Case study guide and template

Overview:

  • Case studies are critical to effective communications.
  • A strong, simple story is the most way powerful to get our message across and illustrate the work we do in the media and with our wider stakeholders.
  • We want to build up a bank of case studies and so we need strong human interest stories that help increase awareness and understanding of CEC and which put a “real” face to the services that we provide.
  • To help do this we have put together a case study template for you to populate.
  • Please read the guidelines below and once you have a suitable case study fill in the attached template which should be sent to and

Guidelines:

1. What makes the case study special and newsworthy? Take some time to think why this case study is special and newsworthy. What makes it different and why does it stand out? Why should other people take notice?

2. Headline: Aim to write an attention-grabbing story that succinctly summarises the case study.

3. What’s the story? As with any story – it’s important to get the reader’s attention from the first sentence. So make sure you include the most newsworthy aspect of the case study first.

4. What has changed?Good case studies involve action – something needs to have changed for the better. Think about what was CEC’s involvement. What happened and what was the outcome? How did CEC improve things?

5. Focus on the issue:Stick to the point and leave out any details that aren’t relevant.

6. Write simply: Write in simple, clear sentences so someone not familiar with the issues or our work can understand it. Avoid jargon and acronyms.

7. Background details: Journalists like to know the ages and areas where people are fromin case studies to make them stand out as real individuals who other people can identify with.

8. Time sensitive:Does the case study have to be used by a certain date before the information becomes inaccurate/out of date? If so, when?

9: Clearance:Ensure that the case study/organisation understands that they may be covered in the media or used in CEC communications collateral. We will let them know if this happens.

10. Photos:All case studies need photos otherwise we’re not able to use them. Ideally,we need three photos – a headshot, a full length photo and one of the case study engaged in their work/activity.

Name of individual/organisation:
Contact details for individual/organisation:(website, Twitter, email and phone number)
Background details:
Age: / Location: (ideally give the name of the town/borough/area rather than just ‘London’ or ‘Manchester’)
What makes this story special and newsworthy (max 100 words)? (see guidelines above)
Headline:(see guidelines above)
Story (250-400 words): (see guidelines above)
Time sensitive? (see guidelines above)
Clearance? (see guidelines above)
Photos attached: (Yes / No. Preferred format – JPEG, landscape, the higher the resolution the better)
Your contact details: