Definition

Adverse publicity is that exposure that Leisuresec may incur due to a particular, or a variety of circumstances, which may lead to potentially significant consequences. It is recognised that this may result in the Company’s reputation among its customers, competitors and wider consumers being damaged, with possible collateral brand and commercial implications.

Potential Sources of Adverse Publicity:

The Director has identified that the most probable sources of adverse publicity may be:

• Disillusioned (ex) employee
• Disgruntled customers/consumers
• Misleading interpretations of website posts/interview excerpts
• Competitors spreading unsubstantiated rumours.

Methodology:

The Director of the Company has established the following methodology to address circumstances where adverse publicity is, or has the potential to, impact upon LeisureSec:

• Investigate the problem to ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the issue is obtained, including but not necessarily limited to business area; source; causation; potential exposure; potential impacts.
• Establish a robust remedial route to mitigate or eradicate the effects of any adverse publicity, including any statement to be made to the media.  Only Directors of the Company are authorised to speak to media agencies without exception.
• Provide concrete affirmations refuting allegations where possible.
• The effectiveness of actions taken will be continually followed up until the Directors are satisfied that as positive a conclusion as possible has been reached.
• Feedback on preventative action will be given to the business to preclude reoccurrences where this is possible.
• We shall involve customers in the planning of responses
• We shall keep records of any responses made to ensure lessons are learnt.