Public Relations

Issues Management

Issues are emerging trends or concerns that can become crises if not managed. This course covers identifying and monitoring issues, assessing their potential impact, issue prioritisation, developing positions, stakeholder engagement on issues, communication strategies and preventing escalation into crisis.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Most crises begin as issues that were ignored. You will learn to spot and manage issues early.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Issue scanning exercises, prioritisation matrices, position paper writing and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify emerging issues
Monitor issues systematically
Assess and prioritise issue impact
Develop organisational positions
Engage stakeholders on issues
Prevent issues escalating into crises

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

PR and corporate affairs managers
Government relations staff
Risk managers
Communication directors
Policy advisors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Issue scanning
Prioritisation
Position development
Stakeholder engagement
Escalation prevention

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Issues and Crises

09:00–10:08Issue lifecycle
10:08–11:00Case studies
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Case studies (continued)
11:45–12:53Early signs
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Monitoring

09:00–10:08Scanning sources
10:08–11:00Monitoring tools
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Monitoring tools (continued)
11:45–12:53Alerts
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Prioritisation

09:00–10:08Impact assessment
10:08–11:00Prioritisation matrix
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Prioritisation matrix (continued)
11:45–12:53Ownership
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Positions

09:00–10:08Position papers
10:08–11:00Messages
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Messages (continued)
11:45–12:53Approval
12:53–14:00Writing practice

Day 5Engagement

09:00–10:08Stakeholder strategies
10:08–11:00Communication
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Communication (continued)
11:45–12:53Escalation prevention
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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