HS2 is the UK's largest infrastructure project. The new railway will form the high-speed backbone of the country's transport system and have a transformational effect for the economy, particularly bridging the North-South divide.Many people and communities will see direct impacts as construction begins, and it is important that HS2 Ltd understands their views so we can address concerns and act as a good neighbour as the project progresses.I am responsible for HS2 Ltd's Insight… Show more HS2 is the UK's largest infrastructure project. The new railway will form the high-speed backbone of the country's transport system and have a transformational effect for the economy, particularly bridging the North-South divide.Many people and communities will see direct impacts as construction begins, and it is important that HS2 Ltd understands their views so we can address concerns and act as a good neighbour as the project progresses.I am responsible for HS2 Ltd's Insight programme which seeks to get to the bottom of how people think and feel about the project. That understanding is then fed into our communications and our engagement programme. My team and I are also responsible for making sure that our communications - whether reports, speeches, briefings or on-line material - reflect our core narrative and are truthful and accurate. We write speeches and presentations for our Executive and senior management. We are also responsible for developing a core script and briefing system that will become the company's one-stop-shop for facts, figures and narrative for each aspect of the programme - from jobs and skills to sustainability, customer experience to journey times. As an example of what we produce, have a look at the document below. Show less

In this role I drafted over 300 keynote speeches, parliamentary statements, presentations, articles and blogs for both Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers. Key Activities:• Provision of speechwriting and strategic communications services to the Secretary of State.• Maximising impact of speeches with media and stakeholders through handling plans.• Developing and implementing internal communications plans for the Secretary of State.• Management of Special… Show more In this role I drafted over 300 keynote speeches, parliamentary statements, presentations, articles and blogs for both Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers. Key Activities:• Provision of speechwriting and strategic communications services to the Secretary of State.• Maximising impact of speeches with media and stakeholders through handling plans.• Developing and implementing internal communications plans for the Secretary of State.• Management of Special Advisers Office: line manager to three staff providing policy, research and administration support to the Secretary of State’s political appointees.• Running the Department’s Media Team under a temporary promotion to Head of News.• Developing and managing a ‘creative communications’ programme, designed to refresh integrated communications for the department with new thinking. Successes included DECC’s ‘Vampire Energy’ viral media campaign for Halloween 2014.• Working through the Cabinet Office, providing speechwriting services to the Secretary of State for Wales and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.Notable speeches which made significant media impact include:• ‘New Directions in Energy Policy’ (18 Nov 15) by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd: setting out the new Conservative Government’s approach to decarbonisation, funding low carbon generation, and innovation. • ‘Scotland’s Energy Future’ (7 Apr 14) by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey: launching the Government’s Energy Analysis Paper, as part of the preparations for the Scottish independence referendum. Show less

Provision of speechwriting and strategic communications services to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces and the Ministerial Team.

Direction and management of the Liberal Democrat Policy & Research Unit (15 staff) which supplied portfolio specific speechwriting, political advice, research, policy development and media management to the Liberal Democrat Leader, Shadow Cabinet and policy making committees when in opposition.

Speeches, articles, press release and briefing materials for the then Leader of the Liberal Democrats and preparing for Prime Ministers Questions.

Responsible for the direct line management of 5 press officers, with specific responsibility for business and economic news management and promoting the then Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable.

Political advice, speechwriting and research to Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell MP and the Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs team of MPs and Lords and developing contacts with journalists, NGOs, think tanks and pressure groups.