Creative agency M&C Saatchi has been selected by the Covid-19 public inquiry into the UK’s handling of the pandemic to produce adverts for Every Story Matters – a body set up to help people share evidence.
The London shop won the brief following a competitive pitch process and will work alongside an as-of-yet unappointed research agency which will analyse and report on the experiences shared, the inquiry clarified that the agency will “not be collecting nor have any access to experiences shared”.
Every Story Matters will help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to give evidence and spotlight their grievances without having to go through the daunting process of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.
The body has reportedly already elicited more than 12,000 responses and is being supported by over 60 organisations including Age UK, Marie Curie, Shelter, Sense and the Royal College of Midwives.
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Speaking to Campaign, a spokesperson for the inquiry said: “M&C Saatchi has been appointed to deliver the next phase of communications around Every Story Matters. This follows a robust, transparent and competitive public sector procurement process. M&C Saatchi’s work will focus on engaging the public and encouraging them to share their experiences with the inquiry.”
Chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, the inquiry is examining how the UK government handled the Covid-19 pandemic and what lessons can be learnt for the future.
The inquiry has not been tasked with establishing any one person’s guilt or innocence and has already cost the taxpayer an estimated £100m, which could rise to more than £200m.
On Every Story Matters, the inquiry said in a statement: “The next phase of work will help raise more awareness of Every Story Matters and ensure people across the UK know how to take part. It is vital that the inquiry hears from a wide range of people including underrepresented groups, many of whom were most affected by the pandemic.”
