The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

Welcome to ’Public Affairs in Practice,’ the podcast that delves into the dynamic world of public affairs, communications, and reputation management. Join us as we navigate the complexities of today’s public affairs landscape, offering expert insights, top tips, and thought-provoking interviews with seasoned practitioners. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the podcast is your go-to resource for unleashing your creative thinking in delivering effective public affairs strategies. Join me to stay ahead of the curve and gain the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this ever-evolving field. Boost your expertise and stay in the know with ’Public Affairs in Practice’. As featured in the Times. Learn more about Stuart and his public affairs consultancy, CWE Communications, www.cwecommunications.com

Episodes

January 6, 2025 48 mins

In an interview episode, I talk to John Johnston, author of the weekly London Influence email for Politico which covers campaigning, lobbying and political influence in the U.K.

We talk about his background and how he got into journalism, how he has found navigating the industry, and trends for 2025.

There is also mention of the current consultation on the PRCA's Public Affairs Code. You can read details here.

Learn more about me a...

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In an interview episode, I talk to Doug Pinkham, President of the Public Affairs Council.

We talk about the importance of public affairs, its role in reputation management, how the industry has changed and what we can expect from the future. We also couldn't avoid talking about the forthcoming US Presidential election!

This episode was recorded before the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the withdrawal of President Biden...

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In an interview episode, I talk to Zoe Cohen, a highly experienced board-level director and Master Coach.

We talk about the importance of taking action to save the planet, climate communications, her activism and work with Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil.

This episode was recorded before the recent UK General Election and *WARNING* it does contain some swearing.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Comm...

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In an interview episode, I talk to John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK

We talk about his work at PR Week, stories that he is particularly proud of, the main challenges facing the public affairs, and how it may evolve in the coming years.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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All organisations need to manage risk. Some do it better than others. Some make basic mistakes; others try to drive out all aspects of risk. But the reality is that some risk needs to be maintained, not least in communications, otherwise innovation can die.

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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Originally written for LabourList, and with Scott Goodstein, this episode outlines five crucial challenges for which every candidate should be prepared in creating their own winning election scenario.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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In a different type of episode, we hear from five of the leading monitoring companies.

Delivering public affairs training, I am often asked about who can monitoring services. So, I asked leading monitoring companies to tell us more about what they do.

A huge thank you to all those who took part.

To learn more about the companies took part (in alphabetical order):

DeHavilland

Dods

PolicyMogul - with a special offer of 10% off your f...

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In an interview episode, I talk to Craig Jones MBE, Executive Director of Fighting With Pride  that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families.

We talk about his background in the Royal Navy; the lifting of the ‘gay ban’ in the armed forces and the challenges he, and many others, faced; his varied career when he left the Royal Navy; how Fighting With Pride started, its achievements in i...

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December 11, 2023 31 mins

In an interview episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group.

We talk about his background in the civil service, the skills he learned and how he has applied them to public affairs and the fantastic campaign he has led tackling violence against shop workers. It is a case study that everyone should learn from.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Th...

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December 4, 2023 22 mins

In an interview episode, I talk to Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust.

We talk about her impressive career, how it all started, and the benefits of serving of a local councillor.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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October 30, 2023 25 mins

In an interview episode, I talk to Vallath Kavitha Krishnan, a Team Leader in the Scottish Government's Justice Transformation Policy Team.

We talk about her background in public affairs and its benefits in her latest policy-focused role.

All views expressed in the podcast are Vallath's own.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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In an interview episode, I talk to Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank for Britain’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.

We talk about how he established TEN, its role and the challenges of running a think tank.

I am one of TEN's advisers.

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Engaging with political audiences can often feel like an uphill challenge for those seeking to make an impact. Even when an event seems directly relevant, politicians may not always want to take part. Why can it seem like they have left the room?

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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There can be a lot to consider when writing a public affairs strategy. It needs to think about the policy context, stakeholders, their timetables and much else. But sometimes thinking at a more granular, micro level can help focus and drive action. Always ask what needs to change to get the outcome you want.

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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There is a common belief that public affairs requires large, well-resourced teams. However, many organisations operate with smaller budgets and teams, which presents a challenge for achieving success. How can we make them effective?

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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May 31, 2023 3 mins

Small changes in any working day can have a hugely beneficial impact. But what are the small practices that you could incorporate into a working day to improve the delivery of your public affairs?

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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March 19, 2023 3 mins

Standing out from the crowd is important at any stage of a career but it is best to get into good habits early on. Thinking about your personal branding should be one such early consideration.

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

 

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I talk to Rebecca Deegan, founder of I Have A Voice, about the campaign, and her experience of working in public affairs.

If you want to contact Rebecca then email her at rebecca@ihaveavoice.org.uk

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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February 26, 2023 16 mins

In our first interview, I talk to Louise Abraham, Senior Government Relations at Cafod about her experience of working in public affairs. We talk about how she entered the profession and hear about some of the most effective campaigns she has worked on.

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

 

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January 29, 2023 4 mins

Keir Starmer continues to face challenges as leader of the Labour Party. There is no doubting the improvement he has already made to their electability, but further change is promised. Is Labour likely to form the next Government? How should those in public affairs be preparing?

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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