The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

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 .

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 .  

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 .

In a change to the usual format, I discuss Reputation Management & Public Affairs with Milos Labovic . We also discuss my latest book, 'Reputation in Business: Lessons for Leaders. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

A creative working environment should recognise the abilities and contribution of everyone. Sadly, despite what they may say, not all organisations live up to the high standards they claim to live by.  But don’t give up on them.  Instead, think about how to encourage change. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

There is no doubt that the reputation spotlight is expanding and intensifying. But more than anything, expectations are changing, and this brings with them a new set of rules for communications. Ignore those rules and risk your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

Too often in a bid to save reputations, communications become the absolute focus. If the media statement kills the issue, then it will have been successful. But such an approach can inflict more damage. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

The development of a reputation takes time, effort, and resources. It should be central to all engagement and communications, internal and external. But there continue to be examples of the communications outstripping the reality and that brings with it political dangers. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

It would be wonderful if a public affairs campaign could assume a level of knowledge or understanding by key audiences. But that would be the wrong starting point. You need to start by establishing the key facts. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

There are a number of issues facing any local project. It has to build the trust and support of local communities as well as decision-makers and there is often a role for central government too. But what are the key issues that local project champions should consider? Thanks to my editor Callums World .  

Reputations need to be built, managed and protected. That means being active rather than passive when it comes to reputation management. This does not mean playing everything out in public. What are the practical steps you should take? Thanks to my editor Callums World .

Governments love to commission independent reviews. They are launched and report back with significant fanfare. But all too often they are then immediately consigned to history. The reality is that they should be seen as the start of public affairs engagement, not an end point. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

Every public comment from an organisation can have an impact on reputation – positive or negative. That means being careful about every single word, all the time. If not, you are playing with your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World .  

There is no denying the need for everyone to undertake professional development at all stages of a career. But too often courses aimed at senior leaders, such as MBAs, fail to consider the critical role of public affairs. They are leaving a huge gap. Thanks to my editor Callums World .

It is a basic requirement but one that is very easy to get wrong. What are the steps you should take for preparing and conducting a useful public affairs meeting? Thanks to my editor Callums World .

There can often be a need to get ahead of an issue and to lead the debate. This can help secure stakeholder attention and contribute to the process of becoming a trusted adviser. But how can you do that? Thanks to my editor Callums World .    

Talk from  Westminster Forum  conference, 20/5/22 Thanks to my editor Callums World .  

The higher your level of political exposure, the more need there is to engage with government and politics. Without this engagement, you are failing to manage your risks. Check out my website . Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson  Callums World . MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24    

Keeping track of political intelligence is the lifeblood of public affairs. But having information is not enough. The critical element is what you do with it. Check out my website . Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson  Callums World . MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

Conversations are fundamental to public affairs. Not talking to people leads to narrow thinking and a failure to develop networks. We must all consider our conversations if we are to deliver good advice. Check out my website . Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson  Callums World . MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

This episode considers the issue of reputation during a crisis and uses examples from the Covid-19 crisis. Always keen to hear feedback as we develop the podcast @redpolitics Thanks to: Callum Thomson, podcast producer. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

First episode that looks at the role that personal engagement plans can play in delivering a public affairs strategy. Please rate, review and subscribe. You can read my blog . Check out my website . Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson.  You can subscribe to his YouTube channel, Callums World .