James Sharp

Can You Be Trusted? CIPR East Anglia Tackles Misinformation in the Digital Age The question hung in the air of Corpus Christi College's historic McCrum Lecture Theatre last week, as communicators filed into the packed auditorium.

Can You Be Trusted? @cipreastanglia.bsky.social Tackles Misinformation in the Digital Age.

My reflection from a brilliant conference I was please to host at Corpus Christi College last week.

open.substack.com/pub/mrjamess...

Why comms must be recognised as a strategic function in the public sector

My latest blog for @cipr.co.uk Influence Mag explains why communications should be a strategic public sector function. Too often treated as an HR add-on, it’s actually a leadership discipline shaping decisions at the highest level.

Read the full piece here: influenceonline.co.uk/2025/09/12/w...

9 images in a grid of myself and other presenters at the CIPR East Anglia misinformation conference.

Brilliant day in Cambridge hosting the @cipreastanglia.bsky.social conference! Key takeaways: trust is local, act fast, prebunk, measure impact, and embrace new skills. Huge thanks to the speakers and my amazing team. As @shayonislynn.bsky.social said “Hope is a strategy – if we act deliberately”

For a limited time, you can also get a free 30-day guest pass to try the whole library of content and activities.
www.calm.com/player/PLX4J...

I would simply ask that we remember the humanity behind the headlines and consider the impact our words can have on some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Asylum seekers do have access to NHS healthcare, but this is a basic right and a matter of public health. And the truth is, most want to work, support themselves and contribute to society. They have skills, experiences and resilience that can enrich our communities.

Claims about “games rooms and iPads” are misleading – there is no policy of providing these. At times, charities or local groups might donate toys or devices for children, but this is far from luxury.

There’s also a lot of misunderstanding about the support asylum seekers receive. Many are currently placed in hotels, but this is because of a shortage of suitable housing, not by choice. Conditions are often cramped and difficult, with families sharing rooms and little privacy.

No human being is illegal – these are people fleeing war, violence and persecution. If you have a public platform, remember that your words carry influence, so I would urge you to research carefully before sharing views that might unintentionally spread misinformation.

Using a flag to excuse or justify racism is never acceptable. The Union Flag should stand for unity, fairness, respect, democracy, and freedom — values that bring people together, not drive them apart. We should be proud of our flag for what it truly represents, never misuse it to spread hate.

Sir Keir Starmer should use Angela Rayner more effectively as she is popular with public, Harriet Harman says Sir Keir Starmer should use his deputy Angela Rayner more effectively because she is popular with the public, Harriet Harman has said.

Sir Keir Starmer should use Angela Rayner more effectively as she is popular with public, Harriet Harman says

100% agree with everything this caller says.

Describing a change in approach as a ‘U-turn’ is an oversimplification. In reality, listening, reflecting, and adapting course in response to new evidence or feedback is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Hello Cymru. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Today we unveil our 2025 conference: "Can You Be Trusted?"
This isn't just an event - it's our profession's response to the misinformation crisis threatening communications integrity.
Secure your place now: www.cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Events/...
#LaunchDay #CommunicationsTrust #PRConference #MustAttend

Why do some people object to EDI in the workplace? Since the local elections this week we have seen more unjust attacks on workplace equity, diversity and inclusion - with much of the opposition stemming from misunderstanding.

Since the local elections this week we have seen more unjust attacks on workplace equity, diversity and inclusion - with much of the opposition stemming from misunderstanding. Read more of my views here: open.substack.com/pub/mrjamess...

Why email still matters: making it work in public sector communications

📧 Email isn’t dead - it’s thriving in publi! My new @cipr.co.uk Influence article reveals how our NHS team achieved 44.72% open rates with a subscriber-led approach, despite a 65% smaller team. See the data and practical strategies that made it work. influenceonline.co.uk/2025/05/02/w...

We'll Meet Again (feat. Cynthia Erivo) by Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on Apple Music Song · 2025 · Duration 4:14

I need an entire album of Cynthia Erivo singing jazz blues - her voice is like velvet poured in sound. music.apple.com/gb/album/wel...

Navigating trans+ inclusivity in PR and communications

A good time to reshare my blog on navigating trans inclusivity in PR and communications. influenceonline.co.uk/2023/11/15/n...

I cannot fathom why energy is being directed towards attacking LGBT+ people’s basic right to exist openly when our world faces urgent crises demanding collective attention. Just this week, I’ve read about UK libraries face growing calls to remove LGBT+ books from schools, whilst the UK Supreme Court has issued rulings that effectively erase transgender women’s recognition. These manufactured conflicts are taking progress back years. The LGBT+ community will continue to fight against this regression, but allies need to step up and provide meaningful support too. People must use their moral compass to recognise the harm being caused by these attacks. Meanwhile, truly critical issues—climate change, economic inequality, global conflicts—remain inadequately addressed. Our focus and resources should prioritise solving real problems, not creating new ones by marginalising fellow humans.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

There is no LGB without the T. We stand with you. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

I should have also said that you don’t have to be from East Anglia to join this event. Our webinars are virtual and open to all all PR pros across the UK and internationally.

#wevemadeadifference | James Sharp Chart.PR MCIPR In light of recent news affecting our profession, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary work of fellow communications professionals across the NHS. While sadly it wasn't a shock...

In light of recent news, I want to celebrate the incredible work of NHS communications professionals. While it wasn’t a surprise to see our roles singled out, it was still a gut punch for those of us dedicated to this vital work. Read my thoughts here: www.linkedin.com/posts/jsharp...

In today’s data-driven world, PR pros face mounting pressure to prove our worth. That’s why I’m proud @cipreastanglia.bsky.social is hosting Richard Bagnall for a PR measurement masterclass.
Moving beyond vanity metrics is essential for our industry’s future credibility.

#PRMeasurement #AMEC

Wally’s World Binders

No kid today well remember the pure joy of going to WHSmith’s each week to collect Wally’s World and placing it in the free binder.

I so want to read the third instalment but going to wait for the paperback as the OCD in me needs the series to match on my bookshelf. 🤣

Yes I read that last summer. Beautiful book. :)

View from above in Kew Gardens' Palm House. Weathered Victorian iron railings and glass roof structures frame a lush green tropical landscape below. The rusty railings with peeling paint contrast against vibrant palm fronds and various tropical plants. The perspective shows the architectural details of the historic glasshouse alongside the thriving plant collection underneath.

This view from the top of @kewgardens.bsky.social Palm House absolutely captivates me everytime I see it. There's something poetic about these 19th century industrial bones cradling such vibrant tropical wilderness. 💚

Also, Bianca and Lauren - a hilarious double act. #EELive

What an incredible episode! The cast and crew delivered a fantastic performance, with Lacey Turner, James Bye, and Natalie Cassidy standing out. So glad Denise chose Jack – the viewers got it right! #EELive #EE40

Oh do I need to add this to by TBR list? I loved Evenings and Weekends too.