Clear, timely, and thoughtful communication helps our churches flourish. As well as being about sharing news and information about what’s going on, good communication also underpins the building of connection, trust, and welcome. Done well, it makes it easy for people to get involved, understand what your church is about, and feel part of the community. It’s a key part of living out our vision and values, and it supports everything from worship to outreach.
Communications Toolkit
This toolkit brings together the advice and resources we find ourselves sharing most often across the Diocese. It’s designed to answer common questions and help you communicate clearly and confidently, whatever your context.
If you spot a gap or can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know. We’re always happy to help and keen to keep this toolkit as useful and up to date as possible.
| Toolkit document |
|---|
| Branding Guide |
| Diocese of St Albans style guide |
| Engaging with the media |
| Get started with Affinity for graphic design |
| Sharing your good news stories |
Communications Team
The Communications Team is here to help you communicate with confidence. If you’re looking for practical tips or step-by-step guidance, our Communications Toolkit is a great place to start. It covers many common questions and offers resources you can use straight away.
But we know every situation is different. If you can’t find what you need, or if you’d like to talk something through, the Communications Team is always happy to help. We support parishes, church officers and people in ministry with advice on everything from websites and newsletters to social media, press releases, and handling sensitive topics.
You can reach us by email or phone, and we’re always glad to listen and offer practical support.
Useful links
Digital Labs, the national hub of resources, news and events to support digital evangelism and digital discipleship in your church;
A Church Near You, make an impact with your church or benefice A Church Near You page;
Get started with Canva, an introduction to using Canva, a free graphic design tool, for your church;
Creating a social media policy, guidelines to help you make a social media policy for your church.
Meet the team
Robert Hargrave
Director of CommunicationsResponsible for strategic, crisis, and media communications for the bishops, archdeacons, and diocesan staff. This includes providing practical media support and guidance to clergy and parishes across the wider Diocese.
Email + Teams:rob.hargrave@stalbansdiocese.org
Media and general enquiries:comms@stalbansdiocese.org
Phone + WhatsApp:01727 818143
Working pattern:Full time
Dave Pickett
Creative & Digital Communications PartnerI work across branding, digital storytelling, social media and creative design, shaping how the diocese tells its story and connects with people online.
Email:dave.pickett@stalbansdiocese.org
Mobile:07311 310550
Working Pattern:Monday morning then Tues-Fri
Amy Tolmie
Communications AssistantResponsible for news stories, regular bulletins for those in ministry roles and social media.
Email:amy.tolmie@stalbansdiocese.org
Phone:01727 818123
Working Pattern:Mon-Weds 9:30-14:30; Thurs 9:30-12:00