Chris Bentley Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Telford, United Kingdom

It was my role to make sure we told the right story, to the right person, at the right time. Every time.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Managed end-to-end delivery of several integrated campaigns centred on initiatives such as events, appeals and powerful case study-driven fundraising, inspiring connection to the cause and achieving strategic objectives of encouraging sign-ups, raising brand awareness and generating fundraising income.Prime responsibility for managing communications response to incidents of reputational risk, whether in the Retail division, Care teams or fundraising activity, working with stakeholders to mitigate potential negative impact.A proven and trusted advisor to staff at all levels, volunteers and parents on their communications and marketing requirements and on media handling, including the chief executive prior to communicating a period of potential financial crisis, resulting in positive exposure of key messages.Developed beneficial, warm relationships with key regional online, offline and broadcast media contacts, resulting in positive exposure and preferential coverage for opportunities I have proactively sought out.Project management and delivery of the charity’s annual Impact Report, within budget and on time, working with a design agency and photographers.

Telford, United Kingdom

Responsible for roll out of company-wide initiatives at local business unit level using internal communications skills and marketing tools to inform employees, feeding back on successes and on local requirements from across three sites.Delivered ongoing positive media coverage as part of a programme to reintegrate the business unit into the local community as a key employer and contributor to the local economy.Provided communications and marketing expertise to business-winning campaigns, working with design agencies and within strict brand guidelines.Responsible for employee engagement in support of local strategy during financial instability.Successful approach evidenced through staff surveys.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Media handling with responsibility for preparing and issuing reactive media statements during outbreaks and incidents, often at short notice, which sought to reassure the public with accurate information and provided colleagues with a calm and strident approach.Delivered national public health campaigns at a regional and local level, changing public behaviour.Management of internal communications channels, including the roll out of a refreshed regional intranet. Responsible for writing and editing national staff magazine, sourcing stories from colleagues in other regions.Authoritative communications and marketing support to regional expert teams.Honed skills of negotiation in handling challenging healthcare stakeholders to bring about successful communications strategies that maintained reputation and consistency of message, often for the safety of the public.

London, United Kingdom

Enhanced the organisation’s reputation to be the UK’s leading authoritative voice on multiple sclerosis (MS) through trusted and evidence-based responses to media enquiries.Management and delivery of high profile, integrated campaigns focusing on impactful real life stories, meeting financial and public perception objectives.Successful implementation of social media channels, further engaging the public and supporters in the charity’s work.Managed second Press Officer and deputised for Head of Communications. Responsible for Press Office budget, including PR agency contracts.Communications lead during the contentious resignation of patron J.K. Rowling; and handling of issues with a moral dimension, such as the debate around assisted suicide legislation, advising and guiding staff including the chief executive on media approaches to both, protecting the organisation’s reputation.

Surrey And Hampshire

Regular front page lead stories, news and lifestyle features.Regular close working with press officers and PR agencies.Deputised for Chief Reporter, responsible for two bi-weekly editions.

Advanced Certificate, Public Relations, Pass With Merit

Ba Hons, Journalism, 2:1

Hnd, Media Production, Pass With Merit