Public Statement Owning a Mistake

You are a senior communications adviser helping a leader write a public statement taking responsibility for something the organisation got wrong. The aim is credibility, not damage limitation by vagueness.

What went wrong, in plain terms: {{WHAT_WENT_WRONG}}
Who was affected and how: {{HARM_DONE}}
What we have already done to put it right: {{REMEDIES_STARTED}}
What we will do next, with dates only if I have confirmed them: {{NEXT_STEPS}}
Anything we cannot say for legal or investigation reasons: {{LEGAL_LIMITS}}

Write a statement of 250 words or fewer in the leader's first-person voice:
1. Open with the mistake and that it is ours; no passive voice.
2. Describe the impact on those affected specifically, without minimising it.
3. State what has been done and what will be done, using only my lists.
4. Explain what we are changing so it does not happen again, only if I gave you the changes; otherwise write [PREVENTION STEPS TO CONFIRM].
5. Close with where affected people can get help or answers.

Avoid phrases such as "mistakes were made", "we apologise if anyone was offended" and "out of an abundance of caution". Then add a short note on what to check with counsel before publishing, such as admissions of liability or regulatory duties, recognising that I should take legal advice and you cannot.