The central GCS team: here to support you

18 Nov 2022 03:29 PM

In May, we launched the GCS Strategy, Performance with Purpose, with 30 commitments to be fulfilled between now to the end of 2025. 

A critical early priority was to refocus and restructure the central GCS team; built around the things that the central GCS team alone can do, and realigning our teams to focus on priorities that benefit our members and the public the most. This restructure is now complete and the team is in place.

We have designed our new structure so that we can serve you better and strengthen our profession. This will mean improved training, inclusivity and networking opportunities for our members and greater capability to deliver on the government’s priorities. 

The new central GCS team photographed at their away day on Wednesday 16 November. Simon Baugh, GCS Chief Executive, is standing at the centre of the photo.

What does the central GCS team do? 

We are here to support you, the thousands of communication professionals working across the UK, in delivering the government’s priorities, enabling the efficient and effective operation of public services, and improving people’s lives.

Our new structure is focused around functions where we can add the most value: 

  1. Coordinating cross-government strategy and campaigns – strategy and coordination of priority campaigns, as well as providing expert marketing and brand advice across GCS.
  2. Modernising and reforming GCS – improving our GCS learning and development offer, supporting talent, and helping drive the efficiency and effectiveness of communications across government.
  3. Improving communication through insight – expert research, analysis, behavioural science and evaluation capabilities with a focus on how we can use these to continuously improve communication.
  4. Building the communication capabilities of international allies – supporting the communications capability of our international allies through the delivery of training services worldwide. 

What does our new structure look like? 

The new, more streamlined structure is made up of eight key areas: 

An org chat showing the central GCS leadership team. Simon Baugh (Chief Executive) is at the top. On the second row is Gem Walsh (Chief Operating Officer), Lisa Hunter (Deputy Chief Executive), Conrad Bird (Cross Government Campaigns), Andy Pike (Director – GREAT) and Alex Aiken (International, National Security and Cabinet Office). On the third row is Victoria Stokes (Deputy Director (DD) Functional Standards, Capability & Efficiency, Nichola Westmore (DD Operations, Private Office & Governance), Leah McTaggart (DD People), Amanda Svensson (DD Applied Data and Insight), Leonie Blakeway (DD Strategy and Campaigns), Kate Taylor-Tett (DD Great Britain & Northern Ireland Programme) and Shaun Jepson (Head of News * External Affairs).

With our new structure, we have a refreshed leadership team who will provide expertise, strategy and vision across the GCS. They will raise the professional standards of work, collaborate with colleagues across government to coordinate campaigns and ensure we are achieving the government’s priorities and champion diversity and inclusion (D&I). 

Simon Baugh is our Chief Executive, supported by his team of Executive Directors; Lisa Hunter (Deputy Chief Executive), Gem Walsh (Chief Operating Officer), Conrad Bird (Cross Government Campaigns), and Alex Aiken (International, National Security & Cabinet Office Communication). 

What’s next for GCS? 

As a GCS member, you can look to the central team for support with your work, career and training. We will shortly create a hub on the GCS website where you will be able to find out more information about us; this will include a summary of each team’s role and how you can contact them. 

We also still have a number of vacant roles in the central GCS team. If you want to join GCS and help us deliver exceptional public service communications that make a difference, visit our jobs page

In the meantime, we will build on the great work that has already been done this year. This will include delivering on the GCS Strategy by strengthening our community with GCS Connect, updating the Modern Communications Operating Model (MCOM) and publishing a location strategy. 

We want to hear from you: tell us your thoughts on the central GCS team and GCS’s leadership team

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