Recent elections in the UK have sent shockwaves through the old political order. While Reform UK continues its populist rise there are still opportunities for civil society organisations to make an impact, writes Becky Slack

April power

Vic Barlow, Agenda co-director, explores the difference between tactical and strategic communications and why organisations need their communications experts at the top table

Is it really possible to get media coverage for research and academia without undermining or misrepresenting it? Adi Bloom, Agenda associate for comms and PR, certainly thinks so - and has top tips on how to do it

Marching on

A spring in our step

2026 hit the ground running – and so did we

The far-right are successfully using emotional framing to drive their growth and influence. Agenda co-director Becky Slack asks if it's time we did the same

With the far-right making a powerful political tool of fear, there's even more of an onus on us to stick together and speak up, argues Becky Slack

Mark Carney's Davos speech showed us how the world has shifted – and that the way we communicate when under pressure must change too, says Agenda co-director Becky Slack

The far-right wants to shrink civil society. If we don't collectively show up against it, the future of our sector is on the line, says Becky Slack

Winter’s coming but our schedules aren’t cooling down

Whether it's social movements, fundraising campaigns or elections, we're all facing the same big challenges. Agenda co-director Becky Slack reflects on where we can do better

Time moves back, our schedules march on

Find out how we bring together diverse groups to convene and collaborate on complex projects.

Conferences, coaching and conversations

With the 2025 Labour Party conference just around the corner, Agenda co-directors Becky Slack and Vic Barlow share their experiences of running party conference panels and roundtables.

What makes the world’s best charities so good at raising money? Alan Clayton, author of ‘Great Fundraising Organisations’, joined Becky Slack and a group of fundraisers and communicators to reveal the secrets behind the most successful charities

The long game, the power of a good question and how to build lasting connections, in part two we look at how to make the most of your time at conference.

For those wanting to have greater social impact and extend their influence, a trip to party conference can offer valuable rewards. But it needs careful planning and consideration. In the first of our two-part blog, we share tips from seasoned pros.

Closing a busy summer – and planning a busy autumn

Agenda co-director Becky Slack on why no amount of comms glitter can salvage poorly planned or executed policies.

Gearing up for a busy summer

Agenda co-director Becky Slack looks towards an uncertain summer where the far-right looms – and where hope lies in being prepared and understanding what makes people tick

In times of unrest, fear spreads faster than facts. At our ‘Changing hearts and minds’ event on 4 June, we heard about what happens to people when they are afraid and how this fear can be transformed into connection.

You’ve spent time and money creating a spanking new comms plan. How do you encourage colleagues to adopt it? Vic Barlow, co-director of Agenda and former director of communications at the National Education Union, shares her experience and insight

On 4 June, some 50-odd civil society communicators and experts on public attitudes, narrative change and strategic comms came together to share ideas, test strategies and strengthen networks.

Dialling down the heat

Agenda associate Adi Bloom shares some top tips for successful PR from her 25-year career as a journalist

On Wednesday 4 June, some 50 civil society communicators, campaigners and public affairs professionals gathered in London for Changing hearts and minds: Countering harmful narratives

Staying ahead of the curve

Global politics are shifting at a breathless pace, making comms planning a daunting task. But it is possible to stay ahead of the curve and nail that robust crisis comms plan, says Agenda co-director Becky Slack

Providing support across the board

Speaker announcement for Changing hearts and minds: Faryal Iqbal, founder, Own Drum

Taking centre stage

Speaker announcement for Changing hearts and minds: Steve Ballinger, communications director, British Future

Speaker announcement for Changing hearts and minds: Georgina Laming, campaigns and communications director, Hope not Hate

Here's some of what we've been up to.

Why using plain English and cutting out jargon is key to building trust, making stronger connections and creating change.

Wondering what the next four years will bring? Don't worry, you're not alone. We're right here with you and are bringing our comms toolkit with us

Here's how the year started at Agenda.

Will the threat to our values of equality, social justice and freedom for all compel people to act, asks Becky Slack.

It's been a year built on trust, hope and challenging narratives; here, we share our highlights and celebrate the achievements of our clients and teams.

The power of collaboration, piquing the media’s interest and honing key messaging all featured in our work this last month.

The months following an election are crucial for building relationships with new MPs. As a record-breaking number of new MPs settle into life at Westminster, Matt Ball guides you through the best strategies for approaching them.

From the launch of a powerful film to finding ways to engage younger audiences, a lot happened in October.

The gender divide, the state of democracy and what a Trump win will mean for Europe were all topics for discussion at an event on the American election, featuring Agenda co-director, Becky Slack

Following Liverpool, Shamik Das, Becky Slack and Vic Barlow reflect on what they learned from the Labour Party Conference – and what’s next

The film provides a first-hand account of life in Gaza, told from the perspective of the charity's aid workers who live and work there.

Relationships were the golden thread throughout the month, alongside strategies, tech, and powerful storytelling. Here’s a look at what we got up to in September.