Ethical communications for charities

The stories charities tell have the power to change perceptions, inspire action and bring people closer to a cause. But every story comes with responsibility.

Ethical communications means making sure the people behind your work are represented with dignity, your audiences can access your messaging, and your communications reflect the values your charity stands for.

This three-part training series will help you build the confidence and practical skills to communicate responsibly. Through expert guidance, real charity examples and practical tools, you’ll explore ethical storytelling, working with lived experience and creating accessible content.

Each session explores a different part of ethical communications, providing you with a connected set of workshops designed to help you strengthen your communications from the inside out.

Book individual sessions to develop specific skills or join the full series at a discounted rate to build a stronger foundation for ethical communications across your charity.

If you are a Postcode Lottery grantee and the session is fully booked or your code isn’t being accepted, please email osianb@mediatrust.org to be added to the waitlist.

What’s included?

Workshop 1: Ethical storytelling for charities (10 November, 10:00-12:00)

Learn how to tell powerful stories that protect dignity, build trust and put people first.

You’ll explore:

• How to tell stories that are fair, respectful and inclusive.
• How to gather and share stories ethically.
• How to balance authentic storytelling with fundraising goals.
• Practical tools to apply ethical storytelling principles in your communications.

Find out more about this session.

Workshop 2: Ethical case studies: Working with lived experience (17 November, 10:00-12:00)

Learn how to work respectfully with contributors and put meaningful consent at the heart of your storytelling.

You’ll explore:

• How to approach and support people sharing their experiences.
• What meaningful consent looks like beyond a signed form.
• How to manage stories when they are edited, reused or shared across channels.
• How to build more ethical relationships with contributors.

Find out more about the session.

Workshop 3: Creating accessible content for charities (24 November, 10:00-12:00)

Learn how to create clearer, more inclusive content that helps more people engage with your charity.

You’ll explore:

• Why accessibility matters and how it strengthens your communications.
• Practical ways to improve accessibility across websites, social media and newsletters.
• Tools and techniques to make content more inclusive.
• How to build accessibility into your everyday communications.

Find out more about the session.

Event details

• Times: 10:00-12:00
• Dates: 10, 17, 24 November
• Format: Three 2-hour online workshops

Who should attend?

This series is designed for charity professionals working in communications, marketing, fundraising, campaigns or service delivery who want to strengthen how their organisation communicates.

Whether you’re responsible for telling stories, creating content or working directly with the people your charity supports, these workshops will give you practical approaches you can apply straight away.

Level: Beginner to intermediate

Accessibility

Our training courses are designed to be accessible and inclusive.

All sessions are delivered online using Zoom and include options for live captions and transcripts. Presentation slides and supporting resources are shared with attendees after each session and can be requested in alternative formats wherever needed.

If there’s anything we can do to help you take part, or if you have any access requirements you’d like to discuss before booking, please email Osian at osianb@mediatrust.org.

Meet your expert trainers

Richard is a specialist writer, consultant and storyteller. He has over 20 years of experience working in senior roles with and for creative agencies, consultancies and clients across the corporate and non-profit sectors, including the BBC, NSPCC, Macmillan, IKEA, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

Jodie is our Senior Marketing Manager at Media Trust, and an inclusive and accessible communications specialist. She has extensive experience working across charities of all sizes, and a passion for disability advocacy and accessible content. Jodie works with charities to make their communications clearer, more engaging, and break down common barriers to access.