Effective public affairs is realistic in its goals, managing expectations when world events create turbulence and uncertainty. Yet bold in what can be achieved, by building reputations and relationships that can be sustained over time.
For the individual that means keeping your personal views and emotions in check, creating a safe space to listen and reflect, to provide the balanced insight and recommendations that are valued by others.
Each step forward makes sense to those involved, not a leap into the void. This ensures any proposal or action is truly grounded, based firmly on the evidence as presented.
For the organisation and government, this underpins effective policy making and builds trust in what you say and do. Sensible, realistic and unpretentious. This doesn’t mean unexciting and unambitious, but seen as authentic and not masked by the smoke and mirrors of spin doctors and populists.
For the best part of 20 years, Citadel has worked with and supported Groundwork UK. Few other charities match so closely our work in public affairs. In setting goals that tackle global issues of the climate crisis grounded in local issues of neighbourhood renewal, and involving young people as part of their communities.
Rooted in communities Groundwork helps identify issues and barriers to opportunities with young people, and in creating opportunities where they live. This builds the capacity and agency of young people within their community to bring about change: more green spaces, green skills and jobs, and shaping places where people want to live and work.
Our latest work is in support of youth employment and careers – New To Nature – for an inclusive, diverse workforce as the new generation delivering across communities towards a greener future. Sensible and practical policies, grounded in everyday lives.
Citadel 