Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Catherine Gray

Sutton,Greater London

Summary

I am a politically engaged communications professional with over a decade of experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. I’ve worked across the public and private sectors, delivering complex projects for major clients such as HS2, National Grid, and the British Property Federation. As an elected councillor and former parliamentary staffer, I have a deep understanding of local and national government and parliamentary processes, which I use to inform effective and targeted engagement strategies. I thrive in high-pressure environments and am confident leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing sensitive communications, and building strong, productive relationships with stakeholders. I’m a skilled writer, an effective strategist, and a natural communicator—equally comfortable advising senior leaders, navigating political challenges, or driving forward hyper-local community-focused initiatives.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Elected Councillor

London Borough of Sutton
Sutton, Greater London
05.2018 - Current
  • Maintained regular contact with residents to understand their needs better and to advocate for them.
  • Negotiated successfully with stakeholders to resolve contentious issues.
  • Attended community functions and meetings to understand public opinion and provide information on government plans.
  • Championed environmental initiatives, contributed to sustainability efforts.
  • Implemented policies, enhanced local infrastructure development.
  • Facilitated positive change by lobbying for policy amendments at higher levels.
  • Increased citizen participation with effective communication campaigns.

Account Manager

iNHouse Communications
City of Westminster, London
04.2024 - 09.2024
  • Delivered strategic account management for key clients including the British Property Federation, Getir, National Grid, Glen Earrach Energy, Diageo, and LoftZone.
  • Devised and led end-to-end project management for stakeholder and community engagement events, particularly for major renewable energy clients.
  • Advised infrastructure and built environment clients on emerging policy trends, supporting positioning and regulatory preparedness.
  • Organised and managed high-profile events in Parliament, corporate venues, and external locations to support client and campaign objectives.
  • Developed and authored long-term strategic proposals, aligning communications and engagement goals with client priorities.
  • Crafted press releases, op-eds, media pitches, and key messaging to support both proactive and reactive media strategies.
  • Executed integrated communications campaigns, combining traditional and digital media approaches.
  • Conducted business development research and supported new business acquisition.
  • Participated in and led pitch development and presentations to prospective clients.
  • Mentored junior colleagues, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and team development.
  • Built and maintained strong networks across industry and political stakeholders to support client objectives and business growth.

Select Committee Manager

HS2 Ltd
City of Westminster, London
06.2023 - 04.2024
  • Oversaw the smooth and efficient running of HS2 Select Committee petitioner hearings in Parliament, ensuring effective planning and execution.
  • Managed key relationships with Parliamentary Clerks, expert witnesses, and HS2 legal Counsel to shape strategic direction and address emerging challenges.
  • Led conferences with legal Counsel, driving progress in negotiations and overseeing the high-level management of the Right to be Heard Challenge process.
  • Chaired multi-stakeholder meetings to support the successful passage of the HS2 hybrid Bill through Parliament.
  • Maintained direct liaison with the Department for Transport, ensuring alignment on policy, process, and communications.
  • Coordinated and conducted Select Committee site visits, managing logistics and cross-functional engagement with Public Affairs and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Provided line management and performance oversight to team members.
  • Authored high-quality briefing documents for senior stakeholders, distilling complex information into actionable insights.
  • Designed and managed detailed visit schedules, aligning multiple stakeholder requirements.
  • Composed the Select Committee Daily Digest for circulation to the Hybrid Bill team and Senior Leadership Team, synthesising lengthy transcripts into clear, concise summaries.

Petition Manager

HS2 Ltd
City of Westminster, London
09.2022 - 06.2023
  • Managed complex and sensitive petitions from individual and community stakeholders regarding HS2 Phase 2b (Western Leg), ensuring accurate, timely, and strategic handling.
  • Engaged and negotiated directly with petitioners, resolving issues with diplomacy and empathy while framing outcomes within a legally robust context to minimise the need for Select Committee hearings.
  • Chaired and coordinated cross-disciplinary Negotiation Support Group meetings, producing detailed minutes, tracking actions, and driving progress toward strategic resolution of key issues.
  • Drafted high-quality reports and briefing materials for use by legal Counsel, including evidence submissions for Select Committee proceedings.
  • Represented HS2 in public webinars and at community and stakeholder engagement events, communicating complex information clearly and building trust with diverse audiences.

Senior Parliamentary Aide

Elliot Colburn MP
City of Westminster, City of London
12.2019 - 09.2022
  • Managed complex casework handling over 100 incoming communications per day, including sensitive security and crisis situations, ensuring effective communication and resolution under pressure.
  • Conducted parliamentary research, speech writing, policy horizon scanning, and provided strategic advice to the MP to support informed decision-making.
  • Liaised with local groups, constituents, and parliamentary stakeholders to maintain strong relationships and address key concerns.
  • Oversaw and managed staff and office operations across two sites, including responsibility for budgeting, HR functions, and workflow management.
  • Led communications, media relations, and social media strategy, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all channels.
  • Acted as IPSA proxy, managing expenses and financial matters on behalf of the MP with accuracy and compliance.

Corporate Affairs Manager

The Association of Consumer Support Organisations
City of Westminster, London
04.2019 - 11.2019
  • Represented the organisation at high-level events, engaging directly with politicians, policymakers, and industry leaders to build influence and visibility.
  • Drove new business development by expanding the membership base, identifying and pursuing new leads, and actively networking across sectors.
  • Devised and managed social media strategy, media relations, and political monitoring, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective communication across platforms.
  • Ensured consistent messaging across all platforms creating a unified brand identity.
  • Developed effective corporate strategies by collaborating with senior management.
  • Negotiated contracts with external agencies, achieving cost savings.
  • Established strong relationships with stakeholders for improved business performance.

Company Director and Founder

Mi-Move Ltd
Sutton, Surrey
04.2012 - 04.2019
  • Founded and successfully operated a hybrid estate agency, overseeing all aspects of business development and day-to-day operations.
  • Led recruitment, line management, and HR functions, building and managing a high-performing team with an inclusive culture.
  • Drove new business development through strategic networking and relationship-building across residential and commercial sectors
  • Conducted property valuations and led negotiations to secure favorable outcomes for clients.
  • Managed complex property sales, resolving issues to ensure seamless completion of property chains.
  • Oversaw rental property management, from individual landlords to large-scale portfolios, ensuring compliance and tenant satisfaction.
  • Maintained strong commercial relationships with developers and investors, supporting long-term growth and partnership opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Politics

Goldsmiths, University of London
London
09.2003 - 07.2006

Skills

  • Political acumen
  • Policy advocacy
  • Local and national government understanding
  • Community engagement
  • Stakeholder relations
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Event organisation
  • Leadership

Timeline

Account Manager

iNHouse Communications
04.2024 - 09.2024

Select Committee Manager

HS2 Ltd
06.2023 - 04.2024

Petition Manager

HS2 Ltd
09.2022 - 06.2023

Senior Parliamentary Aide

Elliot Colburn MP
12.2019 - 09.2022

Corporate Affairs Manager

The Association of Consumer Support Organisations
04.2019 - 11.2019

Elected Councillor

London Borough of Sutton
05.2018 - Current

Company Director and Founder

Mi-Move Ltd
04.2012 - 04.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Politics

Goldsmiths, University of London
09.2003 - 07.2006

Similar Profiles

Create profile
Catherine Gray