Neil Edwards Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London, England, United Kingdom

Using Agile project management techniques and the Modern Communications Operating Model 3.0, developed and now leading the delivery of a communications and engagement strategy to design the scope, strategic direction and structure of the new digital centre of government in DSIT, delivered through a matrix of DSIT teams.Utilised my professional network to assemble industry experts to challenge digital centre strategy through a series of roundtables with think tanks, trade associations and academies.Designed and led engagement workshops for 1000+ DSIT staff to challenge the way forward for the digital centre based around 8 digital, data and technology themes.Developed the engagement plan for a GOV.UK growth strategy, supporting the Leadership Team to define long-term direction, objectives and priority stakeholders.Coordinated stakeholder engagement to secure buy-in for the growth strategy, establishing partnerships with government organisations to take part in critical user testing to develop a new GOV.UK App product to simplify the GOV.UK user experience.Represented the UK government at international engagements, advocating for UK standards and identifying opportunities for closer alignment with partners.

London, England, United Kingdom

Used data and insights to develop and implement a digital marketing campaign to promote the new GOV.UK Forms product, securing 900 trial accounts by early 2024.Fostered the customer market by building collaborative relationships with existing customers and consulting on future product strategy.

London

Successfully established and led a team of communications and engagement professionals at pace during the first months of the global pandemic using coaching techniques, regular feedback and clear performance standards to support development and drive delivery.Part of a cross-government crisis response team advising ministers communications for the delivery of 2.3+ million food parcels inc. Prime Minister press briefings.Developed and led the organisation communications and engagement strategy, monitoring progress through regular reporting and evaluation.Key member of the directorate leadership team, advising senior officials on media handling for public allegations of racism, bullying and harassment.Used Government Communication Service (GCS) disciplines including digital, media, external affairs, internal communications and marketing to develop and deliver communications campaigns, supporting the increased adoption of GDS products e.g. GOV.UK Notify onboarding over 1000 organisations and GOV.UK Pay onboarding over 160 organisations.

London, United Kingdom

Established a professional, high performing team using agile management delivery techniques, improving organisation reputation with 25+ government departments through an account management model.Developed an organisation capability programme for 50+ engagement managers, using coaching skills to accelerate learning and improve stakeholder relationships.Implemented a cross-government board of executive stakeholders to oversee delivery of the Government Transformation Strategy, successfully securing HM Treasury funding to address legacy IT.

London, United Kingdom

Led the implementation of a cross-government strategy to adopt a once in a generation plan to reduce the government property portfolio from 800 to 200, save £2.5bn and secure the confidence of Ministers to relocate 6,000 civil servants from Whitehall.Planned and delivered a multi-channel internal and external communication campaign using the OASIS model for the largest property deal in the UK at the time, influencing global stakeholders to adopt the UK government communications model.

London

Analysed the multi-million pound Acas property portfolio using HMT green book guidance to test, build and agree regional business cases to generate efficiency savings.Managed the shared service facilities management supplier relationship.

London, United Kingdom

Led the implementation of a new property shared service model, influencing all UK government departments to adopt using project management techniques at scale.Negotiated agreement to a new facilities management model through large-scale engagement, prioritising based on service efficiency.

London, United Kingdom

Led an estate transformation programme using PRINCE2 methodology to generate £100m+ of savings, developing the business case to secure investment funding.Developed the restructure of a B2B commercial function with a national shared service provider, from concept to implementation, presenting and successfully securing agreement at board level.Developed and managed a multidisciplinary team of specialists to enable delivery.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Media & Communication

I studied all aspects of media and communication including practical, theoretical and written experience of radio, television, new media.

Btec, Media Studies

I gained practical experience of all aspects of media production and editing, produced a range of media products such as films, trailers.

Gsce, English Language, English Literature, Science (Double Award), Maths, Art, History, Technology