Louise F.

Head up the RCP’s policy and campaigns team, overseeing policy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and integrated campaigns. Working to secure policy change from UK government, Welsh government and the NHS in England and Wales, my team is responsible for maintaining the RCP’s reputation as a thought leader in the eyes of government and sector stakeholders.

Designed and delivered the RCP’s public affairs strategy, including work to secure a commitment from Labour to double the number of medical school places as recommended in the RCP’s ‘Double or Quits’ report published in 2021. Worked across the health and care sector with colleagues to lead the Strength in Numbers coalition securing the first ever NHS workplace plan with independently verified workforce numbers.

• Co-wrote report ‘On the road to parity’ as secretariat to the APPG on Mental Health, which shaped the NHS Long Term Plan. Spoke alongside Secretary of State at launch event. • Co-wrote report 'Building Communities That Care'.

• Handled day to day running of first ever Choose Psychiatry campaign (2017), resulting in applications for psychiatry increasing by a third the following year. Ran focus groups to develop key messages, created branding, worked with external production agency to produce film, lobbied MPs to raise workforce in Parliament and engage constituency medical schools. Secured national coverage and crafted consumer features to promote psychiatry. • Proactive and reactive press and public affairs activity, including topical op-eds, Letters to the Editor and placing stories. • Provided secretariat to APPG on Mental Health.

Ran creative PR campaigns and busy press offices securing high profile national (broadcast/daily print/features) and B2B coverage for clients including Fairtrade, New Scientist, English Heritage, New Amsterdam Vodka and Unilever. Part of pitch teams.