Haslamedia

Aviva reattribution of inherited estate

The brief

I was chosen by Clare Spottiswoode to design and implement all the communications for the Office of the Policyholder Advocate - one of the most complex consumer projects undertaken in the last ten years.

The industry itself said it was "the impossible project that can't be done".

The key task was to translate impenetrable insurance jargon for 850000 Aviva with-profits policyholders and help them make enough sense of it all.

The work

Media relations
Public affairs strategy and implementation
All consumer written information
Call centre operation
Correspondence centre
Web design and internet strategy
Event planning and conference facilitation
Video production

The result

Of 850000 eligible policyholders, 80 per cent voted their intentions and 97 per cent of those accepted the cash offer made
The High Court Judge, Mr Justice Norris commented

"The distillation of an extremely complex proposal contained in her Guide to Policyholders, and the comprehensiveness of her report, give me confidence that the FSA's view (that the Main Scheme is fair) is soundly based."

"It seems to me that Aviva and the PHA (policyholder advocate) have gone to enormous lengths to put relevant information in a comprehensible form to the policyholders who have to make the choice."

The endorsement

"Quite simply we would not have been able to achieve the success that we did without Jonathan’s comprehensive communications skills. From media management to public affairs and consumer communication - he did the lot. It was brilliant."
Clare Spottiswoode CBE, policyholder advocate in the Aviva reattribution of inherited estate

A global bank

The brief

My colleague Nick Wood and I were invited to a global investment bank to work with two analysts on their presentations for an internal conference of 300 top bankers.

The work

Analysis of presentation (PowerPoint)
Content assessment
Message prioritisation
Personal presentation skills
Rehearsals

The result

A successful conference and a booking for three more assessments of individuals, followed by five further assessments

The endorsement

"A lot of credit has to go to the guidance and training that you and Nick gave me, so from my perspective it was an extremely useful exercise. Overall the feedback has been very positive and the event appears to have been a big success."
Senior UK analyst. 3 February 2009

A trade association

The brief

A three month assignment with a trade association led to a nine month project and a complete turnaround in media management potential. The initial brief was straightforward - an audit of the media operation and a report for the new chairman and chief executive. In addition a media team under pressure needed hands-on support.

The result

A first report was provided in a week and from that a fuller report in a month. Within three months an interim head of the media operation was in place and the team under him was being moulded for change in operational methods. Seven months later the mission was complete with a new team, fully functioning,in place.

The endorsement

"I would like to place on record my appreciation for the invaluable help and support which you, Paul and Sheree have given over a frequently eventful last nine months."
Chief Executive. Dated 23 July 2009

Jonathan's Clients

• Arriva
• Association of Train Operating Companies
• Baird Capital Partners Europe
• British Venture Capital Association
• DHL Logistics
• Gleacher Shacklock
• Imagelinx Ltd.
• Inspectorate
• Jarvis plc
• Media Intelligence Partners
• Newedge Group
• Office of the Policyholder Advocate
• Strategics Inc
• Weber Shandwick