Inclusion Confusion

The deadline for compliance with Trump’s January 2025 executive order aimed at rolling back DEI initiatives is fast approaching. By May 21, all federal agencies are required to identify nine organizations each believes to be in violation of federal civil rights or contracting rules because of DEI-related practices. 

Organizations named could face formal civil rights investigations, potential regulatory impacts, increased public and political attention and other legal considerations. But regardless of whether your organization is named, scrutiny of DEI-related practices is expected to intensify ahead of and following the upcoming deadline. Organizations should take steps now to ensure they are prepared. In a new memo, FGS Global’s Social Issues & Impact team suggests organizations across sectors take the following steps: 

• Assess risk exposure. Review internal policies and public-facing materials—such as websites, reports, and job descriptions—to identify language or practices that could raise legal and reputational red flags under current federal guidance.

• Plan for updates. Determine whether any policies or communications need to be adjusted. Develop clear, consistent messaging to support any changes internally and externally.

• Identify key stakeholders. Map out the audiences that matter most—such as employees, investors, and regulators—understand their concerns and plan how best to communicate with each group.

• Conduct scenario planning. Anticipate potential challenges to DEI-related activities and prepare response strategies, including draft messaging, spokesperson plans and leadership alignment.  

To learn more about how FGS Global’s Social Issues & Impact team can support your organization across all these areas, email ​​USDEITeam@fgsglobal.com. And read the whole memo here.

Today’s cyber criminals are increasingly sophisticated, launching attacks predicted to cost victims up to $275 billion per year by 2031.  As the threat landscape grows, organizations must prioritize preparedness, resilience and smart communication. 

FGS Global’s Cybersecurity practice offers these essential considerations and best practices: 

• Preparation is the most effective defense. No two ransomware events are alike, so it’s essential to anticipate a range of scenarios, establish decision trees and pressure test those plans. CEOs, legal advisors and communication teams should train through tabletop exercises – simulating high-pressure situations to identify gaps and empower leadership to respond to real threats with confidence.

• Communicate strategically. In the early days of an attack, resist the urge to overcommunicate. Forensic investigations can take weeks or months, and premature statements may backfire. Instead, consult legal and crisis experts, follow existing protocols, and wait until you fully understand the breach.

• Be cautious when engaging with threat actors.  Any engagement with attackers should be guided by legal counsel and ransomware negotiators. These experts can help determine if, when and how to communicate with attackers to understand their demands and minimize fallout.

To learn more about handling modern ransomware attacks – watch a masterclass on the subject presented by Trent Duffy, Partner and Head of FGS Global’s Cybersecurity Practice.

Television broadcast appearances can be a great opportunity for an organization to convey an important message in a timely manner to a wide audience. Since the information comes directly from the source – often in real time – this avenue can help limit the risk of information being muddled, misunderstood or taken out of context.

Our colleagues at Health Media Insights offer the following questions to help you determine whether your news warrants a marquee broadcast appearance – and to help avoid potential perils: 

1. Is your spokesperson prepared? In a fast-paced news cycle, your spokesperson will need to be quick on their feet, and ready to answer questions about industry trends or pivot away from topics your organization would prefer to avoid.

2. Is your message appropriate for the broadcast program? Ensure that your organization’s message is valuable for both the host and the audience, and that your spokesperson is the right person to deliver it. Research the tone of the program, the anchor or host’s attitudes toward your industry and your organization, and the demographics of their audience.

3. Is your pitch compelling enough for TV? When pitching a spokesperson or segment for TV, be sure to clearly and concisely explain the topic, demonstrate why the program should be interested and highlight its value for their audience. Tailor your pitch as needed to solidify the case for why your spokesperson is the right person to share the story.

Bonus tip: If you answered "no" to any of these questions, consider other opportunities like podcasts to help acclimate your spokesperson to the broadcast environment. Recordings from a podcast appearance could be useful when pitching broadcast producers down the line.

To subscribe to FGS Global’s Health Media Insights newsletter, email health@fgsglobal.com.