Sorry needn’t be the hardest word

Summary

Nick Wright co-founder of the Apology Clause campaign wrote an article for Verita on why organisations need to say sorry

The law supports apologies. The Compensation Act 2006 says “an apology, an offer of treatment or another redress, shall not itself amount to an admission of negligence or breach of statutory duty”. However, too many organisations put their fear of legal ramifications over what they see as their moral obligations. They fear if they apologise properly they will leave themselves open to legal action.

That refusal to do the right thing can have serious and lasting impact on victims. A clear apology can lift the burden that victims very often carry for a long time after a trauma. It can enable them to move on. To stop blaming themselves. To stop re-living the most agonising moment. To rebuild.

Verita is an independent specialist consultancy whose goal is to provide independent expertise to enable regulated organisations in the private and public sector in the UK and overseas. to improve their services and outcomes.