Chris Bentley
Communications Manager at BAE Systems
- Location
- Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
- Industry
- Public Relations and Communications
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Chris Bentley's Overview
- Current
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- Communications Manager at BAE Systems
- Past
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- Press and Communications Officer at Health Protection Agency
- Senior Press Officer at Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Journalist at Guardian Media Group
- Education
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- Chartered Institute of Public Relations
- University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester
- University of Lincolnshire and Humberside
- Recommendations
-
1 person has recommended Chris
- Connections
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81 connections
Chris Bentley's Summary
Chris is a communications professional with more than a decade of experience, including more than three years in a senior role in a major UK charity. He has excellent knowledge of the full communications mix and a strong journalistic background.
Chris has an excellent understanding of how to work with outlets across the media spectrum to deliver coordinated and effective campaigns, with particular successes at national, regional and local levels. Crucially he also has highly developed stakeholder management skills, exerting influence where necessary.
Chris Bentley's Experience
Communications Manager
BAE Systems
Public Company; 10,001+ employees; BA.L; Defense & Space industry
March 2013 – Present (3 months) Telford, United Kingdom
Press and Communications Officer
Health Protection Agency
Government Agency; 5001-10,000 employees; Hospital & Health Care industry
March 2010 – March 2013 (3 years 1 month) Birmingham, United Kingdom
The first point of contact for the media during outbreaks and incidents, preparing reactive statements often at short notice that seek to reassure the public with accurate information and which provide colleagues with a calm but strident approach.
Proactive media handling to promote public health messages that seek to bring about positive action, such as the safe sex message or respiratory hygiene advice during the ‘flu season.
Creation and management of successful internal communications channels, including writing and editing the HPA staff magazine, issued to c.4,000 employees and national and regional intranet resources.
Authoritative communications support to regional teams, in line with branding and messaging guidelines.
Successful leadership of national communications projects.
Honed skills of negotiation in handling challenging stakeholder and organisational sensitivities to bring about successful communications strategies that maintain reputation and consistency of message.
Senior Press Officer
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Nonprofit; 51-200 employees; Nonprofit Organization Management industry
December 2006 – March 2010 (3 years 4 months) London, United Kingdom
Joined as the charity’s first in-house Press Officer. Developed a successful and efficient press office and in turn enhanced the organisation’s reputation to be the leading authoritative national voice on multiple sclerosis.
Positioned the organisation positively in the media using a honed news sense and understanding of the way a journalist works. Developed strong, trusting relationships with key correspondents through prompt, trusted and evidence-based responses to enquiries.
Design and delivery of several high profile call-to-action media campaigns resulting in successful fundraising appeals, a change in public perception and political lobbying.
Successful integration of press office messaging and social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. Ongoing and increasing use enabled promotion of fundraising appeals, campaign activities and reaction to relevant news direct to members, supporters and those affected by MS.
Promotion to Senior Press Officer, leading on communicating key strategic projects and high profile campaigns, as well as major announcements concerning ground-breaking research funded by the Society.
Press Office budget responsibility including handling of PR agency contracts for major flagship events and media training.
Sensitive crisis communications handling, such as the unplanned and short notice resignation of a world-leading female author and issues with a political and moral dimension, such as the debate around assisted suicide legislation, advising senior managers including the Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees on media approaches.
Journalist
Guardian Media Group
July 2002 – December 2006 (4 years 6 months) Surrey and Hampshire
Regular front page lead stories, news and lifestyle features.
Honed interview skills through liaison with every aspect of local community.
Regular contact with regional and national media, press officers and PR agencies.
Deputised for Chief Reporter, responsible for two bi-weekly editions.
Chris Bentley's Certifications
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Advanced Certificate
- Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Chris Bentley's Volunteer Experience & Causes
Chris Bentley's Skills & Expertise
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Social Media
- Communications Strategy
- Internal Communications
- Crisis Communications
- Stakeholder Relations
- Radio Broadcasting
- Writing
- Strategic Communications
- Press Releases
- Reputation Management
- Copy Editing
- Copywriting
- Media Skills Training
- Freelance Writing
- consultant
- Healthcare
- Intranet
- Intranet Strategy
Chris Bentley's Education
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Advanced Certificate, Public Relations
2008 – 2009
University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester
BA Hons, Journalism
2000 – 2002
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside
HND, Media Production
1997 – 1999
Chris Bentley's Additional Information
- Groups and Associations:
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Chartered Institute of Public Relations
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Contact Chris for:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- business deals
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
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