Survival Tool Kit - influencing change
Political landscapes are changing and you need to keep up with the times. WK Consulting can offer you the skills of two people who have first hand experience of lobbying and effecting change both inside and outside parliament
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Jonathan ShawJonathan Shaw joined WK Consulting as an Associate in August 2010 and has had 13 years working in government as an MP and Minister. He started his career in government as PPS for Ruth Kelly when she was Secretary of State in the Department for Skills and Education. He then moved to the Whipps office where he was responsible for CLG legislation and then worked as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before moving to the Department for Work and Pensions where he became Minister for Disabled People. He was also Regional Minister for the South East from 2007 until May 2010. Jonathan has real experience of the workings of government and understands what it is like to be on the receiving end of lobbying from a variety of sources often coming from conflicting perspectives. Having been in that position he knows what works and what doesn't work. He can therefore offer support and advice on how to deal with MPs, help with parliamentary lobbying and advice on the political systems and structures. Having worked at a senior level in government Jonathan knows an extensive network of people from across the political spectrum in both local and central government. He also has particular knowledge of the economic and strategic issues facing South East England, and the issues facing young and disabled people in getting back into work. |
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Barbara ThorndickIn 2007 Barbara conceived of the idea of the PlaceShapers Group. She recognised that there was a need for community based housing associations to stand up and be counted. Initially there were seven housing associations based in London and the SE who got together to fund a piece of research looking at what local authorities thought of different types of housing association. From this research, which was published in September 2007 in a short report called 'Going the extra mile', it became clear that there was a distinct value placed by local authority partners on housing associations that were responsive at a local level. In 2008 the group set out its distinguishing philosophy and went national. As Chair of the group Barbara wrote to just over 70 housing associations asking if they wanted to join and 50 did. A national lobby group that immediately achieved access to the top people at the HCA, TSA, central and local government, was formed. When Barbara decided to step down from her role as Chief Executive of West Kent and set up WK Consulting in April 2010 she resigned as Chair of the group, but the group is still going strong under the Chairmanship of Tony Stacey, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Housing Association. News on the groups activities can be found on their website at www.placeshapers.org. Earlier in her career Barbara, whilst working for L&Q Housing Trust, helped bring the concept of foyers - schemes designed to tackle the cycle of homelessness and unemployment for vulnerable young people - to the UK from France. Barbara is highly experienced in translating ideas into reality and can offer advice and support in how to create a lobby group and make change happen. |
Key features
- Assisting you in dealing with local MPs
- Help with parliamentary lobbying
- Understanding political structures and systems
- Influencing policy and political direction
- Dealing with parliamentary select committees
- Creating a lobby group
How can we help?
To discuss your needs in strictest confidence.Call 01732 749422 or 07796 266994
Email us here