The latest public sector PR news, opinion and features.
NHS comms chief leaving to join TikTok
James Lyons is stepping down as director of communications at NHS England to become head of policy communications, Europe, at TikTok.
.jpg)
News & analysis
Ex-Downing Street comms chiefs in controversial honours list
Guto Harri and Jack Doyle, who both served as director of communications under Boris Johnson, are among several former comms aides in the ex-Prime Minister’s Resignation Honours list.
CIPR calls on Labour to go further with lobbying reforms
The Labour Party’s proposed lobbying reforms are a step in the right direction but do not go far enough, according to The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Government creating crack crisis comms unit
A new cadre of crisis comms experts is being set up by the Government Communication Service (GCS), as part of a renewed approach to dealing with emergencies.
PR agency rejects criticism of council PR contract
Cardiff-based Cowshed Communication has hit back at accusations that its contract to promote a flagship development for Caerphilly County Borough Council is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Government comms renews focus on influencers
The Government Communication Service (GCS) is promoting the use of influencers, putting them on a par with traditional media channels, it has emerged.
Govt comms on obesity is failing, think tank warns
The government must overhaul its communications around obesity, with decades of campaigning and a multitude of strategies having failed to reduce the size of the problem, according to the Institute for Government.
.jpg)
Prime Minister in purdah row
Rishi Sunak has been accused of breaking strict rules around purdah – the period in the run-up to an election when restrictions on comms are in place – by making a major policy announcement.
GCS call to arms over AI
The Government Communication Service (GCS) has made tackling AI – and the ethical issues it raises – one of its top priorities for the coming year.
Agency received £10m for COVID-19 comms
A £10m COVID-19 comms contract was handed to red23 – an agency at the centre of a conflict of interests row over its pandemic work – it has emerged.
Boris Johnson and Lee Cain clash over lockdown party
Boris Johnson and Lee Cain, his former director of communications, have clashed over a controversial Downing Street garden party that took place during lockdown in May 2020, it has emerged.
Opinion & features
Top 10 most-read articles by PRWeek subscribers in April
These are the most-read articles by PRWeek UK subscribers in April, measured by our ‘known audience’ of named users who logged in.
PRWeek UK Power Book 2023: Top 10 in Public sector comms
The InformationPRWeek’s UK Power Book reveals the PR pros who lead the way in their respective sectors. Today, we ranking the key players in public sector comms.
Which SNP leadership candidate is winning the comms battle?
The iron discipline for which the Scottish National Party has been renowned in recent years is starting to rust.
The Hancock WhatsApps: public interest or private betrayal?
Do you sympathise with former Health Secretary and jungle celeb Matt Hancock or applaud ruthless journalist and author Isabel Oakeshott?
Sturgeon and Corbyn out: boost for Labour, opportunity for comms and PA pros
A party surging in the polls rarely gets three pieces of great news in one day.
Hot off the press: PRWeek’s 22 most-read articles of 2022
The InformationFrom the diary of a Cannes virgin and the newest agencies to watch to the Top 150 consultancies and the biggest people moves of the year.
Guto Harri: journalistic pedigree is paramount for Downing Street comms chief
Strategic comms advisor Guto Harri, who was director of communications at No. 10 from February until September this year, discusses the skills required for the top comms role in government – and why newcomer Amber de Botton’s CV ‘affords credibility and demands respect’.
Why comms is a vital part of the NHS
Far from being a drain on resources, as the likes of the TaxPayers’ Alliance claim, comms plays a vitally important role in many areas of the NHS.
NHS performance stats: comms pros face tricky balancing act
The second Thursday of each month is always a significant day in the NHS comms calendar.
What I learned as Mikhail Gorbachev’s press officer
Thinking back to that time, it strikes me just how important it is, as a young PR, to be confident to push yourself forward for the jobs you think you’re too junior for.
From the UK editor: The comms paradox of the Boris Johnson era
The KnowledgeThis article is part of The Knowledge, PRWeek's premium content offer.
Boris Johnson, cheese, and can comms be used to manipulate Google results?
In mid-May, Boris Johnson gave a much-publicised interview where he called for people to return to the office. The reason? Johnson said that when he tried to work from home he became easily distracted by the allure of coffee and cheese.
Five Campaigns We Liked in April: your winner revealed
Find out the winner from PRWeek’s selection of the best PR and comms campaigns in April.
Five Campaigns We Liked in April: vote for your favourite
From Dove's campaign highlighting the dangers of influencers giving beauty advice and Innocent turning Trafalgar Square green to a comedic film from Shelter, PRWeek rounds up its five favourite campaigns from April 2022. Vote below for your favourite – the poll closes 9 May at 5pm.
PRWeek UK Power Book 2022: Top 10 in public sector comms
The InformationPRWeek’s UK Power Book reveals the PR pros who lead the way in their respective sectors. Here we rank the biggest players in public sector comms.
-
Deputy Director, Head of News
Cabinet Office, London
-
External Affairs Manager
VMA Group, London (Central), London (Greater)
-
PR Specialist
VMA Group, London (Central), London (Greater)
-
External Affairs Manager
The Oil and Gas Authority, Aberdeen Hybrid
-
Head of News & Communication
Merseyside Police, Liverpool, Merseyside
Public sector people moves
-
Cabinet Office head of news departs for British Airways role
-
Boris Johnson cites No. 10 comms chiefs in ‘Partygate’ inquiry defence
-
BBC given £20m war chest to counter disinformation
-
Govt comms chiefs accused of stopping scientists speaking out
-
Conflict of interest claimed over COVID-19 inquiry comms
-
Matt Hancock criticised vaccine chief’s use of PR agency
-
PRCA and CIPR welcome new lobbying rules for MPs
-
Which MPs have family links to lobbying?
-
Government COVID-19 comms marginalised children, MPs told
-
Emergency comms should go back to basics, warns former security minister