to be relaxed and interactive, providing opportunities to discuss ideas and practice too. It is based on in depth research that Clinks has been involved with for a number of years.

You should come away with practical tips that you can start doing right away. It is aimed at beginners and those at an intermediate level of framing knowledge. It is helpful for small and large organisations.

This is the first in a series of training sessions on communications and language. There will also be opportunities for more advanced sessions in 2022 that are more tailored to specific needs or areas of communications, for example telling personal stories.

Who this event is for

This is aimed at a beginner and intermediate level organisations working in the criminal justice system who might rarely engage with policy and want to learn how they can influence decision makers; or have some experience but want to expand their knowledge.

For example, you know what’s wrong and what needs to change but don’t know how to speak up about it; or you have experience of speaking out on issues that affect you but want to improve how you do so. 

Training opportunities for organisations more experienced in policy and influencing will be made available later in the Stronger voice programme.

Eligibility criteria

As Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is funding this programme of work, we are asking for the following criteria to be met:

• These events are open to any voluntary organisation working in the criminal justice system, though each event has a different capacity of attendee numbers to ensure the training is effective
• Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, subject to eligibility and availability, though Clinks will reserve specific spaces for organisations working with people in contact with the criminal justice system that are led by and focussed on racially minoritised people
• Please only book one ticket per organisation as we expect there to be high demand for these events.

About the trainer

Liz Kearsley is a communications specialist who works with organisations to put more power behind their content. She specialises in improving language, messaging and brand. Liz has been training organisations in the criminal justice sector since 2018 on framing, both independently and as part of Transform Justice.

She held the position of Head of Communications at several different charities prior to moving into consulting in 2017.

About Stronger voice

The Stronger voice training programme brings together experts across policy, campaigns and communications to support organisations of all sizes to influence decision makers. This programme is being delivered as part of Clinks’ three-year Stronger voice programme, funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, and aims to help the voluntary sector working in criminal justice to develop a unified and influential voice, at both a national and regional level.