Women’s Institute [Consultant PR] – current
I work alongside the CEO, and the Director of Campaigns and Membership.
I’ve scored targeted national and regional broadcast and newspaper coverage for the launches of new WI campaigns; produced the charity’s first official podcast; devised a new Ambassador strategy – securing new high profile charity ambassadors for the WI; delivered highly-engaged live social media content around three WI conferences; as well as media trained National Council.
Alzheimer’s Society – 2023 [freelance]
I came in as a senior comms consultant for Alzheimer’s Society.
I led on devising the 5-year communications and media plan which supported us winning the biggest People’s Postcode Lottery ‘Dream Fund’ grant ever given – £5,000,000 – to revolutionise dementia diagnosis in the UK.
Pennies 2015-2023
As Head of PR, I helped major UK brand partners tell compelling stories through B2C, B2B, and colleague communications.
This hinged on the power of consumer micro-donations and how this supported delivering on their social purpose – and meeting the ‘S’ in their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. My PR clients included: Domino’s, Toolstation, Ask Italian, The Entertainer, Greene King, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation.
I also penned a lot of category-winning award entries (e.g. Merchant Payments Ecosystem Awards, Pay360 Awards, Emerging Payments Awards, Cards & Payments Awards, Retail Systems Awards).
Whizz-Kidz 2007-2015
Public Relations Manager – and latterly Head of Comms – at young people’s charity Whizz-Kidz.
I developed key relationships with journalists and broadcasters to deliver targeted communications to promote the charity’s service delivery, young people’s participation and campaigning. I led on pivotal comms activity during the Paralympic Games in London, 2012 (scoring strategic coverage on Channel 4, and The Daily Mail). I was also the liaison between the charity and its Patrons – recruiting several, and I devised its social media and real-time web strategy.
Scope 2002-2007
PR Officer
I secured key spots on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and scored national coverage for some of the organisation’s key campaigns such as disability welfare reform.
I have blogged for The Guardian, Civil Society, and AskCharity, and have spoken at many a conference, seminar, and tweet-up on the sector’s use of real-time web.
I was proud to be a judge for Aviva’s Community Fund Awards 2018, and Third Sector’s Awards 2016. I am a shareholder in the people-owned TV station, Together (formerly The Community Channel).
Read an interview with me in The Guardian July 2011.