services - public affairs
LEWIS Public Affairs
Also referred to as influencer relations, public affairs is a term used to describe the relationships with individuals or groups with an interest in the organization's affairs, such as MPs, civil servants, shareholders, customers, clients, trade associations, think tanks, business groups, unions and the media. Public affairs practitioners engage stakeholders in order to explain the organization's policies and their stance on particular issues, so that public policy formulation can be better informed, more balanced and more likely to achieve its goals.
The LEWIS Public Affairs division helps its clients understand how the ever-changing political and regulatory vista can affect them and, critically, advise how to best ensure that their views are considered in the formulation of public policy.
From addressing concerns over current policy direction to bolstering a public sector marketing strategy, an integrated and intelligent approach ensures that clients develop beneficial long-term relationships that can shape public opinion and ultimately deliver results that reflect business goals.
LEWIS Public Affairs services include:
- Monitoring and horizon scanning – identification of opportunities to affect policy, raise profile and drive PR, tailored to your specific needs
- Stakeholder identification and mapping – across the political spectrum ranging from MPs to civil servants to political journalists
- Stakeholder engagement programs – to raise the profile of your organization and affect policy and decision-making
- Coalition building and advocacy – from grassroots to grasstops – ensuring that informed and energetic supporters are mobilised to support your cause
- Research and analysis of policy-related events and publications
- Government consultation/Select Committee inquiry response preparation, including training on giving oral evidence
- Briefing and speechwriting
- Event management – organization of roundtable briefings, receptions, conference fringe events in support of a wider communications campaign, or as stand-alone projects
- Perceptions audit – to determine the visibility and reputation of your organization amongst stakeholders and what remains to be achieved
- Digital lobbying – evaluation of new media techniques and advice on how to make the most out of the internet as a lobbying tool
- Media management – management of the media as necessary as a means to build support for your communications goals and ensure that your messages are given weight and credibility