26
Staff Briefing Golden Rules
Be Prepared
Establish the type of issues staff will want answered
Decide who is the best manager to provide the briefing
Speak with as much preparation completed as possible
Prepare the key points you want to say
Remember
Staff and management closest to the incident may be traumatised
Staff will want assurances about their job security
Facts are key
Reticence creates barriers
Deception is fatal
Staff will feel privileged if told early enough and are trusted with the facts
Show
Concern - you care about what has happened - this is the most important fact
Commitment - to find out what happened and put it right
Control of situation at most senior level
DO
Be positive and truthful
Arrange for the victims to be supported and extend help to families if appropriate
Remember - you want the answers more than anyone else
DON'T
Admit liability - refer to the need for the matter to be fully investigated
Speculate - instead defer to the enquiry to follow
Ensure that the message given to staff is
Consistent with that provided to the Press and Media
Advised to the staff at the same time as or just in advance of the Press and Media