Amanda Reaney
Kirkby Mallory,Leicestershire
Summary
Strategic Policy Advisor with 20 years' experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement within government and environmental sectors. Specialises in translating complex policy into actionable solutions, developing guidance, and analysing evidence for informed decision-making. Proven ability to manage competing priorities, foster collaboration across diverse organisations, and produce high-quality policy papers and briefing materials.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor – Marine Protected Area Designations
Defra
2024.02 - Current
- Lead policy development on nationally significant marine designation work, working across government and delivery organisations to develop practical approaches for implementation.
- Developed end-to-end designations process and implementation timeline with Natural England, JNCC, MMO and policy teams, enhancing delivery and governance.
- Led engagement with offshore wind developers to gather evidence supporting future policy development.
- Led cross-government discussion paper on compensation quantification, collaborating with legal, evidence, strategy, Marine Recovery Fund, DESNZ and Arms Length Bodies to create practical policy solutions.
- Coordinated across multiple disciplines to align policy and operational delivery, ensuring effective implementation.
- Line managed two policy advisers.
Policy Advisor – Retained EU Law & Policy Reform
Defra
2023.05 - 2024.01
- Produced policy advice for senior leaders on legislative and non-legislative options for policy reform.
- Collaborated with Defra legal and policy teams to assess and advise on legislation for retention, replacement, or revocation, ensuring effective policy transition.
- Led marine policy engagement with Devolved Governments and Arms Length Bodies on complex legislative change.
- Supported delivery of government's largest legislative reform programme post-EU Exit, facilitating compliance and policy alignment.
- Analysed legislative impacts to support strategic decision making.
- Built strong partnerships across legal, policy and operational teams to deliver reform at pace.
- Oversaw and mentored two staff members, fostering their professional development and enhancing team capability.
SEO Strategic Engagement (including temporary Grade 7 cover)
Defra
2021.11 - 2023.05
- Co-authored Future Defra, setting out the department's strategic vision for organisational transformation.
- Led organisational change activity to support successful implementation of Defra's long-term transformation programme.
- Collaborated with senior leaders and programme teams to effectively embed organisational change across the department.
- Led cross-functional teams reviewing organisational processes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Rescoped major transformation programmes, aligning delivery milestones and implementation plans.
Senior Internal Communications & Engagement Roles
Defra and Natural England
2019.01 - 2021.12
- Led delivery of large-scale organisational change and engagement programmes, enhancing employee buy-in and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Managed multidisciplinary teams to successfully implement complex change programmes across Defra Group, ensuring stakeholder collaboration and programme integrity.
- Delivered large cross-organisational programmes requiring effective governance, planning and stakeholder management.
- Used insight and data analysis to inform strategic decisions, driving improvements in organisational performance and employee engagement.
- Developed evidence-based dashboards and performance reporting to inform business decisions.
Communications and Knowledge Management
Thermo Fisher Scientific & Holcim
2009.01 - 2018.12
- Developed corporate communication and engagement strategies supporting major organisational programmes.
- Created guidance, reports, and executive briefing materials to inform and support senior leadership decision-making.
- Managed European communications, sustainability, and knowledge management roles to facilitate strategic business change.
- Presented strategic recommendations adopted by executive leadership.
- Supported sustainability policy, environmental strategy and regulatory engagement.
- Researched and interpreted European legislation supporting lobbying and policy development.
- Produced Carbon Disclosure Project and Dow Jones Sustainability Index submissions.
Advisor to Director General – Natural Environment Group
Defra
2008.01 - 2008.12
- Advised on climate change, biodiversity and natural environment policy.
- Facilitated development and implementation of environmental policy across government, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Coordinated and streamlined policy positions across multiple government departments to achieve unified approach.
- Established and nurtured relationships with NGOs, environmental organisations, and senior stakeholders to advance collaborative initiatives.
- Managed governance meetings and coordinated stakeholder engagement.
Executive Officer
Defra
2004.01 - 2008.12
- Delivered major cross-government rural policy and organisational reform programmes, enhancing collaboration across agencies.
- Coordinated Regional Implementation Plans with Whitehall departments and external partners, ensuring effective collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Facilitated Rural Development Programme for England and Natural England implementation programme, aligning objectives with stakeholder needs.
- Successfully project managed Office of Government Commerce Gateway Review activity.
- Produced Ministerial briefings, submissions and senior governance papers.
- Supported organisational change through rollout of new systems and ways of working.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Management
Birkbeck, University of London
City of london2009-01
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology
University of Wales, Swansea
Swansea2001-01
Skills
- Marine policy development
- Policy implementation
- Legislative reform
- Policy analysis
- Policy drafting
- Change management
- Operational delivery
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Government collaboration
- Risk analysis
- Team leadership
Languages
French
Intermediate
B1
German
Advanced
C1
Certification
Specialist Diploma in Internal Communications
Chartered Institute of Internal Communications - 2017 – 2017
The linkages between culture, communication, employee engagement and organisational success
To provide an advanced understanding of change management models and associated internal communication planning:
Change management models
Leading change through communication and engagement
Moving from coercion and information management to involvement and engagement
Developing communication and engagement strategies that support and accelerate change
Interests
- Skiing
- Writing/reading
- Running
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor – Marine Protected Area Designations
Defra
2024.02 - Current
Policy Advisor – Retained EU Law & Policy Reform
Defra
2023.05 - 2024.01
SEO Strategic Engagement (including temporary Grade 7 cover)
Defra
2021.11 - 2023.05
Senior Internal Communications & Engagement Roles
Defra and Natural England
2019.01 - 2021.12
Communications and Knowledge Management
Thermo Fisher Scientific & Holcim
2009.01 - 2018.12
Advisor to Director General – Natural Environment Group
Defra
2008.01 - 2008.12
Executive Officer
Defra
2004.01 - 2008.12
Master of Science - Environmental Management
Birkbeck, University of London
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Biology
University of Wales, Swansea