Elly Button, Head of Campaigns Communications at Barnardo's:
"If you are dealing with under 18s, particularly under 16s, you must get permission from their parents or whoever is in loco parentis – normally Local Authorities. This is required by law. Put in place very strict written guidelines for print and broadcast journalists, perhaps even a contract for a long-term project, which controls what can and cannot be revealed/recorded. Ensure that the media understand that the family can back out at any time. In my experience, responsible media have understood our caution and are willing to cooperate for the greater good. The BBC Producer Guidelines offer useful information in relation to working with children
www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/ Jamie Gill, Press and Public Affairs Manager at United Response:
"An honest discussion will a potential case study will help you identify areas where difficult questions may come up, and decide whether the risk to that person's well-being outweighs potential benefits. The case study needs to understand the basic rules of journalism, such as the fact that nothing is off the record. When we work with people with learning disabilities, we may put together an accessible word and picture document which the person can refer to during the interview. This reminds them of things they said they wanted and didn't want to discuss."
Hannah Clack, Press Officer at the Alzheimer's Society:
"A successful relationship between a media volunteer and a charity relies on Choice, Advice, Trust and Support. Just think of CATS! Volunteers should feel they have the choice to partake in each request after hearing more about the issue and timing. It helps to have a large number of ready volunteers so no one feels obliged to participate. Offer support and advice on what a journalist might ask and remind people that journalists are only human too! Explain to volunteers they don't have to be an expert, speaking from their own experiences is the best way they can help. After all, their story can say so much more than facts and figures."
Chris Bentley, Press Officer at the MS Society:
"A certain sensitivity to the issues people with MS face is important in understanding the personality of the case study and what they will be happy talking about. A case study put on the spot by a nosey and persistent journalist will not be a case study for long. Always reassure your case studies and keep in touch with courtesy calls before and after interviews. Also ensure the journalist has all the facts they need prior to writing and ask to see the copy for "fact approval" before to publication. Don't be surprised, however, to get a negative response."
Fiona Craig, PR Manager at Whizz-Kidz:
"Once you have verbal consent from a child's family, it's always wise to double check the facts you have in your case study/story with them. The last thing you want to happen is for something to be factually incorrect when it concerns a child and their disability. When you brief a child or parent, chat to them about who will be interviewing them, put them at ease and give them the top key messages you want conveyed. Remember to keep them short as you don't want to bombard them with too many facts, five at the most!"