Key results
An incident was reported to
the police, who later criminally
charged a charity worker.
Cobb PR worked up reactive
media statements for each step
of the judiciary process.
The charity
emerged with its
reputation intact.
The Challenge
We provide crisis communications support for a national not-for-profit organisation. It supports adults with learning disabilities and, where possible, gives them independence by providing sheltered accommodation. The care is often 1-1.
In October 2015, a care worker was accused of assaulting one of the patients he was caring for. The Trust responded immediately to the allegation by suspending him pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident was reported to the police, who later charged him with assault.
Our Solution
Cobb PR was called in to work on a strategy for handling external communications, with a particular focus on the media. It was vital that the Trust’s excellent reputation for providing a safe environment for vulnerable adults was not compromised.
Cobb PR worked up reactive media statements for each step of the judiciary process.
A key focus of the statement was the positive fact that a vulnerable adult had been able to speak out against mistreatment by a figure of authority and had been listened to. The statement highlighted what the Trust was doing to avoid similar incidents.
The Outcome
The outcome for this charity was:
This episode, which could have attracted national media interest, was only reported in the local press and was soon forgotten. The charity emerged with its reputation intact.
