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Although the communications strategy in the initial phase of the pandemic was broadly successful, it...

Conclusion
Although the communications strategy in the initial phase of the pandemic was broadly successful, it is worth noting that there was some confusion over who the stay at home order applied to, and there was criticism of the Government’s decision not to provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter on-set at the televised briefings. Similar briefings in Scotland and Wales did include an interpreter, socially distanced from Ministers. In the UK, there are more than 80,000 Deaf people whose first language is BSL.225 The decision not 219 Oral evidence taken before the Health and Social Care Committee on 21 July 2020, HC (2019–2021) 36, Q585 220 GOV.UK, Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19), 5 April 2020. 221 Q827 222 Nuffield Trust (CLL0087) 223 Oral evidence taken before the Health and Social Care Committee on 21 July 2020, HC (2019–2021) 36, Q584 224 University College London (CLL0023) 225 Equality and Human Rights Commission, Letter to the Prime Minister, April 2020. Coronavirus: lessons learned to date 55 to include an interpreter at these briefings, where important public health announcements were often made, may have reduced their ability to understand the messages provided and in turn potentially decreased trust and compliance among this group.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The government accepts this recommendation. The government recognises that the pandemic response requires a multifaceted communication strategy, capable of adapting to and addressing a variety of concerns. There were many factors that influenced public behaviour and compliance, for example, research showed that confidence in the government and trust in messaging were key determinants of compliance. The government designed behaviour change campaigns to influence behaviour in a number of specific areas including handwashing, wearing face coverings and encouraging vaccine uptake. The government worked with trusted messengers, as well as undertaking user research and reviewing the academic literature to ensure that it took the most effective course of action. This meant, for instance, working with local Directors of Public Health, and faith and community leaders to cascade guidance and information and counter misinformation. The government recognises that there are some specific areas of messaging that could have been improved. This includes providing British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation at COVID-19 press conferences and ensuring advice was available in a wide variety of languages. The government also recognises that its messaging has not reached all communities equally, and it has not always been as effective as it might have been in reaching people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and communities where English is not the first language. The government is committed to ensuring that it learns the lessons from this pandemic and takes steps to improve its messaging in future. Moving forwards, UKHSA will continue to build on the lessons learned in its health communications. They will ensure that their messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible to all, and that they work with trusted messengers to reach all communities. In addition, the government will continue to invest in research to better understand what motivates people to comply with public health advice, and how to tailor messaging to different audiences. They will also continue to work with local authorities and other partners to ensure that messaging is delivered in a way that is culturally sensitive and relevant to local communities. The government also recognises the importance of providing access to information in a range of accessible formats, for example British Sign Language, Easy Read, large print, and audio. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that its messaging is accessible to everyone.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.6 yrs
Report published 12 Oct 2021