Statement of Personal Reflection

During this assignment I undertook a project that I have never completed before. This enabled me to approach developing a PR plan with no bias and opportunity to read widely on the techniques and practices of PR practitioners.

By choosing to follow Anne Gregory’s planning model I was able to develop clear structure. In the beginning, this was something I struggled with as I was used to analysing the whole picture as opposed to every detail around the plan. This is certainly something I have found challenging but it something I have enjoyed and will continue to apply in future.

Although Taff Housing Association wishes to place as a forward thinking association, I have been conscious throughout that individuals within the organisation are reluctant to change. This is why I have included it in the risk section of the plan and read on organisational change in order to diminish this risk. Whilst writing this assignment proactive steps have already taken place in order to raise awareness of the project including a desk move which will enable teams to see the project develop and evolve.

Although my wider reading enabled me to develop this plan, many of the journals and books that I read were not able to be applied practically into the plan but would defiantly be read as the campaign develops. Reading housing and support specific journals enabled me to have a better understanding of the overall needs of our publics.

Upon reflection, I am disappointed at the results of Appendix 1. The percentage of respondents who are employees was higher than anticipated but gave an insight into employees opinions which is a positive as it will be vital to change these opinions in order to effectively influence the opinions of external publics. That said, I was delighted that the councillor for homes and communities took the time to respond, as a key figure externally she is a big influencer, however it must be remembered that she would have had to remain impartial due to her role.

It was particularly challenging to write a condensed plan that considered both stakeholder groups, housing and support. This is a wide audience and spectrum of services that often should not be intertwined but are of equal importance. If I was to conduct this plan again, I would allow myself more time for research to be conducted. I feel that much of this plan has been developed on a general opinion of the organisation. This has meant that no real primary research has been collected from external stakeholders or other groups. Therefore the plan may need further evidence to be gathered in order to produce affective objectives and tactics that will be relevant to the audiences it is trying to reach.