The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast Podcast By Stuart Thomson cover art

The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

By: Stuart Thomson
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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.

Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Economics Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Interview with Genevieve Young, Global Public Affairs, Canada

    Interview with Genevieve Young, Global Public Affairs, Canada
    Mar 30 2026

    In an interview episode, I talk to Genevieve Young, President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Public Affairs in Canada.

    We talked about Genevieve's route into public affairs and her wide ranging experience providing strategic counsel to the C-suite of some of Canada’s most iconic companies and organisations.

    Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications

    Thanks to my editor Callums World.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Building A Career in Public Affairs

    Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Building A Career in Public Affairs
    Jan 21 2026

    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.
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    44 mins
  • Interview with Marg Joiner, independent consultant, New Zealand

    Interview with Marg Joiner, independent consultant, New Zealand
    Dec 8 2025

    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.
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
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