Experience

Chefs in Schools

• United Kingdom
• Wellness and Fitness Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head Of Communications

  • Nov 2019 - Present

  Remote Leading on content development and campaign management at Chefs in Schools. We believe better is possible when it comes to school food - kids are our future, let's feed them like it. Our charity transforms school dinners by placing restaurant chefs into schools and by retraining existing staff, giving them the skills and confidence to cook food from scratch. Every day in the dining hall is an education, laying the foundations of a good food culture that can improve health, reduce obesity and… Show more Leading on content development and campaign management at Chefs in Schools. We believe better is possible when it comes to school food - kids are our future, let's feed them like it. Our charity transforms school dinners by placing restaurant chefs into schools and by retraining existing staff, giving them the skills and confidence to cook food from scratch. Every day in the dining hall is an education, laying the foundations of a good food culture that can improve health, reduce obesity and boost attainment. Show less



FASTN

• PR & Media Manager

  • May 2019 - Nov 2019

  United Kingdom I lead on the media and PR work at FASTN. This includes developing media strategies, key messaging and also planning and developing content for campaigns on Relationships Education and the importance of healthy relationships. I work with decision makers, education professionals, influencers and journalists to raise awareness of these issues.



Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Media Relations Officer

  • Jan 2015 - Apr 2019

  Eastern Region I moved to CRUK to establish the East as a standalone media region - this is the charity’s biggest research investment area outside of London. I built relationships with national and regional journalists, stakeholders, scientists and case studies from scratch. My role involved planning, implementing and delivering high profile multi-media campaigns, pitching to media, presenting at events, planning and overseeing photo shoots, writing campaign material and press releases, producing film and… Show more I moved to CRUK to establish the East as a standalone media region - this is the charity’s biggest research investment area outside of London. I built relationships with national and regional journalists, stakeholders, scientists and case studies from scratch. My role involved planning, implementing and delivering high profile multi-media campaigns, pitching to media, presenting at events, planning and overseeing photo shoots, writing campaign material and press releases, producing film and case study content for digital comms. I managed a small team of freelance writers and photographers and achieved impactful regional, national and international coverage in broadcast, print and online. Show less



The Labour Party

• United Kingdom
• Political Organizations
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Communications Officer

  • Mar 2013 - Dec 2014

  South East Government Region I managed the communications and media work for Labour in the South East Governmental region. I was responsible for external comms and developing strategies to reach new audiences through digital and traditional comms channels. My responsibilities included: Developing & delivering impactful media plans. Writing press releases, blogs, features & campaign material. Publicising & managing high profile visits to the region for the party leader and shadow cabinet, including at Party… Show more I managed the communications and media work for Labour in the South East Governmental region. I was responsible for external comms and developing strategies to reach new audiences through digital and traditional comms channels. My responsibilities included: Developing & delivering impactful media plans. Writing press releases, blogs, features & campaign material. Publicising & managing high profile visits to the region for the party leader and shadow cabinet, including at Party Conference. Digital comms - setting up and running SE Labour’s website and social media feeds. Delivering media training on interview techniques and preparation. Networking & collaborating with contacts in politics, the media & at outside organisations. National press office work. Show less



BBC

• United Kingdom
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 700 & Above Employee

• Reporter/Presenter/Film Maker

  • 2002 - Mar 2013

  BBC TV I worked at the BBC for eleven years as a journalist in national and regional news programming, presenting and reporting for online, radio and TV. The role included: Working as a specialist researcher and reporter on an award-winning investigative unit. Communication skills – writing, presenting, interviewing & listening. Story finding, pitching, filming, editing and production skills - including live OBs. Team working to tight deadlines and in stressful situations.



National Union of Journalists

• United Kingdom
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Campaign Strategist & Publicist

  • Jan 2008 - Oct 2012

  Sussex Voluntary adviser on campaign and communication strategy for South East BBC/NUJ group. This included: PR, research and lobbying. Writing media plans, press releases and campaign material. Briefing/lobbying MEPs & MPs on NUJ campaigns and winning their support. Acting as a spokesperson for the campaign. Briefing journalists on developments. Public speaking experience at lobbying events.



Kent Messenger Newspaper Group

• Senior Reporter

  • Feb 2002 - Aug 2002

  I launched a new edition of the paper and worked as a journalist on the existing editions.



Channel 5

• United Kingdom
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Junior Producer

  • Sep 2000 - Sep 2001

  At C5 News I worked on the breakfast show sourcing celebrity guests, researching the entertainment slot and editing footage. I also worked on the planning desk, researching and standing up stories for the following day.