Preparing for an Inquest: Strategic Communications Guidance
Inquests are a vital part of the judicial process, designed to establish how someone died – particularly in unexpected or unexplained circumstances. However, they can also be high-profile, emotionally charged events that attract significant media interest. For organisations involved, how they respond – and are seen to respond – can have a lasting impact on both institutional reputation and the personal standing of senior individuals.
Careful and compassionate planning is essential. Here’s how to prepare from a communications point of view:
1. Understand the Reputational Risk
Inquests are often covered extensively in the press, with headlines focusing not only on the facts but also on perceived accountability. For public bodies, companies, or healthcare providers, this coverage can shape public perception for years. Leaders may also be named and quoted, sometimes out of context.
Tip: Engage early with senior leadership and legal counsel to assess reputational risks and align on messaging boundaries.
2. Align Communications with Legal Strategy
Your communications approach must be fully aligned with legal advice. Inquests can raise questions of liability, and anything said publicly – including to the media – can have legal implications.
Tip: Co-ordinate closely with your legal team to define clear messaging parameters and ensure that any public or internal statement is reviewed through a legal lens.
3. Put the Family First
The bereaved family is at the heart of the inquest process. Communications – whether public, internal, or directed to the media – must reflect sensitivity, respect and empathy.
Tip: Avoid defensive or impersonal language. Acknowledge the family’s grief and make sure your tone is consistently humane and compassionate.
4. Prepare for the Media – Including Broadcast ‘Ambushes’
Inquests can attract TV and radio journalists, who may try to secure comment from witnesses or representatives outside the court. These moments are unpredictable and can be high-stakes.
Tip: Provide spokesperson training ahead of time, including ‘on-the-spot’ response coaching. Ensure all staff who may be approached understand media protocol and know who to refer queries to.
5. Respect Court Etiquette and Protocol
The Coroner’s Court has its own formalities and expectations. Missteps – such as inappropriate dress, laughing, or using mobile phones – can be interpreted as disrespectful, and may also draw media attention.
Tip: Brief everyone attending in person on court behaviour and expectations.
6. Monitor Media Coverage in Real Time
Media narratives can evolve quickly, especially when journalists are live-tweeting from court. It’s important to track coverage throughout the inquest so that misinformation or reputational threats can be addressed promptly.
Tip: Set up active media monitoring, including alerts and social listening, and designate a team to handle any fast-moving reputational issues that arise.
7. Plan for Post-Inquest Communications
Once the conclusion is made public media interest spikes again – especially if there are implications for your organisation. Post-inquest communications should be ready in advance and reflect the outcome with clarity and sensitivity.
Tip: Draft holding statements for different possible outcomes, reviewed by both legal and communications leads. Be ready to respond quickly, especially to direct press inquiries.
8. Look After Your People
Inquests can be emotionally draining for staff – particularly those giving evidence, or who knew the deceased. A strong internal communications plan should include check-ins, briefings, and support systems.
Tip: Make internal comms part of your strategy. Ensure your team feels informed, supported, and unified – both during and after proceedings.
Summary: Strategic, Aligned, Compassionate
Preparing for an inquest requires a thoughtful, coordinated approach that balances legal risk, public scrutiny, and human empathy. By planning ahead, training your people, and communicating with clarity and care, you can protect reputations and help honour the dignity of those involved.
If you need support preparing for an inquest from a communications perspective, our experienced team can help. Contact us
Our clients rely on us to manage a wide variety of sensitive issues. For a free, discreet 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.
