Disclosure messages

A disclosure message is a statement or communication that informs someone about something that was previously unknown or hidden. In many cases, disclosure messages are used to reveal information that is important, relevant, or potentially harmful to an individual or group. For example, a disclosure message might be used to inform a person that their personal information has been compromised in a data breach. The content and format of a disclosure message can vary depending on the context and the information being disclosed, but it is typically designed to be clear, concise, and informative. Another example can be the fact that an organisation stopped new volunteering projects in orphanages, disclosing the message that those projects were found to be exploitative towards the children.

Considerations for creating disclosure messages for public communication involve ensuring clarity, transparency, and effectiveness. To achieve this, several key factors should be taken into account:

• Purpose: When crafting a disclosure message, it is important to determine its purpose. 

Are you aiming to inform the public about a potential risk or danger? Or are you disclosing information about a past event? Understanding the purpose helps in setting the appropriate tone, language, and level of detail for the message.

• Audience: Consider the intended recipients of the disclosure message. 

Who will be receiving this information, and what is their level of knowledge or expertise? Understanding the audience enables you to effectively communicate the information and ensure its comprehension.

• Clarity: It is crucial to convey the disclosure message clearly and concisely. 

Use plain language and avoid jargon or technical terms that might be challenging for the public to grasp. Provide explicit instructions or guidance on how the public should respond to the disclosed information.

• Timing: Timing plays a critical role in disclosure messages. It is important to release the information in a timely manner while ensuring its accuracy and completeness before disclosure.
• Transparency: Be transparent in the information being shared. Provide as much detail as possible without compromising legal or regulatory requirements. Be honest about any limitations or uncertainties related to the disclosed information.
• Accessibility: Ensure that the disclosure message is accessible to everyone. Use plain language, offer translations or accommodations for people with disabilities, and use multiple channels to distribute the information (e.g., social media, press releases, website announcements).