The person comes first: developing a practical approach to ethical storytelling

Great storytelling doesn’t happen by chance. It requires clear processes, thoughtful decision-making and a commitment to putting people before content.

This practical workshop explores how charities can build an ethical, sustainable approach to gathering, managing and sharing stories from people with living and lived experience. You’ll learn how to develop a Stories Hub – a structured system for identifying, collecting, storing and using stories safely and effectively – so your charity has powerful, authentic content ready when opportunities arise.

Drawing on real-world examples and practical tools, the session covers every stage of the storytelling journey, from making the first approach to a potential storyteller through to gaining informed consent, creating compelling content and managing stories responsibly over time.

By the end of the session, you will be able to:
– understand how to apply ethical storytelling principles in practice
– be able to develop a process for building a Stories Hub
– feel confident engaging with storytellers throughout the storytelling process

Led by Jo Hamilton

Jo is Head of Policy and Communications at Scottish Drugs Forum, where she leads communications, campaigns, public affairs and policy activity to support efforts to reduce drug-related harm. She has more than 12 years’ experience leading communications, campaigns and engagement activity across the third sector, with a particular focus on poverty, substance use and children’s rights.

Jo is passionate about the power of authentic storytelling and evidence-led communications to influence public debate, challenge stigma and drive social change. Her work focuses on ensuring that the voices and experiences of people directly affected by issues are at the heart of communications, campaigns and decision-making.