WA Advisory Board Archives - WA Communications

WA welcomes David Thorne as Senior Advisor

David Thorne, originally a nurse, has held NHS leadership positions within hospital, community, primary care and commissioning organisations.
He will support WA’s health policy-led communications team as part of our advisory board – which brings together high-profile figures from Westminster, the media, and the health service.
The appointment reflects the increasing challenges faced by industry in identifying precise ideas that can change health for better within the national health system, in response to the new government’s focus on transforming primary care.

David, Director of Transformation at Well Up North Primary Care Network, will provide invaluable insight and connections into the NHS of today and the future.

WA’s leading Health team (recently awarded Communications Consultancy of the Year at the Communique Awards) has appointed David Thorne – former Chair and CEO of several primary care alliances, a past CCG Manager of the Year and programme director of multiple transformation projects – most notably the original NHS 111 prototype – as part of its advisory board.

WA’s advisory board brings together senior figures from the communications industry, Westminster, the media, and the health sector, including former Labour Treasury and Department of Health and Social Care Special Advisor Jennifer Gerber; former CEO of Grayling UK Alison Clarke; Mike Bell, who has more than 20 years of NHS board level experience and is currently the Chair of NHS South West London Integrated Care Board and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust; and former senior civil servant, Sir Philip Rutnam who brings a deep understanding of government operations and policy-making processes.

David’s appointment comes at a time when clients and the wider industry are facing increasing challenges in bridging national and local NHS policy. His insight and understanding into the upper workings of the health system provide invaluable knowledge into how and with whom to connect, which will be especially key as the new government reviews and works to evolve primary care.

David brings 30 years’ experience of market access, with his work as Director of Transformation at Well Up North Primary Care Network (covering north Northumberland and its 65,000 patients) currently focusing on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the use of digital tech to bring care closer to home. He is also a Trustee of Hospice Care North Northumberland.

Dean Sowman, Head of Health at WA Communications, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome David Thorne to our advisory board. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the national health service, primary care and market access will further enhance our strategic counsel. He will bring invaluable insights to our life sciences clients on how to bridge the gap between national health policy and local NHS implementation.”

David Thorne, Senior Advisor said:

“WA believe that improvements in health and care are always possible – something that I was drawn to – and the advisory board reflects the breadth of strategic advice that the team is able to provide, and the policy and reputational outcomes it achieves. I’m delighted to be able to add my experience to this, as we work collaboratively to ensure access to health innovations and improve patient outcomes across the country.”

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Veteran Labour Party adviser Jennifer Gerber joins WA

We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Gerber as a Senior Political Adviser, bringing more than 20 years of experience at the heart of Labour governments, election campaigns, and policy development.

During the last Labour government, Jen was a special adviser across three high-profile cabinet portfolios, providing strategic advice to Ministers at HM Treasury, the Department of Health, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Across all three departments, Gerber was the principal adviser to Andy Burnham (now the Mayor of Greater Manchester). 

In recent years she has provided strategic political, policy and media counsel, working on some of the highest profile issues in Britain – including advising top NHS Trusts during Covid 19 and leading the Refugee Council’s response to the government’s immigration bill and ‘Rwanda flights’ policy.

In addition, she headed the parliamentary campaign group Labour Friends of Israel for more than a decade, and also previously led the prominent centre-left think tank, Progress (now Progressive Britain).

Jen has worked at Labour HQ on a number of successful Labour general election campaigns, and in the party’s media and business relations teams.

At WA, Jen will advise clients on political and media engagement strategies, working across our financial and professional services, health, investor relations, energy, transport, and education teams.

Commenting on her appointment, Jennifer Gerber, Senior Political Adviser, WA, said:

“From helping public transport operators communicate the journey to net zero, driving access to innovative medicines, or campaigning to secure access to cash for communities across the UK, WA understand how joined-up political and media engagement can drive policy change on issues that are crucial for society and business.
“I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to bringing my political and campaigning experience to bear across WA.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“There are few people who match Jennifer’s understanding of the Labour party at every level – from the frontlines of an election campaign, and managing the relationship with the business community, to operating at the highest levels of government; and her network across the Party, from the Leader’s office and Metro Mayors, to new PPCs and the key policy thinkers that will shape the next Parliament.
“Her expertise will be invaluable as clients seek to understand how a Labour government would work in practice, and I’m delighted that she’s chosen to join WA.”

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Former Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam joins WA’s Advisory Board

Formerly one of the UK’s most senior civil servants, Sir Philip joins the Advisory Board as its Chair, and will provide strategic advice on the inner workings of Whitehall as we approach the general election and potential change of government.

WA’s advisory board draws together senior figures from the communications industry, Westminster, the media, and the health sector, including former CEO of Grayling UK Alison Clarke; Chair of NHS South West London Integrated Care Board and Chair of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, Mike Bell; and broadcaster & journalist Steve Richards.

Having previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the UK Home Office, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, acting Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, and as one of the founders of Ofcom, Sir Philip brings an unrivalled understanding of government operations and policy-making processes. His distinguished career spans over three decades, during which he held several high-profile positions within the British civil service.

Sir Philip’s expertise in governance, risk management, and policy implementation will be invaluable in advising WA Communications’ clients on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the appointment, Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA Communications said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sir Philip Rutnam to our advisory board, His extensive experience and deep knowledge of government operations will further enhance our consultancy’s capabilities, enabling us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and strategic advice across multiple sectors. Sir Philip’s appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality counsel and unmatched insights to our valued clients.”

Sir Philip added:

“WA’s advisory board reflects the breadth of strategic advice that the agency as a whole is able to provide, and the policy and reputational outcomes it achieves. I’m delighted to be able to add my experience to this, as we approach what could be a significant time of change in Westminster, and for organisations across the country”.

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Posts Tagged ‘WA Advisory Board’

WA welcomes David Thorne as Senior Advisor

Veteran Labour Party adviser Jennifer Gerber joins WA

Former Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam joins WA’s Advisory Board

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