Experience

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  Champion newspapers

  Oct 1999 - Mar 2003

  Chief reporter

  Managed a team of reporters and provided newsworthy stories for publication. First point of contact for stories and enquiries, allocated reporters, provided guidance and leadership to the news team. Regularly gathered information from sources including councillors, police, fire service, schools, court proceedings, council meetings and members of the public.

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  Healthstart ltd

  Apr 2003 - Mar 2004

  Pr account manager

  Account manager for a range of external clients, primarily within the NHS, to provide an all-round PR and marketing service.

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  West lancashire borough council

  Apr 2004 - Feb 2010

  Pr and consultation officer

  As deputy to the PR and Consultation Manager, led on key external and internal communications strategies and key council projects. Provided media training for Councillors. Carried out consultation work including surveys and focus groups.

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  Edge hill university

  Apr 2010 - Feb 2014

  Communications officer

  Managed all media relations activity for one of the fastest growing universities in the Higher Education sector. Other responsibilities included devisi8ng PR campaigns, media training, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, events, video, photography and podcasts.

• 

  Merseytravel

  Mar 2014 - Oct 2015

  Senior communications officer

  As deputy to the communications manager I helped to lead the delivery of a 24/7 robust corporate communications service for Merseytravel - building and protecting its reputation. Delivered proactive internal and external communications, including crisis management and stakeholder relations, and led on the development of a new social media strategy.

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  Plus dane housing

  Nov 2015 - Jun 2017

  Communications manager

  Managed a team to deliver a holistic corporate communications service covering media relations, PR, digital, employee engagement, stakeholder management, graphic design, marketing, branding and events.

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  Sefton council

  Jul 2017 - Oct 2019

  Head of communications

  Responsible for setting the strategic direction for communications activity, covering PR, media relations, internal communications, marketing, digital, creative, behavior change campaigns, design and branding.

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  Edge hill university

  Oct 2019 - now

  Head of corporate communications and external relations

  Chief communications advisor and responsible for setting the strategic direction for all communications and external relations activities, covering: Brand and reputation, PR, media relations, crisis and reputation management, social media, alumni and development, stakeholder relations, data/CRMs, corporate events and internal communications.

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  Digital & creative liverpool city region local enterprise partnership

  Mar 2020 - Aug 2023

  Board member
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  Sefton council for voluntary service (cvs)

  Oct 2020 - Jan 2024

  Board member