Media relations at Health

Freedom of speech is safeguarded by the Danish constitution, which also applies to public employees.

As an employee you may personally take part in the public debate and present personal opinions and views. The same applies to topics within your field of work. 

Read more about public employees' freedom of speech The Department of Justice's website (in Danish).

1. We are friendly and helpful.
   We are open and accessible and help journalists to find the relevant information and sources.
2. We are trustworthy.
   We present facts and communicate clearly, both in positive and negative cases.
3. We are act quickly.
   We recognise the working conditions of journalists and the need for quick responses. This means that media relations have high priority in our daily work.

All employees at AU Health may make statements to the press, providing you

• comment on your own behalf or within your own area of responsibility
• do not violate your duty of confidentiality, e.g. in relation to personnel cases
• inform your immediate supervisor according to a specific assessment.

In cases involving special issues or crisis situations, a spokesperson will often be named. In all other cases, the following principles for making statements on behalf of Health, AU, apply:

1. Factual information
   All employees have a right to disclose any specific information within their field.
2. Comments and assessments
   Especially managers, but also project managers and relevant experts within the area in question, have the authority to make a statement on a topic or area.
3. Political statements
   The dean, vice-deans and department heads / heads of school may make statements of political character on behalf of the faculty or a department.

Precisely where the line is drawn in practice between the different types of statement is always open to discussion. Contact your manager or the communications department if you are in doubt.