My unique offer combines a successful commercial background with a commitment to working for positive social change. A well-established former senior newspaper journalist and business editor, I now have strategic development and communications experience at a national and international level.
As a communications professional, I am accustomed to encouraging problem solving at a senior management level and have supported organisation-wide strategic development for a Government regulator, a global charity and the emergency response team supporting the Grenfell community. I have created and implemented communications strategies on some of the most high profile issues in the health and social care industry including the Grant Thornton Review and the Investigation into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust/the Francis Review. At the Department of Health, I was press advisor to the former Secretary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt and led on operational and strategic communications for the NHS Delivery Group. I led the MHRA’s press and digital team during the implentation of the National Programme of Vaccination, managing all COVID19 related issues. I have also developed and implemented policy as a senior leader at BEIS as the country prepared to leave the EU.
As a journalist, I gained a wide range of experience including Fleet Street. I supported the redesign of a prominent business magazine, commissioning columnists, hosting news conferences, leading reporters, enforcing house style and securing exclusives. I have also interviewed current members of the Cabinet, worked on location on high-profile current affairs documentaries and supported undercover surveillance teams.
A media insider, my major strengths are in-depth knowledge of the media and news, strategic development, reporting, campaigning, developing and maintaining constructive contacts, crisis management, strong leadership, team development, reputational management and working successfully with people at all levels. I am a good team player and highly motivated to succeed.