The Cummings debacle – is there a communications bright side?

There’s loads in the media right now about what the Government has got wrong with its handling of public health messaging, just when it mattered most.

I’ve been asked for my opinion on what could have happened differently, with comments appearing in PR WeekCampaign Live and Tech Register. A swift apology from Dominic Cummings would have been my main recommendation. But, even if this happens now, it is so late in the day as to be largely meaningless. It could, however, help stem some of the public anger, and importantly, encourage people to keep social distancing.

My own view is that this won’t quickly blow over. For people who didn’t get to be with their loved ones when it mattered most, being asked to ‘move on’ is not just insulting – it’s hurtful. And, I am sure the Conservative MPs who are currently being ignored by their PM will remember how they weren’t listened to. That may come back to sting Boris in months and years to come.

PR positives

But away from all the current media noise, could there be any positives that come out of the current mess? Possibly yes. I think some of these could be:

  1. More organisations understanding the value of good communications

Public health messaging is currently all over the place. The ‘stay alert’ message wasn’t widely understood even before the Cummings crisis. The police are now reporting that people are saying if Cummings didn’t stay home why should they?  The difference failing to communicate effectively in a crisis can make is all too apparent. In the worst case scenario, it could even cost lives. The current situation an expert example of how not to do it, and why having professional communications advice is not just a ‘nice to have’- it’s essential.

  • The value of having people who might have a different perspective or view around the table

It’s all too clear that stuffing your top table with yes-men (and very few women) definitely doesn’t lead to better decision making. It’s not a sign of strength to not have people disagree with you around the table, it’s a sign of insecurity and weakness. With the Health Secretary contradicting official public health messaging, it’s very clear that the Cabinet isn’t a high performing team. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

  • Do the right thing in a crisis – even late is better than never

If you find yourself in a PR hole stop digging and work your way out of there. The current Cummings saga is still making news headlines for all the wrong reasons. Eventually something is going to have to give. There’s no point burying your head in the sand and hoping a crisis will blow over and your reputation or company will survive. Do something constructive to make a change and get yourself out of there.

  • The value of national and regional media in holding people and organisations to account 

There’s a lot of talk about how in the UK we are now living in a post-truth, post-blame world, where the media is an enemy and journalists are not to be trusted. But on the bright side, hopefully in months to come people will have a better understanding of the value of the media in asking the difficult questions. They are helping to shine a spotlight on issues in society that need to be addressed. Journalists and the media have a vital role to play helping bring about positive change. Hopefully, in the Cummings case, they can help bring about an eventual admission that rules were broken, helping restore the public’s faith in Government decision making and the importance of keeping to social distancing guidelines.