'Good communication can change perceptions and build legacies'

What does your current role involve?
I am head of communications for both Liverpool Cathedral and the Diocese of Liverpool. I stepped into the role following a rapid promotion and now lead strategy, media, and storytelling across two of the city’s most significant institutions. No two days are ever the same. I might be managing national press on a major story, overseeing cultural events that bring thousands through the cathedral doors, building a strategy for our multimillion-pound investment or supporting the communications needs of hundreds of churches across the diocese.

Working across both organisations gives me a unique perspective: the immediate impact and public profile of the UK’s largest cathedral, combined with the breadth and reach of a diocesan network. It’s a role that demands creativity, resilience, and clear leadership. I’m passionate about ensuring communications is at the heart of it all.

Balancing the two means operating at different speeds and scales every single day. At the cathedral, the focus is often on the here and now – telling stories that capture imaginations, welcoming thousands of visitors, and ensuring our voice is heard in the cultural life of Liverpool. Within the diocese, the challenge is broader and more long-term, by supporting hundreds of churches, helping leaders navigate change and shaping communications that reflect the diversity and depth of our communities. It's also about future sustainability in the diocese, constantly comparing everything we do today and understanding how it will impact tomorrow.

The intersection of these worlds is what excites me most. It gives me the opportunity to prove that communications is not just a support function, but a strategic driver, helping organisations manage reputation, embrace opportunities, and engage people in meaningful ways.

What do you love most about working in public relations?
What I love most is the variety and the impact. PR gives me the chance to shape conversations, tell stories that matter, and help organisations connect with the people who are at the core of their product, whatever it may be. I enjoy the pace, how no two days are alike and also the responsibility of being trusted with reputation at crucial moments. It's the thrill that all of us in PR feel.

For me, communications is about more than campaigns or press releases; it’s about influence, trust, and creating the space for organisations to be understood. The variety is what keeps me energised. One day I might be guiding leaders through a sensitive media moment, the next I’m helping to bring a cultural event to life so that we can welcome thousands through the cathedral doors. Each situation demands something different, from creativity to returning on investments and strategic thinking – it’s that blend that makes the role so rewarding.

Most of all, I love that good communications can make a real difference: it can open doors, change perceptions, and help organisations build legacies that impact stakeholders and audiences for generations. Done well, PR isn’t just about managing reputation, it’s about shaping futures, building resilience, and making sure that sometimes quietest voices are heard.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
A real career highlight for me was leading the communications for Anish Kapoor’s Monadic Singularity exhibition at Liverpool Cathedral. Bringing the work of one of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists into such an iconic space was a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it required a communications approach that could match the scale and significance of the exhibition.

It was a huge moment for the cathedral, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and securing widespread national and international media attention. The challenge was not only to generate excitement but to position the exhibition in a way that reflected the cathedral’s identity as a place of faith, history, tourism and creativity. It also had to sit firmly within the cultural fabric of Liverpool, a city that is fast becoming known for its ability to deliver these types of shows. Our communications strategy balanced those strands: celebrating Kapoor’s global reputation while ensuring the event felt accessible and meaningful to local communities.

I’m proud that the campaign helped position the exhibition as both a cultural milestone for Liverpool and a powerful, thought-provoking experience for audiences. Seeing the cathedral filled with people encountering art on that scale and, knowing communications played a central role in shaping that journey, was truly unforgettable. It reinforced my belief that strategic storytelling doesn’t just drive footfall, it can change perceptions, strengthen reputation, and open doors for future collaborations.

How long have you been a CIPR member and what made you join?   
I joined CIPR in August 2025, so I am still the new kid on the block. It has always been a personal and professional dream of mine to be part of a professional community that champions high standards in communications and offers real opportunities for development. For me, membership was about more than just a badge, it was about investing in my growth, staying accountable to the profession, and connecting with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of working in PR.

How does the CIPR support your career?
The CIPR supports my career by giving me a framework to keep developing and pushing myself to that next level. The resources, training, and thought leadership help me stay ahead of changes in an industry that is always at the centre of emerging trends, while the commitment to CPD keeps me accountable for continually improving my practice.

Just as importantly, being part of the CIPR community means I’m connected to other professionals who share experiences, challenges, and best practice, which is invaluable when you’re working at pace and under pressure. It’s both a source of learning and a reminder that I’m part of a wider profession making a real impact in the world.

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
“Your job isn’t to borrow a voice, it’s to build one.” 

That single piece of advice completely reframed how I see communications. Too often, PR is viewed as speaking on behalf of an organisation from polishing to translating, or even defending. But the real power of communications is helping organisations discover their own authentic voice. One that’s consistent, courageous, and true to their core purpose.

For me, that’s what leadership in this profession is about: not being the mouthpiece but being the architect of voice. The one who helps build platforms for honesty and spaces for dialogue. Building strategies that don’t just protect reputation but actually shape culture. It’s a principle that guides my work now and one I hope will define the legacy of my career.

Find out more about joining the CIPR

Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.

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