iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Oh Bluesky, I am 100% not going to give you my credit card details just so I can access my DMs

A screengrab of a Bluesky advisory note telling me I must complete age assurance in order to access direct messages

Reposted by Gemma Pettman

CharityComms @charitycomms.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

This morning’s #CharityCreative event explored how to be bold in your creative work. Here are some key takeaways. Thanks to everyone who joined us this morning. Special thanks to our moderator @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social‬, and our wonderful speakers. Catch on demand soon: bit.ly/3ToceDy

Three key takeaways from our creatives group event on being bold: 1. If you want to be bold with your content, there’s a few things to keep in mind: make sure you allocate enough time for creativity, showcase impactful examples to inspire internal support, start small, and remember that bold content will look different for everyone. 2. A muddled approval process without agreed-upon criteria can stifle creative ideas. Establishing a clear and comprehensive sign-off system and an appropriate panel will help ensure that ideas don't get lost or diluted. Ask them to split feedback into essentials and considerations, focusing on their areas of expertise, and inspire them to ask open questions to understand the intention and rationale behind decisions. 3. Determine your charity's risk appetite for bold content collectively rather than leaving it up to individual stakeholders. Use a risk evaluation framework to evaluate ideas, promote a shared understanding, and empower creativity.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

I'm so proud of Jude. She's currently in the sea off Mallorca, swimming 10km to raise money for the brilliant charity she founded. She will tell you this challenge is nothing compared to the challenges faced by the people Sounddelivery works with, but it is going to be a tough day. #JudesBigSwim

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Goodness 🥹 This debate is such a powerful reminder of the impact of human stories.

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Reposted by Gemma Pettman

CharityComms @charitycomms.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

That’s a wrap for our Strategic Communicators’ Conference! We tackled some of today’s biggest comms challenges, navigated emerging trends, swapped strategies, and even made time for peer-to-peer conversations. Here are three key takeaways... Have more to add? Share your thoughts below.

Three key takeaways from our Strategic Communicators' Conference include: 1. To stand out in a crowded digital landscape, charities need fresh and authentic strategies that surprise and engage their audiences. 2. Staying up to date with emerging trends and contextual shifts is crucial for strategic communications right now. By understanding the context in which your charity operates, you can make smarter decisions and stay relevant. 3. A comms strategy provides a solid foundation for all activities, from responding to crises to engaging with audiences and making informed campaign decisions. Investing time in strategy pays off in the long run.

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Reposted by Gemma Pettman

Groundswell charity @itsgroundswell.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

We're hiring! If you are a Trust Fundraiser, Head of Development or Participation Coordinator looking for a new role, then check out our latest vacancies! Info here: groundswell.org.uk/get-involved... #CharityJobs #JobSeekers #Fundraisers #HeadOfDevelopment #ParticipationCoordinator

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

This was another corker of an event from @charitycomms.bsky.social The peer-to-peer learning model means getting to hear from people who are walking the walk, so there's always plenty of learning to be had.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

This was an enjoyable and inspiring session. I find it so valuable to hear what other communicators in the charity sector are doing and @charitycomms.bsky.social facilitates that brilliantly ⬇️

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

"Dear Lord, what a sad little life, Jane"

Kier Starmer delivering a speech in the US. The flags of both nations are visible behind him. There is a caption across the images which reads, there's a famous slogan in the United Kingdom.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

It’s glorious round my way #Whitstable Happy Monday 🙌🏼

The pebble beach at Tankerton. The tide is out so the mud flats are visible beyond the beach. The sea is just visible but it’s the sky that’s striking as it’s bright blue with barely a cloud to be seen.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Fellow #freelancers, I can't recommend #FreelancerMagazine highly enough. I flew though the Copywriting and Content edition (out now) on a return flight this week (pun intended) and made a load of notes. Do you read it? What other magazines, newsletters or sites do you follow for info and inspo?

A copy of Freelancer Magazine held up to the window of a plane. The landscape and bright blue sky is visible in the background.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Hey, charity pals. Will I be seeing any of you tomorrow? Cringe along with me as I share my very worst networking experience (no names, no pack drill) and how it inspired me to take a different approach to creating connections. www.charitycomms.org.uk/events/caree...

charitycomms.org.uk

Career Connections: Building your networks

Our networking events are a great opportunity to connect with others in the sector.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

If your eyes are rolling at the latest Zuckernews, this @charitycomms.bsky.social event which poses the question, How can charities create safer social media spaces for both their audiences and those working in social media? may be of interest. www.charitycomms.org.uk/events/socia...

charitycomms.org.uk

Social Media Network: Creating safer social media spaces

CharityComms’ Social Media Network is for members working as social media leads in UK charities and not-for-profits.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Good morning, especially to the train guard who just announced there are only 220 commuting days until Christmas. This is the morale boost we need on a dark Tuesday morning 😆

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Hey, members of @charitycomms.bsky.social January you will be grateful if December you books to attend this event. Especially if one of your goals next year is to build your professional network... www.charitycomms.org.uk/events/caree...

charitycomms.org.uk

Career Connections: Building your networks

Our networking events are a great opportunity to connect with others in the sector.

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Reposted by Gemma Pettman

Felicity Hannah @felicityhannah.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

Are you a small charity worrying about how to raise money when people’s budgets are so tight? Come ask my expert panel for advice and mention your charity on radio 4’s Money Box. Felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk to put yourself forward

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Politics aside, this is a useful example of strategy vs tactics. You start by setting out where you’re going (what you want to achieve) and then explain the detail of how you intend to get there.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

#Charity folk, this is not the time to be shy about the brilliant work you’re doing in an increasingly difficult climate…

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

Nigel Sarbutts of @prcavalry.bsky.social fame is benchmarking #FreelancePR rates. This research can help prevent a race to the bottom and guide client budgets. His questions will take you mere minutes to answer forms.office.com/pages/respon...

forms.office.com

Microsoft Forms

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Over on Instagram, someone has replied to a post on the topic of charity #fundraising with the comment: "Only 10% of the money donated reach the people it is intended for - flying PJs and business class and five star hotels cost money. Taken from the fund." Obviously, I wasn't letting that go 😉

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Owing to an administrative error* I happen to know you can still book a place for this. If there's anyone to learn from when it comes to AI, it's @andismit.bsky.social and of course, @wadds.bsky.social is always worth listening to. See you at 6pm. www.cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Events/...

cipr.co.uk

Getting More Out of AI Tools in PR and Communications

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

The feels you get from that call that comes out of the blue, asking if you're interested in a certain piece of work that just so happens to be your favourite kind of work...

media.tenor.com

a golden retriever is standing on its hind legs in a room .

Alt: A cute golden retriever dog excitedly spins around on the spot

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

#Charity folk, if you can spare ten minutes, my pals at The School for Social Entrepreneurs would love to hear more about the skills you need (or are missing), how you access training and the barriers you might face. They have a survey here: www.the-sse.org/news/2024-so...

the-sse.org

2024 Survey: Supporting the social sector

We’re launching a survey to learn what skills the sector needs, the current ways training is accessed, and the barriers that might be holding you back.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

One of my clients has a new website and as I create and upload fresh content, I notice YOU CAN'T UPLOAD AN IMAGE WITHOUT ADDING ALT-TEXT. How excellent is that? I am prevented from submitting content without first describing the accompanying photo. #AccessibleComms

A screen grab showing the 'back end' of a website. There is a small thumbnail image of the extended hand of an onlooker greeting that of a marathon runner, in a gesture of encouragement. Under the image is a prompt to add alt-text and an explanation of why alt-text is so important.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

Good morning from the seaside. After yesterday’s apocalyptic rain, we’ll have more of this please 🙏🏻

Dark green grass leads to a pebble beach, beyond which the sea is visible. In the sky are wispy pink clouds. You can tell it’s a bright fresh day from the quality of the light.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

*Freelance marketing role* Gendered Intelligence's training and consultancy offer is one of the ways they generate income to support their work but with a stronger strategy and guidance from an experienced marketer, they could achieve much more. genderedintelligence.co.uk/page/marketi...

genderedintelligence.co.uk

Marketing Consultant for sold services in training and consultancy

Marketing Consultant for sold services in training and consultancy - Gendered Intelligence (GI) is seeking an experienced consultant

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

It's encouraging to see so much activity here. If, like me, you're interested in the UK charity sector, @madlinsudn.bsky.social has a very helpful starter pack bsky.app/profile/madl...

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

I’ve noticed quite a few of you with ‘invalid handle’ next to your names so this should fix that…

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

I didn't have 'write angry letter to the council' on my list of jobs, but I do now, having found a local rec in #Whitstable locked up. Here's the explanation and it's worth reading because every paragraph of this story is worse than the one before www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/n...

kentonline.co.uk

Outrage as council padlocks playing field ‘in case attackers hide in bushes’

A playing field earmarked for a new school by Kent County Council has been shut off in a move it claims is to protect the public from assaults.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

A couple of lessons we can take into this fresh new week: 1. You can't communicate your way out of a bad decision 2. Involving your comms team in organisational planning generally leads to better outcomes www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...

mirror.co.uk

Fortnum and Mason issue apology as Paralympic stars snubbed at Team GB party

Fortnum and Mason have apologised for failing to communicate with the Paralympic stars not invited to a part hosted by the department store at Buckingham Palace

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 04/11/2024

I spoke to the CIPR's Influence magazine about #PR for good, my career path and the best bit of advice I have picked up along the way: influenceonline.co.uk/2024/11/01/t...

influenceonline.co.uk

‘Thoughtful communication can educate, inspire and connect people’

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 21/10/2024

I’m back from an overdue break in a remote cabin in Wales (no wifi or phone signal 🙌🏼) and delighted to see so many more #charity folk here! I’m taking my sense of achievement at climbing Snowdon into this new week 👊🏼

Me, in my outdoor gear of green waterproof jacket and black hat, holding my new(ish) rescue dog, Maeve, at the top of Snowdon. Maeve is a small, brindle-coloured Staffie cross. We’re both looking pleased with ourselves.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 22/08/2024

It worked! I found a few more of you 🙌🏼

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 21/08/2024

I'm going to keep popping up here until I find more comms/PR people, freelancers and charity folks...

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 04/01/2024

Didn't he do well? Darts, obvs, but his interviews too. It's tough being thrown into the spotlight and I expect Luke Littler is being advised but he's done well to keep his answers concise (it's tempting to fill silences) and show a bit of personality/humour too 👏

news.sky.com

Luke Littler opens up on 'crazy' darts journey and admits he only trains for 30 minutes a day

The teenager was on course for a spectacular victory with a 4-2 lead over Humphries, but the world number one fought back to win 7-4 in the final.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 28/11/2023

Busy old day. Delivered training on developing a fundraising strategy with Mike Zywina (I'll drag him here soon), then a bit of learning and development for me with the CIPR Crisis Comms Network's lunchtime session on how your organisation's culture could provoke your next crisis.

Screenshot of a Zoom meeting, Myself and Mike are looking at the camera, while participants are listening to us and/or making notes.

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Gemma Pettman @gemmapettmanpr.bsky.social · 25/10/2023

This feels like a nice fresh start, doesn’t it?

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