Introduction

We are seeking support from a PR freelancer or agency to help launch a report in June 2021. To download a PDF of this request for proposals, click here.

About the British Science Association

The British Science Association (BSA) is a charity with a vision of a world where science is at the heart of society and culture. Our mission is to transform the diversity and inclusivity of science, reach under-served audiences, and increase the number of people who are actively engaged and involved in science. 

The BSA has three core pillars of work: education, public engagement and thought leadership.  We deliver major UK-wide programmes including the British Science FestivalBritish Science WeekCREST Awards, For Thought and bespoke activities for science communicators, the mediapolicymakers and business. We seek to influence and collaborate with stakeholders from across science, business and policy.

We have a Council which forms the board of trustees. We are funded by a mix of grants, sponsorships, donations and earned income.

About this project

The BSA is the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity & Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM). It was established to promote the inclusion and progression of people from diverse backgrounds in STEM, and to encourage government, parliamentarians, academics, businesses and other stakeholders to work towards a STEM sector that is representative of the population.

The Group’s first inquiry took place 2019/20, investigating equity in STEM education (the report can be found here). The current inquiry is looking into equity in the UK STEM workforce. In response to the Call for Evidence we received 80+ submissions; we then hosted four evidence gathering sessions, providing further data and direction for the work. The final report is scheduled for launch at the end of June 2021.

PR objective – Coverage for the report launch

We think there will be interest in the recommendations from this work, particularly after the Commission for Race and Ethnic Disparities report. The Data Analysis Brief, which the Group published to support the Call for Evidence, outlined some notable gaps between the STEM and wider workforces.

We would therefore like to secure coverage in national media for this report. We would like the agency/freelancer to review the report, create a media sell-in strategy and manage the media liaison. The BSA will work with the agency/freelancer to craft pitches and media releases and approve them. The BSA will also work alongside the agency/freelancer on finding relevant case studies to support the sell-in.

KPIs

  • 2 pieces of top-tier national media coverage (print/online and/or broadcast media)
  • 5 mentions/pieces of coverage in other online, national print and/or broadcast media

NB KPIs can be further discussed and negotiated at planning stage

Target audiences

The people we would like to read the report, and influence, are:

  • Policymakers and advisers (MPs/Lords, senior civil servants in departments with link to STEM); and
  • STEM-related businesses and industries (senior professionals in business strategy, HR and EDI for instance),
  • Science professionals (leadership at research institutions, learned societies),
  • Social affairs commentators

We are looking to appoint a PR and media relations freelancer or consultant to:

  • Develop the media relations plan to achieve the KPIs set out above;
  • Collate and manage a media list of outlets reaching our key audiences;
  • Produce media releases (reviewed and signed off by the BSA team);
  • Implement the campaign and pitch content to media outlets;
  • Manage media and event speaker/spokesperson relations for placing features and op-ed.

We are looking for a freelancer/agency who:

  • Understands the priorities for journalists and has demonstrative experience of finding the right angle to get cut through;
  • Has a working knowledge of trade/niche publications read by our target audiences and links to national newspapers and broadcast media.

We will appoint a freelancer/agency based on selection criteria including

  • Track record of placing stories during challenging news cycles
  • Relevant experience (you might have worked on selling in other reports or policy-related stories)
  • Value for money

We have a budget of £3,000-5,000 + VAT for this project which will be negotiated based on demonstrable experience and agreed KPIs.

Proposed timeline

28 April - RfP for PR support published
12 May - BSA review proposals
13/14 May - Informal discussions with shortlisted agencies/freelancers
17 May - Appointment of agency/freelancer
31  May - PR agency/freelancer receives draft of report
8/9 June - PR strategy finalised and signed off
9 June onwards - PR activities
End of June/start of July - Report publication

To apply, please respond with a covering letter which states the following:

  • A biography or CV.
  • Your track record and summary of relevant experience.
  • Names of one or more previous clients & a brief description of your work for them.
  • Previous two years’ financial accounts and an EDI statement (if you are applying on behalf of an agency)
  • Your fee plus any expenses likely to be incurred (including whether you charge VAT). We can provide access to our media monitor/database subscription.

How to apply

Please submit your proposal by 09:00 on 12 May 2021 to
Anissa Alifandi, Corporate Communications Manager [email protected]

Any enquiries in relation to this invitation to RfP can contact Anissa via email to organise a call or meeting.

If you require this information in a different format for accessibility reasons, please email [email protected]