By Pippa Bland – PLMR Healthcomms Work Experience
My week within the world of public affairs with PLMR has been extremely fascinating. I have learned about the public affairs, lobbying and PR sectors, how to navigate the challenges for clients, and what it all looks like in practice.
I am currently entering my final year at Ripon Grammar School, where I study English Literature, Classical Civilisations and French. I have always had a love for politics and policy, and have been thinking about what my career will look like when I leave university. This week has provided a wonderful opportunity to put some of my knowledge and skills to the test in the real world, as well as learning and absorbing as much as I could.
My week of work experience took place the week after the General Election – which saw a change of Government, and the biggest Labour electoral victory for a Generation.
One of my early tasks was monitoring Ministerial and other important political appointments to the new Government, providing biographies of key personnel, and sharing with clients – all of whom will be impacted by the result of the General Election, and the new incoming Government.
Although I was working in the PLMR Healthcomms team through the week – and had a focus on public affairs related to health and social care – I got the opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the company to learn more about the work of a public affairs and PR professional, including from the education team and others – all of whom have different ways of working, shifting priorities and varying client needs.
This week provided me with the opportunity to get to grips with the sort of work that the team are doing post-general election, often with tight deadlines and in line with client expectations. I joined a range of team calls where we planned strategy and activity for the week in reacting to the new Government, as well as joining some client calls, where we discussed how the change of Government would impact on them and their businesses.
The week was very busy, and I managed to fit in client work; supporting the team with research into the shape of critical care services within NHS Trusts; and meeting with people from across the sector, who provided me with an insight into some of the wider roles within the political space which have an impact on how policy is shaped – including Dr Simon Kaye from Reform Think Tank, and Dr Sean Phillips from Policy Exchange. The opportunity to connect with and discuss the work of think tanks and politics with such a knowledgeable figure was invaluable for me as I begin to figure out what my journey into politics might look like.
During my week, PLMR held an event with Michael Gove. Hearing insights on the election and on a wide range of policy challenges from someone who was until last week a Secretary of State, was incredibly interesting.
As I take my next steps in my education and prepare for university and beyond, I have lots of options to consider, including courses at university, further work experiences, and planning for a career. Meeting with a range of members of the PLMR team in person meant I could have open discussions about important tips that I can use when planning my career, for engaging with the political and policy landscape, working with clients and external stakeholders, and planning the next steps in my education and career.