Purpose
This communication strategy is designed to make all communication across Bolton College - internal and external—timely, clear, consistent, and purposeful. Our aim is to reduce message overload, eliminate duplication, and ensure that every message is relevant, recognisable, and aligned with the College’s values and priorities.
By streamlining how we share information, we will:
• Keep team members informed and engaged without overwhelming them.
• Ensure learners receive timely, accurate updates that support their success.
• Provide stakeholders with clear, consistent messaging that reflects our professionalism and vision.
Every communication should actively support Bolton College’s vision and strategic priorities. This strategy reflects our commitment to:
• Empowering team members and learners with the information they need to succeed.
• Building a culture of transparency and collaboration across the College.
• Strengthening the College’s reputation as an inclusive, innovative, and high-performing organisation.
Ownership & Governance
The Executive Director of Strategy and Growth is the strategic owner of this strategy, ensuring alignment with the College’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030. The Director of Communications, Student Recruitment & Marketing leads implementation, supported by the Marketing Team and Vision Ambassadors. Progress is reported to the Executive Team and Governors.
Strategic Objectives
• Elevate and Protect the College’s Reputation Showcase achievements, innovation, and impact to position Bolton College as a sector leader through storytelling, media engagement, and thought leadership.
• Empower Team Members, Learners, and Stakeholders
Share clear, timely information that supports effective working, learning, and collaboration across the College and with partners.
• Support Learner Experience
Communicate updates that help learners feel informed, supported, and engaged throughout their journey.
• Promote Transparency and Collaboration
Ensure information flows effectively between departments, services, curriculum areas, and external partners to reduce duplication and improve alignment.
• Strengthen Partnerships
Provide consistent, professional messaging to employers, community partners, and stakeholders, and use feedback to improve relevance.
• Embed the College Vision
Reinforce work ready, world ready, future ready in all communications internally and externally.
By using the matrix on page 3, Bolton College ensures that every stakeholder group receives targeted, consistent, and aligned communication through the most effective channels. This approach helps us match each audience - learners, team members, employers, parents/carers, and the wider sector - to the platforms and methods that best reach and engage them, supporting our vision and strategic priorities.
Tone of Voice & Brand Integration
All communications will reflect the College’s tone: confident, inclusive, aspirational, and learner-first. Messaging will be clear, consistent, and aligned with the College’s visual identity, including logo, colour palette, and accessibility standards.
Campaign Planning & Crisis Communication
Strategic campaigns (e.g. enrolment, employer engagement) will be planned annually with cross-channel coordination. The Critical Incidents Plan will guide urgent responses, including escalation procedures and designated spokespeople.
Training & Capacity Building
All team membersf will receive training on communication standards, branding, and strategic messaging. Vision Ambassadors will be supported to champion the College’s vision and reputation across platforms.
