Design and branding

Design and branding help us recognise who an organisation is and what it stands for. Branding is more than a combination of shapes, fonts and colours, it helps guide us to understand personality, vision, mission and values and whether these align with our own. Think of organisations you admire or have an affinity to. What is it about them that you like? What does their messaging communicate to you, what is their brand personality?

Does your chaplaincy have a logo, a set of colours and a particular typeface that people would recognise? Do you know how people might describe the personality of your chaplaincy and its website? In the writing for the web guidance, there is information on the tone of voice of the Church of England. What is the tone of voice of your chaplaincy?

If you don't have a logo or any brand assets, you may choose to have a designer create one based on your brief (especially if you are fortunate enough to have a designer in your chaplaincy community who doesn't mind helping!) or a DIY option. Canva (you should be able to apply for a Pro account as a charity, see how with this helpful tool from the Church of England) is an excellent tool. 

It may help you to look at the brand guidelines for the diocese to get started.

There are also some great guidelines on the Church of England website, including links to many other resources here: Creating a style guide for your church

Keeping a consistent look and feel to your communication assets - your website, printed materials, social media for example - really helps you to stand out, be immediately identifiable and gives a feel of professionalism.  Once you have decided on a style, stick to it - and be an ambassador for it in the chaplaincy, encouraging others to use it too.