EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 35
Image: PGL Beyond
Critical incidents
Pupils’ first instinct can be to
TikTok what’s happened unless
told otherwise. If news leaks in an
uncontrolled way, it can derail your
wider response, so remind pupils
about responsible social media use
and tell them to put devices away.
Explain that speculation can cause
unnecessary stress to families and
that the school will inform parents
first. While you cannot ensure
that everyone will comply, an
authoritative request considerably
reduces the risk of news leaking out.
If news leaks in an
uncontrolled way, it can derail
your wider response, so tell
pupils to put their devices away
2 Operational
communications
on your
3 Lean
‘home team’
Liaising with emergency services
typically falls to the Visit Leader, but
once onsite these authorities usually
take command, allowing you time
to support the group. Remember
to share any important medical or
allergy information with medical
staff before anyone leaves in an
ambulance.
As Visit Leader, your hands are
full and stress levels will be high,
so allow colleagues to help.
Provide a factual summary so
they can manage the outbound
communications; you should not
have to call parents or speak to
journalists. This allows parents
and carers to be kept updated in a
calm, professional and supportive
manner, while you facilitate pupils’
initial calls home.
Operational communications must
stick to the facts. Clearly distinguish
between what you know for certain
and what is personal opinion.
4 If the media arrive
Journalists can appear surprisingly
quickly. If you’re approached:
Avoiding the press or saying
“No comment” can give an
impression of guilt.
Emergency services should keep
the press away if present. If not,
be polite but firm. Explain you’re
not the right person to talk to the
press and provide details for who
is – this may be the trip provider.
Remind them they do not have
consent to film or photograph
children, and tell them if all
parents have not yet been
informed of the incident.
If possible, move the students
to a private area to shield them
from the media.
By silencing the social media chatter,
funnelling communications through
your ‘home team’ and remaining
a calm, factual point of contact for
authorities, you can focus on the
emotional wellbeing of your pupils
and their families.
Chris Gallant is Communications
Director at Pharos Response, which
provides specialist crisis, risk and
reputation management for schools.
Image: Land and Wave School Trips
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2026
35
