Laure Thomas
London
Summary
Dynamic and trusted senior communications professional with experience across multiple sectors, including government, research, healthcare and higher education, inc at Director level. Authentic leader bringing internal and external stakeholders together to achieve a common goal.
Effective manager inspiring creative teams to translate complex content into clear, engaging narratives that shift perceptions and drive behaviour change.
Strategic thinker and quick study, able to plan and anticipate. Calm and flexible under pressure, creative problem solver.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications & Marketing
Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust
02.2015 - 11.2024
- Provided advice & assurance on all comms and marketing matters to the Board and Executive
- Developed & delivered a Public Affairs Strategy
- Briefed media on sensitive & controversial issues, upholding professional standards & Trust values
- Secured & managed successful TV, radio and podcast series
- Planned Trust's Centenary (20,000 attendees)
- Built marketing & student recruitment function, developed brand, grew student numbers over 50%
- Enhanced internal engagement with effective channels inc digital metrics-rich avenues & co-designed events
- Supported People function, EDI team & staff networks
- Adopted Matrix model to support objectives, streamline activity, promote skill sharing & audience-centric comms
- Developed staff, providing coaching, support & direction
Acting Associate Director Communications
North Central London Integrated Care Board
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Led communications campaigns on large scale consultation on maternity services across North London, population health, health and care data, and sickle cell.
- Delivered a communications strategy centred on a new pop health narrative, raising the profile of the organisation both locally and nationally and building partnerships with key stakeholders to drive a new population health campaign.
- Reshaped the Communications and Campaigns team post-restructure (e.g new media SOPs, social media and web rebrand and refresh, crisis comms plan…)
Head of Communications - Regional Growth Fund
Department for Business Innovation & Skills
04.2014 - 02.2015
- Produced and delivered a new communications strategy and compelling narrative for improved stakeholder engagement
- Delivered the Fund's Annual Monitoring Report adopting a fresh story-telling approach linked to wider narrative
- Led programme of ministerial regional roadshows increasing number and quality of Expressions of Interest
Stakeholder Engagement Manager - Higher Education & Skills
Department for Business Innovation & Skills
03.2011 - 04.2013
- Developed and delivered a communications strategy for higher education following the vote to triple tuition fees
- Established close working relationships with key stakeholders
- Shared campaign research insights to gain access to sector platforms to inform and extend campaign reach
- Represented Comms on the HE Programme Board
Chief Press Officer & Press Secretary - Science & Innovation
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
05.2009 - 06.2010
- Led on external relations, media interviews, quotes, and appearances for the science minister and supported the Secretary of State on science-related media and visits
- Supported Science Minister through 'Nutt-gate' and the drafting of the Principles of Scientific Advice to Government
- Managed the Science and Innovation communications team, leading on comms for Office for Life Sciences, UK Innovation Investment Fund, and the Chief Scientific Adviser
Senior Press Officer, then Head of News
Medical Research Council
11.2005 - 05.2009
- Developed strong relationships with media generating positive coverage for complex content and enhancing reputation
- Media trained and advised senior staff on media handling
- Extended reach through a new podcast series
- Managed crisis situations, mitigating reputational damage
Parliamentary Researcher
House of Commons
09.2000 - 10.2005
- Led parliamentary office
- Delivered research, briefing, media handling, stakeholder engagement and case work support
Education
Master of Science - European Politics and Policy
London School of Economics and Political Science
09/1999 - 09/2000
Certificate of Higher Education - German
London School of Economics and Political Science
10/1999 - 06/2000
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Sussex
10/1996 - 06/1999
Certificate - Strategic Communications in Society: Power, Ethics, and Practice
London School of Economics and Political Science
07/2024 - 09/2024
The Athena Programme - Women in Leadership
The King's Fund
02/2020 - 06/2021
Skills
- Authentic leadership
- Strategic planning
- Media relations and crisis PR
- Stakeholder engagement
- Campaigns
- Digital comms and branding
- Internal communications
- Events
Languages
French
Native
German
Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Intermediate
Volunteering
Family Visitor, HomeStart Southwark
Timeline
Acting Associate Director Communications
North Central London Integrated Care Board
05.2023 - 09.2024
Director of Communications & Marketing
Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust
02.2015 - 11.2024
Head of Communications - Regional Growth Fund
Department for Business Innovation & Skills
04.2014 - 02.2015
Stakeholder Engagement Manager - Higher Education & Skills
Department for Business Innovation & Skills
03.2011 - 04.2013
Chief Press Officer & Press Secretary - Science & Innovation
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
05.2009 - 06.2010
Senior Press Officer, then Head of News
Medical Research Council
11.2005 - 05.2009
Parliamentary Researcher
House of Commons
09.2000 - 10.2005
Master of Science - European Politics and Policy
London School of Economics and Political Science
09/1999 - 09/2000
Certificate of Higher Education - German
London School of Economics and Political Science
10/1999 - 06/2000
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Sussex
10/1996 - 06/1999
Certificate - Strategic Communications in Society: Power, Ethics, and Practice
London School of Economics and Political Science
07/2024 - 09/2024
The Athena Programme - Women in Leadership
The King's Fund
02/2020 - 06/2021
Similar Profiles
Abdullah MerazAbdullah Meraz
Commercial Co-ordinator at NHS (Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust)Commercial Co-ordinator at NHS (Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust)
Thomas James CrouchThomas James Crouch
Procurement manager at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation TrustProcurement manager at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
TIMILEHIN ELIZABETH OKEDELETIMILEHIN ELIZABETH OKEDELE
Registered Nurse at Northern Care Alliance NHS TrustRegistered Nurse at Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust