Preparing for a Public Inquiry: Strategic Communications Guidance
Public inquiries in the UK are designed to investigate matters of serious public concern – from major health or safety failures to decisions made by public bodies or private organisations. While inquiries are not about determining criminal or civil liability, they can place an organisation and its leadership under intense scrutiny.
Many law firms offer legal guidance for inquiries – but strategic communications planning is just as important. The way an organisation handles the process publicly and internally can have a lasting impact on trust, credibility, and reputation.
Here’s what to consider when preparing for a public inquiry from a communications point of view:
1. Communications Planning is Not the Same as Legal Planning
Legal teams will focus on witness preparation, document disclosure, and liability issues. Communications professionals need to focus on narrative, empathy, consistency, and protecting the organisation’s reputation in real time – without cutting across legal strategy.
Tip: Build a parallel but coordinated comms plan that complements legal workstreams. The two teams must stay tightly aligned but should have distinct remits.
2. Prepare for Intense Public and Media Scrutiny
Inquiries often involve live-streamed hearings, rolling media coverage, and deep public interest – especially if the subject matter involves loss of life, systemic failure, or government oversight.
Tip: Identify reputational risks early, develop a proactive media handling strategy, and prepare for peak moments such as witness appearances or publication of the final report.
3. Focus on the Needs of Affected Individuals and Families
Many public inquiries involve deeply personal, often traumatic events. The communications tone must reflect that – not just during hearings, but across all public and internal messaging.
Tip: Use clear, compassionate language. Avoid jargon and defensiveness. Acknowledge the human impact and show that your organisation is listening and learning.
4. Anticipate and Manage Internal Communications Challenges
Employees may be affected emotionally, professionally, or personally by the inquiry. Some may be called as witnesses. Others may feel confused, anxious, or mistrustful.
Tip: Create an internal communications plan that offers clarity, consistency and care. Provide regular updates, access to support, and a safe channel for questions and concerns.
5. Media Training and Message Discipline
Senior figures and potential witnesses may be approached by journalists – either in formal interviews or informal, ‘off-the-record’ conversations. A single poorly judged comment can derail months of preparation.
Tip: Offer media and inquiry-specific spokesperson training. Ensure anyone speaking externally (including in public forums or on social media) is aligned on tone and key messages.
6. Set Up Active Media and Public Sentiment Monitoring
Public opinion and media narratives can evolve quickly during a public inquiry. Issues raised in testimony can spark new headlines, political pressure or online debate – all of which can affect your reputation.
Tip: Monitor news, social media and stakeholder commentary in real time. Be ready to respond to inaccuracies, correct the record, or reinforce key messages if required.
7. Engage with Stakeholders Transparently
Inquiries often involve multiple stakeholders – regulators, campaigners, political figures, families, and frontline staff. Each group may have different concerns and expectations.
Tip: Map your stakeholder landscape and tailor communications to each audience. Keep engagement consistent, timely and respectful. This is not just about damage control – it’s about showing accountability and maturity.
8. Plan for the Final Report — and the Aftermath
When the inquiry publishes its final report, media interest will spike. Your organisation’s response will be closely analysed by journalists, campaigners, and affected individuals.
Tip: Prepare a range of holding statements in advance, shaped around likely recommendations. Your response should be timely, measured, and demonstrate a commitment to learning and action.
Summary: Thoughtful, Strategic, Aligned
Public inquiries are public by design. They invite scrutiny – not just of what happened, but how organisations respond when called to account. Communications planning is not an optional extra: it is a core part of organisational resilience and integrity.
If you’re involved in a public inquiry and need support with strategy, messaging, or media handling, we can help.
Our clients rely on us to manage a wide range of sensitive issues. For a free, no-obligation conversation, please phone us on 020 7692 5675 or email us on [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
