Highly commended
WA Communications
Summary of work
2023 was an exciting, transitional year for WA Health.
Having spotted a market opportunity for a truly integrated policy-led communications offer, we invested in game-changing communications leadership and landed three major integrated accounts. Our focus on providing a one-team approach meant that policy and communications activities consistently reinforced each other for greater impact.
Our new advisory board – including an ICB chair and a former Civil Service permanent secretary – gave us deep insights into what’s driving decision makers across the NHS, Westminster, and Whitehall so we could shape successful strategies for our clients. Targeted thought leadership to demystify the changing NHS structures got people talking.
And through careful planning, an open culture, and the establishment of a new leadership team to guide the practice ensured that the transition to our new Head of Health was smooth and successful.
Most importantly, our work delivered meaningful impact in a year of NHS crisis, industry constraint and political uncertainty. Highlights included direct policy change to support people facing gambling harm, bringing an innovative theatre project to Parliament to give black women a stronger voice in cancer policy, and establishing the case for all babies to be protected against RSV.
Judges’ comments
WA Communications delivered a polished and well-done presentation that demonstrated an impressive shift towards policy-led communications and client growth that resulted in being able to grow in the UK in a challenging marketplace. The judges were particularly impressed with the focus on culture and decision-making, as well as building responsibility across the team.
