How recruiters assess talent in UK public affairs – insights from leading recruiters

In this special episode of Public Affairs in Practice, I speak to five leading recruiters in UK public affairs about what employers really look for when hiring.

When delivering public affairs training, I’m often asked how to build a career in public affairs, how to stand out to employers, and what skills matter most at different stages. To answer those questions, I asked experienced recruiters to share their perspectives from the front line of hiring.

We discuss:

What public affairs employers value most

Common mistakes candidates make

How career paths in public affairs are changing

Advice for those entering or progressing in the profession

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their insight:

Adam Pritchard, Door 10

Alec Zetter, Vox Partners

Janie Emmerson, Hanson Search

Rohan Shah, Reuben Sinclair

Ross Picton, Taylor Birchwood

You can learn more about my public affairs training, consultancy and mentoring work at @CWE Communications

Thanks, as ever, to my editor, Callums World.

If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please follow the show or leave a review — it really helps others working in public affairs discover the podcast.

In an interview episode, I talk to Marg Joiner, an independent government relations consultant from New Zealand.

We talked about Marg's route into public affairs and her wide ranging experience including her experience in mediation and conflict resolution.

More details about the book that Marg contributed to, and her chapter on public affairs in New Zealand, can be found here.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Daniel Rice, Director at 5654, and Sam Cooper, Managing Director at MessageSpace.

As well as learning more about Daniel and Sam and their paths into public affairs and political communication, we focused on the findings of their recent joint report, "Influence and Information: Media Habits of Westminster."

You can access the report by clicking here.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Richard Gard, Director and Head of External and Government Affairs Africa, Middle East, Europe, India, Oceania at Nissan Motor Corporation.

We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, how he leads a small team covering such a huge region, his use of agency support, how the work of agencies has evolved over the past 10-15 years and how he manages to keep track of so many markets and balance the pressures on his time.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Robert Magyar, Head of Healthcare, APAC at Weber Shandwick.

We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of public affairs and lobbying across Asia and, in particular, China, and how his experience of running a consultancy.

More details about the book that Robert contributed to, and his chapter on public affairs in China, can be found here.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Matt Day, Head of Government Relations, UK & Ireland.

We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of working for in consultancy and in-house roles, and how he sees the profession developing in the future.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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 and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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 from the Democratic nomination.

Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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 Communications

Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Zoe has kindly provided some links and reading materials for us as well.

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.