Stuart Thomson

Drawing on my NYC emergency response days in the Mayor's office, I wrote about the role of debriefing and learning from previous experiences to inform the next one. Some may know it as the "after-action report." I provide a few recommended tips to build your readiness and infrastructure as we head into increasingly turbulent times. But hands down the biggest step any CCO or CMO can take is to build a collaborative culture across teams so that you don't fall victim to unforced errors.

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The US presidential/ UK PM debates have never taken place in the same week, let alone consecutive days. Setting aside which was the more entertaining (easily US) – a few thoughts on how the different broadcast formats affected the coverage and impacted the viewer: ⏳ Ground rules & visuals Contrasting with the BBC's looser approach, #CNN set explicit rules of engagement, everything from response times, microphone control and stage positioning. The split screen close-up camera effect was revealing – Biden pensive then growing in confidence and Trump looking increasingly needled as the debate progressed. If a similar technique was adopted for the UK debate, it wouldn't have benefited Starmer... 🔊 Moderation & questions Dana Bash and Jake Tapper led for CNN vs Mishal Husain alone for the #BBC. Two moderators enabled closer control and smoother transition through questions. Lack of audience in Atlanta meant a strangely sanitized atmosphere but removing audience reactions – along with the use of zoom-in – perhaps helps the viewer to focus more on the candidates and be less influenced by variables. The debate in Nottingham was less structured, giving both men – mainly Sunak – more chance to interrupt and go on the attack. There was also something very British about a willing audience stumbling through their questions amidst shouts of protest from outside! 🎯  Fact-checking Husain planted the flag early by highlighting BBC Verify and both candidates appealed to the service when disputed claims arose. She was also more assertive at clarifying statements and presenting official statistics especially during the immigration and fiscal debates. There was little pre-emptive or real time fact-checking in Atlanta, for which CNN are being heavily criticized. In the closing stages, the moderators struggled just to get the candidates – especially Trump - to engage with the question asked. Personal accusations, counter-claims and a ‘he started it’ line of attack increased as the debate wore on. As for the overall optics, Trump and Sunak appeared the more forceful and vigorous. Biden and Starmer will have to hope their more measured, statesmanlike performances are not overly perceived as tired or meek. #presidentialdebate #2024election

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An impressive and convivial debate expertly chaired by Tim Heatley on the elctricfication of transport. Key take-home messages for me: ⚡️As a country, we are constrained by regulatory process. DNO’s need reform and the powers to act quicker. ⚠️Prioritisation at a national level is required, along with a conjoined planning policy. 🚎For placemaking, the priority is public transport. Build it and they will come. 🧱Aligned to this, we need a place based approach to infrastructure. 🏗️There is an immediate skills shortages in green construction, which remains a barrier, but the resources exist to address this. 🤝Bi-laterally working together is the way forward. Mayors Burnham and Steve Rotherham were optimistic about progress in the next Parliament, and gave a sneak peek at a call for private sector investment in Liverpool / Manchester rail, to be announced tomorrow. 👀 Thanks to Bibis #Leeds for hosting. #infrastructure #environment #cleanenergy #transport #UKREiiF

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With Ed Miliband firmly behind the desk at DESNZ, the energy industry will be eagerly waiting for him to provide more detail of some policies in Labour's manifesto - particularly what he intends for Great British Energy.    Whether it's an investment vehicle or something more involved, there's one mission he should build into the body from the start. That's acting as an educator and an advocate for the energy transition.   Our NSIP Community Sentiment Research, conducted earlier in the year, shows that: 📣 More than 7 in 10 support renewables in their area ❓ BUT nearly 6 in 10 also say that they don't know about renewables 🚫 It's that knowledge gap that opens the way for opponents of development to convert passive support into active opposition We're seeing that particularly in attitudes towards new transmission infrastructure. Only 35% said they supported this in their area - partly because many people don't make the link between needing new renewables and needing to get the electricity to where it's needed.   Developers have had a hard time making the case themselves. Communities, naturally, tend to point out that they have a financial stake in the matter.   That's where Great British Energy could and should come in - leading the charge in helping communities understand how the 'local pain' they're facing is genuinely part of a much bigger picture, with similar work taking place across the country. For more on what Labour means for your business, get in touch with our Advocacy team on [email protected] #advocacy #publicaffairs #energy #renewables #labour #politics #election #NSIPs #greatbritishenergy

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👉UNBELIEVABLE… …to him, but entirely believable to others🤷‍♂️🫤 This opening statement by the ex-Chair of Royal Mail, Allan Leighton, evidenced in the ongoing Post Office Inquiry offers important insight to our ‘belief systems’: 1 The inadequacy of them; an inadequacy that can prove to be fatal for you, and others 2 The need to widen them in order to prevent inadequacy becoming normalised 3 The need for independent professional support to help you widen them 4 How we continue to deceive ourselves and harm others until we take responsibility for them (1-3 above refers) This link to a conversation about self-responsibility and belief systems with Professor MacLennan who can help you widen them may prove helpful: https://lnkd.in/ef2WutnT This link to ‘Wilful Blindness’ which promotes an understanding as to why Allan Leighton said what he meant may also help: https://lnkd.in/e7YZ9nWs Margaret Heffernan Prof Nigel MacLennan Leadership Coach and Integrity Campaigner 🎶Crack The Shutters🥰✈️ https://lnkd.in/eis9UeWR https://lnkd.in/e7dG4mpD

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As NHS Confed says in its latest report, fundamental, system wide change is indeed needed to scale up pockets of best practice into a new neighbourhood health service. Interesting focus on investment in capital assets – just last week we were speaking to a pioneering service transformation lead who’s offering one-stop-shop community hubs that are cutting waiting times, and improving patient outcomes, but can’t cater for all conditions without the physical space to do so. You also need the right people in place to deliver the service, and we will be pushing for community services – including rehab - to get a renewed focus from funding to commissioning and incentivising. Because everyone deserves the right to rehab. And it's how we move care from hospital to community also known as closer to home. https://lnkd.in/eqSwCpH8

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Looking forward to chairing this session for PLMR Genesis colleagues next week, with an expert panel discussing what may happen in the polls coming July 4th & what the East of England needs from a new administration. Sign-up details below if you want to listen in! #politics #policy #publicaffairs #eastofengland

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Interested in BNG? Have a read of our lessons learned with Local Planning Authorities and the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) in the first few months of BNG being mandatory: https://lnkd.in/eeEjN74K It's worth reiterating that while sustainable development and nature recovery can sit side by side, it takes effort across sectors and geographies to pull together for national change. #BiodiversityNetGain #BNG

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I am looking forward to moderating this important event organised by UK Transport in Europe and UK Mission to the European Union to discuss 'The Future of Accessible Transport' with an eminent panel of experts. EU Treaties, UK law, the UN’s SDGs and Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promote and guarantee the right to free movement for all citizens. In addition, a body of European (and UK) law covering both technical accessibility standards and rights covering bus and coach, rail, aviation and shipping have been in place for many years. Despite this fact, persons with disabilities still do not fully benefit from this right as much of the transport systems throughout Europe remain inaccessible. So as transport is redesigned with sustainability in mind in the coming years, how we can ensure accessibility is placed at the forefront of policy development?

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Labour has just delivered its first budget in 15 years, a totemic moment for the new government that will define their whole parliamentary term. Alongside the major headlines of a significant expansion in spending - especially on the NHS and on investments, funded by massive borrowing and a £40 billion tax hike - the highest since 1993, there are also notable policy signals underneath it. This includes the likely broadening of the sugar levy on drinks and the expansion of breakfast clubs, an effective cut on international development aid, which will disappoint both charities and many Labour MPs and a huge injection on spending on green energy infrastructure. From a comms viewpoint, Labour needed to land two messages: going for growth and it won't hit working people. There may be frustration therefore that both of these were undermined by the independent OBR watchdog. The OBR has projected growth later in parliament to be sluggish, and well below Starmer's hope for a 2.5% GDP annual growth rate and the hike in employers national insurance to be mostly passed on to workers. The radical departure of the message of caution and limited tax rises during the General Election may also hurt them. Labour do have time given they are still at the beginning of term with a huge parliamentary majority. They will hope the improvement in key public services will pay dividends and calculated the accusation of austerity 2.0 was too fatal for their core support. Nevertheless, this is a major gamble for Labour. The government has thrown a lot of money at seeds which may not sprout for many years. Tax rises (which are near Corbyn 2017 manifesto level) could drag economic growth, which could be fiscally and politically disastrous. The high borrowing leaves the treasury exposed: the fiscal headroom is small and could erode quickly if markets decide to increase the cost of borrowing. Looking ahead, the Treasury will face a multi-year spending review in Spring, which sets the budgets for Departments for 2026–27 onwards. And in two years - a lot of the front loaded spending will level off - if there is no uptick of growth to bring in fresh cash, the Treasury will face fresh pressure to find more ways to raise revenue to commit to ever demanding public services. We won't know the full impact of this budget for years to come - but it will be felt by all of us. You can see more insights in the blog below! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eC2fHkWd

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🚀Great kick off to the week with the official launch of The Purpose Coalition’s Breaking Down Barriers Commission in Parliament! Chaired by Nick Forbes CBE, this initiative aims to redefine social mobility and tackle deep-seated inequalities. The Commission will focus on removing barriers to opportunity through a renewed partnership across government, industry, and community sectors. Our report release, ‘Breaking Down Barriers Commission: The Vision and Purpose’ outlines a strategic blueprint for transformative change across the UK, emphasising the importance of collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions. 🤝As we face increasing challenges from economic uncertainties and geopolitical insecurities, it is crucial now more than ever to foster strategic engagement and harness the talents of individuals across all backgrounds. The introduction of Goal 15, Working in Partnership, marks a pivotal shift towards more meaningful collaborations that not only aim for profitability but also prioritise improving lives across communities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dA97ZKGi #BreakingDownBarriers #SocialMobility #PurposeCoalition #InclusiveGrowth

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A big turnout for a big Budget. Great to have political, market and media heavy-hitters giving their analysis of Labour’s fiscal statement at MHP Group HQ this morning. If you missed it, read our top five takeaways here: https://lnkd.in/eWReUnXb

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CIPR Crisis Communications Network Event: In Conversation with Dr. Timothy Coombs, 1st July 2024 I'm hugely looking forward to leading a conversation, on 1st July for the CIPR Crisis Communications Network, with Timothy Coombs. Dr. Coombs is one of the world's foremost crisis communications academics and advisors, most famous for his Situational Crisis Communication Theory. I hope that we will have a terrific turnout for what promises to be a fascinating discussion - do join us on 1st July! #trust #risk #resilience #reputation #crisiscommunications #publicrelations #pr #crisismanagement #riskmanagement #leadership #management #communications #business #marketing

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A really clear message from Fiona Bride at Financial Times Global Pharma & Biotech Conference this morning: 1 - let’s build on our strength as a pro-innovation health system that gets cutting edge therapies to patients 2- let’s do our best for taxpayers by using clinically effective medicines available at lower cost 3- let’s not shy away from the challenge of improving uptake of treatments for large eligible populations, but use tech to lean-in and evolve

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👀 Huge opportunity, and calling collaborators - What do we want our country to look like in 2050? How should we develop the national vision and strategy for the UK? 👀 At the Apolitical Foundation conference this week, Catherine Day of the Cabinet Office and Robyn Scott of Apolitical Foundation, with the support of others including Involve launched an ambitious cross-sector initiative. We seek ideas for the development of a national programme of strategy setting for the UK. Share your details in the form below, if you'd like to contribute ideas and expertise! Why a UK strategy? I believe we must define our national goals - and it can't be just governments who define them. It's exceptionally hard to do - just look back at the last 10 years and the shocks and surprises we met - strategy has to account for change and complexity. But setting the vision has to be done, because with shared goals, we can tell whether we're succeeding, and whether we are building a country that is on the right track. Without a shared direction, people and governments can become increasingly disaffected with each other - the people go unheard and fall prey to populism and short-termist solutions, and governments take wrong turns and work diligently on the wrong things. Everyone has a stake, the public, businesses, civil society. We all need to collaborate to create this vision and share it so we have something worth hoping, working and fighting for. But how should we do it? Two principles underpin this call... 🤲 The design has to be for a truly national, at-scale, deep engagement, including deliberative and participative approaches 🏛 Whatever the strategy, our institutions need to change to help us design and deliver on this vision. I'll be putting forward Involve's point of view on all these and helping where I can to convene and discuss collaboration. Get in touch!

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With the Scottish Government's energy strategy also expected, today we got the green industrial strategy. Aren't we spoilt? A few things that stood out (noting that energy policy is still reserved to Westminster): ✅ Important for anyone in the five 'priority' areas: "Developers can expect public policy levers and resources to align behind the key opportunity areas identified in this strategy, providing a positive, transparent landscape in which to make growth decisions". 🗺 An acknowlegement that planning/consenting (which is devolved) needs to improve, but not a huge amount of clarity beyond 'streamlining' and a new planning and consenting and licensing framework. 🌊 Surprising ommissions of tidal, hydro and battery storage. All have domestic expertise, supply chains, and significant potential to contribute to areas like export - identified as a priority elsewhere in the strategy. 🔌 Issues like transmission charges, grid reform, and locational pricing's moment in the sun are just about acknowledged with plans to "work with" UKG, Ofgem and ESO - but Scottish projects might have been hoping for a clearer position. ❌ No new money was expected, but it is still notably absent. Even £500m for offshore wind was previously announced in 2023. The document is also light on measurement (or even interim targets) for the aims set out. Our energy clients have received a far more detailed version of this note - with recommended next steps. We'll be doing the same for the upcoming energy strategy. If you'd like to join them, please drop me a line! [email protected] #Energy #Scottishgovernment #Netzero

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Check out our summary of last week’s momentous General Election. With planing and housing reforms already announced today it’s going to be a busy time for the property, energy & infrastructure sectors! #property #regeneration #GE2024 #energy #infrastructure #PR #propertyPR

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Do the UK public know their EPCs as well as their ABCs? In March the Department of Energy released its latest data on the public’s awareness and understanding of climate change issues, green heating, and low-carbon choices. Nesta has delved into the data for a temperature check on the public’s awareness of the transition to green heating and whether there are signs of change. From growing awareness of heat pumps to a better understanding of EPC ratings, these are their five key findings:

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