The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast
Public Affairs in Practice is a practical podcast about how public affairs, lobbying and political engagement actually work.
Hosted by Dr Stuart Thomson — public affairs practitioner, author and trainer — the podcast explores how organisations influence policy, engage decision-makers and build effective public affairs strategies. Episodes draw on real-world experience across government relations, campaigning, reputation management and political communication.
Through interviews with leading practitioners, policymakers and recruiters, alongside solo episodes and case studies, Public Affairs in Practice focuses on the skills, judgement and strategic thinking needed to succeed in modern public affairs.
The podcast is designed for people working in, or aspiring to work in, public affairs, government relations, policy, communications and related fields — offering practical insight rather than theory alone.
New episodes explore career development, campaign strategy, insider and outsider lobbying, ethics, and how policy change really happens.
As featured in The Times.
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or other plaforms then please follow the show to get new episodes as they’re released.
Learn more about Stuart and his public affairs consultancy, CWE Communications.
Listen on:
Episodes
Nov 21, 2022
Nov 21, 2022
4 min
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.
Oct 28, 2022
Oct 28, 2022
4 min
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.
Oct 16, 2022
Oct 16, 2022
3 min
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.
Oct 9, 2022
Oct 9, 2022
2 min
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.
Aug 30, 2022
Aug 30, 2022
4 min
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.
Aug 24, 2022
Aug 24, 2022
3 min
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.
Jul 23, 2022
Jul 23, 2022
4 min
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.
Jul 19, 2022
Jul 19, 2022
3 min
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.
Jul 14, 2022
Jul 14, 2022
4 min
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.
Jun 27, 2022
Jun 27, 2022
3 min
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.