Public Affairs in Practice

Dr Stuart Thomson is Senior Public Affairs Adviser at Bircham Dyson Bell, the leading law firm and Parliamentary Agency. He was previously a Director with Upstream, the political consultancy and regulatory affairs division of the international law firm, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary. He writes and lectures on business and political issues and is the author of several books.Steve John is Director of Government Affairs for PepsiCo UK and Ireland. Before that, he ran Upstream, the political consultancy and regulatory affairs division of the international law firm, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary. He has also worked as a journalist and as a political consultant for a number of government relations firms.

"This book really gets to the heart of public affairs and will doubtless prove useful for those new to the industry as well as one or two of its more experienced members." Jonathan Bracken, Partner and Head of Public Policy, Bircham Dyson Bell, and former Chair of the CIPR Government Affairs Group "The link between the media, politics and campaigning has never been stronger. Those involved in public affairs need to know what the media expects of them otherwise the campaign will suffer. Thomson and John's book can help you get to the heart of the media and its influence on political audiences." Alastair Stewart, ITN Journalist "Public affairs is a valuable part of the democratic process and informed, ethical lobbying can make for better decision-making. Government, Parliament, civil servants and the media all recognise the role public affairs plays and the benefits it can bring. Having been on the receiving end of campaigns when in Government, I can say that this book will really help you deliver effective programmes." Stephen Twigg, Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, former Government Minister and Labour MP "Politicians expect to receive briefings that are well argued and accurate - a half told story or one that leaves questions unanswered will only lead to failure. The relationships you build will politicians are of vital importance so make sure you get off on the right foot. This book helps you do that - its a must for anyone really wanting to understand public affairs." Ed Vaizey MP, Conservative Party Member of Parliament for Wantage "A guide to public affairs for people seeking to enter the industry and practicing professionals" Evening Express, Aberdeen "Explains how to devise an effective lobbying strategy, engage and communicate with politicians and other policy makers, and identify, motivate and engage stakeholders." PR Week "Thomson and John take readers through why public affairs is important for an organization, what it involves and the benefits it can deliver." BrandRepublic website "Includes top tips on how to get involved in public affairs and make yourself heard by politicians and policy-makers in parliament and the civil service." The Edgeware and Mill Hill Press "Will demystify the techniques and background to lobbying." Kentish Express "A practical guide to modern public affairs." Public Affairs News "Thomson and John show how to develop the required expertise." Australian Financial Review, AFR Boss "Does exactly what it says on the cover." Corporate Communications "Demonstrates that public affairs nowadays is nuch more about targeted, professional and strategic communications." Local Covernment First "Practical 'how-to', hands-on book on" B.V.P.A " The authors comprehensively sketch out the relevant structures, techniques and recent developments in public affairs". LGA

• Chapter - 01: Introduction;Chapter - 02: The art of lobbying;Chapter - 03: Reputation and the media;Chapter - 04: Managing issues;Chapter - 05: Stakeholder relations;Chapter - 06: Corporate social responsibility;Chapter - 07: Conclusion