Navigating Communication Challenges When an Employee is Arrested

The sudden arrest of an employee, particularly for serious allegations such as fraud or safeguarding matters, creates an array of communication challenges for any organisation. The implications are far-reaching: internal morale, external reputation, and operational continuity are all at stake.

Here’s how to approach this delicate situation and how our retainer product can provide the support you need.

The Immediate Challenges

1. Absence Without Explanation
   When an employee is abruptly removed from their role, questions will inevitably arise. Balancing transparency with confidentiality is critical. Sharing too much information risks legal and reputational fallout, while saying too little can lead to damaging speculation. A well-crafted crisis communications strategy for dealing with employee arrests can help navigate these complexities effectively.
2. Police Interest Peaks and Valleys
   Police investigations often progress in unpredictable bursts over a period of months or even years. Periods of intense activity, such as arrests or interviews, are often followed by quiet phases. Organisations must be prepared to respond effectively as interest resurfaces, maintaining professionalism and consistency throughout. 
3. Media Scrutiny
   A serious allegation can attract media attention, especially if the individual holds a high-profile role or they work in sectors where stakeholder and public trust is highly valued such as the education and charity sector. While there may not be immediate publicity because of the legal framework surrounding police investigations, an arrest may become common knowledge within the media and questions will arise later about how the organisation responded.  It is therefore essential to have a clear strategic plan from the outset.  Monitoring any social and digital media mentions of the issue is also crucial to safeguarding your organisation’s reputation.

How Our Retainer Product Can Help

Having advised countless clients across a range of industries facing this situation, including crafting legal-compliant communication plans, we have an excellent understanding of the challenges organisations have to navigate at such times and have developed a specialised retainer service for crisis PR support, specifically those dealing with exactly these scenarios. We offer:

• Immediate Strategic Advice: We provide organisations with counsel at the most important moment – the onset of a crisis. This immediate advice will guide your actions over the months and years to come and ensure you have taken every step to manage the situation as effectively as possible.
• Crisis Communications Expertise: Guidance on overall strategy and advice on crafting appropriate messages for internal and external audiences that respect legal and confidentiality constraints.
• Scalable Support: Our approach recognises the fluctuating nature of police involvement, providing you with tailored assistance when you need it most.
• Media Monitoring and Management: Proactive tracking of any coverage and advice on responding to any misinformation or damaging narratives.

By addressing these challenges with care and appropriate strategy, you can minimise disruption and protect your organisation. Contact us today to learn how we can support you during such difficult times.