CharityComms

So, what do you actually do?

I manage requests from journalists and work with Friends of the Earth campaigners to generate media coverage. I also advise staff on media relations and PR.

How did you get into it?

 I've worked in various freelance and full-time press, PR and communications roles and this job builds on a lot of experience that I've gained at other organisations. I worked at St John's Ambulance liaising with voluntary groups. I also freelanced for the Citizens' Advice Bureau working on lots of public affairs lobbying which helped me when I came here in October 2004.

What does your typical day involve?

Generally I talk to journalists on the phone and put together comments on relevant government policy announcements. Our communications team also has regular creative discussions so we can all share ideas.

What's been your biggest achievement in this job?

In May 2005 I worked on the high profile launch of Friends of the Earth's climate change campaign, The Big Ask. My role was to plan, manage and get key journalists along to the launch event at Westminster attended by Radiohead singer Thom Yorke our celebrity supporter. It was really successful in generating media coverage because the campaign had very clear messages.

What's been your biggest challenge?

When we have to turn down opportunities because of lack of time.

What are the best things about your job?

We know that good media coverage can really help to win campaigns. If you put together press releases or reports on certain issues and they get media coverage, it can result in a quick political u-turn or a company announcing that they're going to do something positive to rectify the situation we've highlighted. You can't always get that but sometimes you immediately do and it's quite a buzz.

Where do you see your career heading in the future?

Possibly managing staff and spending more time on strategic media work.