Darren Bane
PR Manager &
Media Training Specialist
About Darren
Darren Bane MCIPR is a PR Manager at Empica specialising in media training, crisis communications, and reputation management. He brings over 30 years of experience across journalism, policing communications, public sector PR, and higher education, combining frontline media experience with strategic communications expertise.
He is a key member of Empica’s crisis communications and media training team, supporting clients across multiple sectors including healthcare, legal, charity, property, and hospitality.
Experience & Background
Darren has a rare combination of journalistic and operational communications experience. He began his career as a journalist at the Bristol Post, where he spent nine years as a senior reporter covering a wide range of beats including crime, public affairs, and breaking news across North Somerset.
He transitioned into communications within Avon and Somerset Constabulary, where he spent over a decade in senior media roles, including Deputy Head of Corporate Communications and Media Manager. During this time, he led communications on high-profile incidents, including major investigations, crisis situations, and counter-terrorism-related activity, as well as award-winning public campaigns.
He later joined Avon Fire & Rescue Service, where he continued to develop expertise in emergency communications, public safety messaging, and media handling under pressure.
Before joining Empica, Darren worked at Weston College as Marketing and Communications Manager, leading strategic communications planning, campaigns, and internal restructuring of marketing functions.
Since joining Empica in 2017, he has provided strategic PR support, media training, and crisis communications guidance to clients across a broad range of sectors.
Media Training & Crisis Communications Specialism
Darren plays a central role in Empica’s media training offer, helping organisations prepare spokespeople for high-pressure media interviews, live broadcast situations, and reputational risk scenarios.
He draws on real-world experience managing complex and sensitive incidents, ensuring clients receive practical, scenario-based training grounded in operational reality rather than theory.
He also provides hands-on crisis communications support, advising organisations during live issues and reputational challenges.
Key Expertise
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Media training delivery (interview preparation, spokesperson coaching)
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Crisis communications strategy and live incident response
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Reputation management and issues handling
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Public sector communications (police, fire & rescue, education)
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Media relations (local, regional, national broadcast and press)
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Campaign development and execution
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
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Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR)
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National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) qualification
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Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma
