Sensitive announcement: a readiness checklist
An announcement is ready when the facts, responsibilities and response arrangements are clear. This checklist highlights gaps before publication and complements the legal, employee-relations, financial or regulatory reviews required.
Template preview
Download the template · CSV ↓| Control point | Question to be checked | Responsible | Evidence / document | State | Blocking point / action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Perimeter, dates and numbers confirmed? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Validations | Sequence and applicable obligations validated? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Public | Do all the audiences concerned have a suitable channel? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Languages | Identical facts and commitments between versions? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Spokesperson | Availability and difficult answers prepared? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Scenarios | Escape, carry-over and early recovery error? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
| Follow-up | Reference version and next update defined? | To be appointed | To be joined | To be checked | To be completed |
Record the status of each check
Each line carries a responsible person, proof of verification and a state. "Ongoing" does not mean "validated". When an element is missing, specify what it blocks and the necessary decision.
The grid covers facts, audiences, calendars, channels and response scenarios. It must be adapted to the importance of the subject: a routine announcement and a sensitive operation do not require the same organization.
Test consistency across channels
Compare the release, internal messages, client responses, FAQ and language versions. Check dates, scopes and commitments. An exact document can become misleading if its title removes an essential condition.
Foresee the response to a leak, delay or error of resumption. Identify the spokesperson, his replacement and the validation channel in emergency. The availability of people counts as much as the existence of documents.
Maintain an approved reference version
Download the CSV model and complete it with the project team. Before release, record the launch decision, open points and update modalities.
After the announcement, the grid can be used for feedback: what has worked, what audiences have lacked information and what corrections have been required? The lessons must change the following preparation.