Martha Aroha Email & Phone Number

Teddington, England, United Kingdom

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a public-sector laboratory that conducts essential research and delivers programmes to address the UK’s critical health and environmental challenges.In my role within Government Relations, I translate scientific findings into strategic policy recommendations, focusing on key health and environmental issues.I advocate for the integration of scientific research in policymaking, crafting communications that shape and influence government policies aimed at climate and environmental goals.

Whitehall, England, United Kingdom

Based between Whitehall, Edinburgh, and various sites across Scotland, I led two major economic development programmes: the £220m Community Renewal Fund (CRF) and the £150m Community Ownership Fund (COF). I provided policy expertise to Ministers, offering research and technical advice, particularly on Energy and Net Zero funding. With frequent travel across the Northeast, Highlands, and Islands, I gained insight into how a strong evidence base and collaboration with experts and frontline communities lead to more effective and inclusive policy outcomes.

Secondment to COP26 Office:I developed briefing materials to support political engagement on climate and environment issues for official and Ministerial visits during COP26 in Glasgow. This experience honed my skills in developing messaging in line with organisational goals and strengthened my capacity for strategic policy communication.

London, England, United Kingdom

Supporting the Private Office between Whitehall and Scotland. My professional development included training in:Technical Writing for Non-Specialist AudiencesSystems and Complexity: Applying Systems Thinking to Policy DevelopmentEvidence-Based Policy Development

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Led the national campaign for the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021, mobilising a coalition of NGOs to champion radical legislation for health and social justice. After three years of grassroots campaigning we achieved legislative change.Co-hosted rallies and campaign activities alongside political representatives, lobbying for government action. Facilitated grassroots organising, running workshops with volunteer teams, and represented the campaign in media appearances, including ITV and The Guardian.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

- Secured funding from senior stakeholders to re-launch Sanitree- Managed a large, international team of volunteers- Launched a new micro-enterprise initiative supporting women into dignified employment through the production and distribution of reusable period products- Identified new partnership opportunities: - with the Scottish Government to strengthen the youth voice for period dignity, working on the ground in Brussels to lobby European policymakers on gender, environmental and colonial issues in sustainable development and aid programmes; - with faith and diaspora communities in the UK to stimulate transnational, interfaith dialogue on period poverty and stigma.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Co-founded an international non-profit implementing sustainable, community-driven solutions to period poverty.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Elected representative for the women and non-binary student community at the University of Edinburgh. - Sat on the University Executive Committee for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.- Worked on policy reform for survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence (SGBV) in higher education institutions. - Coordinated a city-wide demonstration against sexual abuse and gender-based violence, 'Fight for the Night'.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom

- Worked in a team of charity fundraisers to raise money for War Child across London streets and at events/festivals during the summer.

Te Whanganui-A-Tara, Aotearoa (New Zealand)

- Researched, drafted and edited content for a monthly review of law affecting Māori, tangata whenua of Aotearoa, with articles listed on the New Zealand National Library.- Reporting on appeals to the Māori Land Court and other claims relating to legislation, policies, actions or omissions of the Crown brought before the Waitangi Tribunal.- Reviewing other laws affecting whenua Māori (land) month-by-month.- Developed written communication skills to engage a range of audiences on colonial law and decolonial legal practice in a jargon-free, accessible manner.