Rebecca Sinclair

Do companies ever have FOMO? It’s been striking to see how many companies are stepping forward to engage with Queer Britain Museum, the world’s first large scale museum dedicated to the LGBT+ journey and in the heart of London’s Kings Cross. As Chair of the Development Board, I’ve had a front-row seat to the extraordinary momentum behind the museum. The breadth of support has been genuinely remarkable, from major partners to smaller organisations contributing in thoughtful, practical ways. What stands out is not just the scale, but the willingness. At a time when cultural institutions can struggle for backing, we’ve been blown away by the number of companies keen to be involved, each recognising the importance of preserving and celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Against that backdrop, those choosing not to engage may find they are sitting out one of the most dynamic and culturally significant developments currently taking place in the UK. What’s been particularly encouraging is seeing corporates move beyond transactional sponsorship and towards genuine participation: - hosting conversations that might otherwise never happen - opening their networks to queer voices and creatives - bringing clients, employees and communities into the museum’s mission - helping preserve and celebrate LGBTQ+ stories as part of Britain’s cultural history The result has been something far more meaningful than a logo on a wall. Queer Britain has become a meeting point between culture and commerce — where organisations can engage with inclusion in a way that feels human, thoughtful and lasting. And perhaps that’s where the real FOMO exists: not wanting to miss the opportunity to be part of one of the most significant cultural movements currently taking shape in Britain. Because institutions that shape culture rarely stay niche for long. Thank you to my brilliant colleagues on the Development Board, both Directors and Advisors. Big jobs require exceptional people so thank you. Andrew Given Richard Duncalf OBE JP Oscar Pinto-Hervia OBE Andrew Nicolls Asad Dhunna Tristan Davies Joseph Galliano-Doig MBE Jeffrey Krogh Jupiter Lucas Nina Preston-Smith Jace Tyrrell Jo-ann Robertson #LGBTQ+

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In the next issue of PM Magazine from PM Forum we will be exploring how professional services firms are protecting their marketing and BD teams against burnout. We will look at how firms future proof the physical, mental and emotional resilience of their marketing and BD teams, and the risks of not doing so. We will ask: -- whether the efforts invested in fee-earning teams extend to M&BD. -- Why are M&BD team at risk of burnout -- What are the tell-tail signs. -- What does good support look like. I would love to hear from those in-house of their experiences and the support their firms offer.

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National, regional and trade press remain powerful credibility drivers, and through carefully developed angles and precise pitching, we translate expertise and lived experience into compelling editorial that strengthens reputation and extends influence ⬇️

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Soho Communications is pleased to be working with Reed chairman and CEO James Reed CBE on his mission to change the DNA of capitalism one company at a time. James is spearheading the new PhilCo (“philanthropy company”) movement, made up of firms with a shareholding of ten per cent or above owned by a charity or foundation. In his book Karma Capitalism, James sets out how such companies have better motivated and more loyal workforces, last longer and are more profitable - as well as doing enormous amounts of good. James spoke to CNBC’s Stephen Sedgwick for his Executive Decisions series about how this structure has benefited his own company and his hopes to persuade other entrepreneurs to follow suit, as well as his decision to join his father Sir Alec’s business and a life-changing moment on a Swiss mountaintop. https://lnkd.in/epFTQE8b

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Words have power. We want to use ours responsibly. This guide is a hands-on resource focused on helping businesses navigate inclusive communication with confidence and care. It’s important to note, however, that we developed this guide in the broader context of a highly charged and evolving public conversation. While researching, we explored a range of complex and sensitive issues that are deeply connected to the topic of inclusivity. We have a duty to acknowledge what has shaped our thinking – to remain transparent about our process and to show the respect we have for the wider discourse. Well done to the Magenta Associates | An employee-owned B Corp team for not only coming up with the idea for this guide, but for all the thought and research that went into it.

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It was a pleasure to represent the Chartered Institute of Public Relations at the PR ROMAN FORUM Communications Conference this week. The event focused on how we communicate about sustainability effectively. I chaired a panel on the first day, which discussed: ▪️ How communicators navigate the tension between organisational responsibility and reputational risk when climate issues are increasingly politicised. ▪️ How to counter #greenwashing (whether deliberate or accidental) ▪️ Avoiding 'green-hushing' and sharing successes more openly (and being comfortable with scrutiny).  ▪️ Adapting messages for different audiences, from beginners through to technical experts. Thank you to panellists Caterina Banella, Alexander Dourchev, Justin Green and Massimo Castellano for sharing their experiences and views. In my opening remarks, I discussed that while there’s a professional and ethical imperative for us to do this as communicator’s (particularly for those working under professional codes of conduct, like CIPR members), there are self-regulatory systems too. I highlighted two in the UK - the Advertising Standards Authority #GreenClaimsCode and the Code for Construction Product Information. While the latter isn't specifically sustainability focused, its principles around transparency, accuracy and verification still stand (and I had to get a reference to the #BuiltEnvironment in!). The EU is taking the same course, with the EU Green Claims Directive expected later this year. The middle section of the day focused on sustainable tourism, the protection of heritage buildings and providing access to cultural artifacts. Again, there was tension here for communicators: How to attract visitors while also protecting the very thing that people were there to see? Aya Kordy also explained how the The Grand Egyptian Museum was designed (great for those with an interest in #architecture). This section also covered how comms pros are navigating changing views in society, with a case study from Carlos Chaguaceda at Madrid's Prado Museum about when they renamed historical paintings to align with new Spanish disability laws. Great to hear from journalists Barbara Millucci, Aart Heering and Michael Braun about covering climate-related stories. I particularly liked Barbara’s take on the importance of verification and the responsibility to give voice to those most affected by negative climate-related impacts. There was time for a conversation about emotional triggers and the challenges of driving change from Alberto Pirni, and a closing session from Rita Di Antonio at Microsoft on using #AI as a “sparring partner” to help us develop new ways of working. A bumper day of content and lots to take away. Thanks to Danijel Koletić for inviting me to be a part of it, and to the team for their organisation and hospitality.

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Fresh from battling Sir Martin Sorrell on BBC Radio 4, I invited the brilliant PRCA CEO, Sarah Waddington CBE CDir ChartPR, onto the show to tell us about the new definition of PR from PRCA, as I had memorised the previous one at University and wanted to hear how it had changed for 2026. Sarah is amazingly honest and brings a northern accent to public relations and an energy that has reinvigorated the regions. She also shared some truly honest and shocking mistakes, which are well worth a listen or watch on our YouTube. For clarity the PRCA now defines public relations as: “the strategic management discipline that builds trust, enhances reputation and helps leaders interpret complexity and manage volatility – delivering measurable outcomes including stakeholder confidence, long-term value creation and commercial growth”. “Too often, public relations is still understood primarily as media relations or publicity, rather than as a strategic discipline that supports organisational performance, decision-making and long-term trust.” I love this - measurable outcomes and commercial growth. So yes, PR is still here in 2026, Mr Sorrell. I would go as far as to say, it is getting even stronger and more important with its now proven effect on LLMs, AI search and digital trust. Content is content, but without a reputation, you and your bsuiness are completely f**ked. 👊 #pr #PRCA

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I've been co-chairing a series of breakfast roundtables with senior comms and corporate affairs professionals, discussing the implications of the AI transition on corporate reputation. In the five months we've been running them, the conversation has changed dramatically. At the most recent one, a couple of weeks ago, we concluded that the margin for vagueness on AI has disappeared and that the organisations navigating the transition most effectively are not necessarily those moving fastest on AI operationally. What sets them apart is how they communicate. In my latest article, I reflect on the reputational challenges created by the pace of AI, and the importance of coherent, consistent communication that is both 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 AI and 𝘧𝘰𝘳 AI. https://lnkd.in/e2NdBmUX Lansons | Team Farner Tom Cook David Rowson Tom Baldock #reputation #comms #ai #trust

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As part of Mental Health Week, we are highlighting the growing evidence for the role of creative health in supporting adult mental health. Research shows that a wide range of creative activities can deliver meaningful benefits. Visual arts have been linked to reduced depression and anxiety alongside improved confidence and self-esteem. Group singing can strengthen social connection and reduce loneliness, while activities such as gardening can support both mental and physical wellbeing. The Mental Health and Wellbeing section of the Creative Health Research Round-Up 2025, produced by NCCH and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), brings together research, case studies and evaluations exploring how creative approaches are supporting mental health across clinical and community settings. Explore the resource here: https://lnkd.in/e-Zpa33B & Creative Health Research Round-up here: https://lnkd.in/eHBq95-B #CreativeHealth #MentalHealth #ArtsAndHealth Photo credit: Hospital Rooms, Twitten Hellingly Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, Damian Griffiths

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There are moments as a team leader that feel deeply personal. Today is one of those days. Sadia Tasmia from our team at Concito has been selected for the mentorship program of Global Women in Public Relations (GWPR). To our knowledge, she is the first Bangladeshi professional to be accepted into this prestigious global initiative. I still remember when Sadia first joined us — curious, driven, and quietly ambitious. Over time, we saw her grow, take ownership, challenge herself, and evolve into someone who clearly has leadership potential in this industry. This selection feels like a natural next step in that journey. A special thanks to our dear friend Cornelia Kunze for guiding and supporting us throughout the process. Global mentorship and allyship like this can truly change trajectories for talents from our part of the world. At Concito, we have always believed that capacity building is not a side activity — it is the core of how we grow as an organization. When our team members rise, the entire industry benefits. I am incredibly proud of Sadia. Hopefully, she will return from this experience with new perspectives, stronger confidence, and a vision that helps shape a more progressive PR landscape in Bangladesh. This is just the beginning. 🇧🇩

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Hear, hear! And as Professor Randall S Whittaker spells out, this is a case for research, innovation AND education - all of which are inter-dependent. As Diana Beech sets out in her recent Higher Education Policy Institute paper, there is too often a disconnect between policy making in these areas. That's why we at London Higher are calling for more joined-up thinking across all parts of government responsible for the sector.

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Balance is everything in our fast moving world of strategic communications, crisis management and reputation protection - even when you can consider and prepare for the 'known unknowns' (to coin a phrase). Sofiat Kolawole of DRD Partnership takes a look at some lessons to be learned from London's Southbank at last week's Bafta Film Awards. #strategiccommunications #reputationdefence #actswiftly

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This National Inclusion Week 2025, members of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations are sharing pledges, statements, and data to spotlight the urgent need for change. The stats show that our industry has a diversity problem. The theme this year is all about taking action, and there are steps we can all take. If you're invited to speak on a panel, its not hard to ask who else is speaking, and just as importantly, who isn’t. If the line-up lacks diversity, don’t be part of the exclusion. Raising the issue often prompts organisers to make changes. In meetings find out who will be in the room, take the time to think about who is missing and do something about it. Call out exclusion when you see it and be part of the solution. #NowIsTheTime #CIPRInclusion

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Great to see a modern, practitioner-led definition of public relations that truly reflects how the profession has evolved. PR today is far more than communications output – it’s about strategic counsel, ethical decision-making and helping organisations build genuine, long-term relationships with the people who matter most to them. This updated definition captures that shift and reinforces the value PR professionals bring as trusted advisors in an increasingly complex environment. A positive step forward for the industry.

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NCCO launches DateCodeGenie® Mini, putting automated labelling in the palm of your hand https://lnkd.in/e2Phk6T4 #Labelling #Automation #Alergens #Alergy #DateCodeGenie #Innovation #NewProduct #Foodservice #Catering

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I've been invited to attend one of the largest contemporary fiction conferences in the country — alongside nationally recognized bestselling authors shaping today’s commercial publishing landscape. It's Bookcon 2026. What fascinates me most about spaces like this is the scale of this business. Modern authors are building sophisticated IP businesses — managing global readerships, premium direct-to-consumer editions, live events, and social-driven ecosystems that rival traditional brand infrastructures. (In my own work, I’ve seen firsthand how premium special editions and community-led sales strategies can dramatically shift revenue models.) Having spent over two decades in executive communications — and now operating within the storytelling arena — I continue to see the same truth emerge: Narrative is infrastructure. Whether advising leadership in complex, regulated environments or building fictional worlds that reach tens of thousands of readers, the mechanics are the same: Clarity. Emotional resonance. Strategic positioning. Audience trust. And personally, I’m honored to have been selected to attend among thousands of applicants, where I can contribute to conversations about the importance of representation in literature, while gaining a deeper understanding about the intersection of storytelling, culture, and commercial growth.

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Now’s the time to stop outsourcing your thinking on PR measurement. The pressure to prove the value #publicrelations offers to your organisation has never been higher. Stakeholders want outcomes, not just activity. The comms industry urgently needs to understand how to demonstrate its effect in compelling terms that resonate in the C suite. Too often though, the temptation is for evaluation to be left to tools, vendors and AI-driven SAAS platforms. We’re all busy. Work’s overwhelming. Surely these tools, dashboards and reports suffice? But meaningful measurement needs strategic thinking, not automation alone. Critical thinking, context setting and relevance to your organisation. We need to have the confidence to craft a compelling evaluation story. Now then is the time for us to lean in and build these critical skills. That’s why we’ve partnered with the PRCA to deliver our Make Measurement Matter training. Led by Paul Hender and me - two highly experienced PR measurement experts each with over 30 years in the sector - this practical and engaging session will give your team the tools, frameworks and confidence to deliver evaluation that drives smarter decisions and shows real impact. ⏳Half-day or full-day formats 🧠 Hands-on learning in a fun and stimulating format 🏍️ Shortcut the learning timelines with our experience 🔥 Book by the end of this month for 15% off all PRCA training 👉 Learn more and sign up - see the PRCA’s attached post below #PRMeasurement #PRTraining #PRCA #AMEC #Evaluation #StrategicComms

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"A strong employer brand must be lived internally, with strategic internal communications (IC) at its core. And that means moving beyond one-way updates or reactive messaging." Excellent piece by my colleague Dawn B.

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Karen Blackett CBE's excellent closing session at last week's Chartered Institute of Public Relations Conference delivered sharp, practical lessons for today’s leaders. She called out the hidden pressures staff face, highlighting Deloitte data showing more than 60% feel forced to hide parts of themselves at work. Rates are even higher for women, black, and gay colleagues. Karen was clear: leaders should create workplaces where people feel seen and safe. Otherwise, teams waste energy on 'covering' that damages wellbeing and performance. Karen went on to define the four essentials for effective leadership: 1️⃣ Clarity on your personal brand: knowing what you bring, who benefits, how you support success, and why you commit. 2️⃣ Authenticity: drawing on your background and experiences rather than imitation. 3️⃣ Growth mindset: turning “I can’t” into “I can’t yet” to encourage learning and resilience. 4️⃣ Trust: built through credibility, reliability, and empathy, and reinforced with consistent, honest communication. She shared strong real-world examples. Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, spends time with her team and stays close to operations. Dave Lewis, former Tesco CEO, redesigned reward systems to benefit broader teams and suppliers. Najoh Tita-Reid of Mars Petcare inspires unity with direct talk and honest leadership. Karen then stressed the value of diverse teams and wider perspectives. Building inclusivity, she argued, helps organisations adapt and win. She closed with a reminder: leaders need to protect their own energy, take breaks, and appreciate the power of “missing out” to stay balanced. As would be expected from a women with Karen's executive experience, her session provided some important takeaways for today's leaders: model authenticity, build trust, make diversity real, protect your own energy, and act with empathy. Karen Blackett’s advice is actionable and clear—and now more urgent than ever.

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