Head of Public Affairs
Chris joined GuildHE as Head of Public Affairs in June 2026 with a long career in public affairs and communications.
After spending 10 years working in Westminster as an adviser to an MP and Minister, Chris then spent 15 years in senior regional and national roles in NHS communications, Government relations and stakeholder engagement. This included working closely with the HE sector on the education and training of doctors, as well as the development of the NHS Workforce Plan. Moving to a healthcare charity, he was involved in promoting Healthcare Science within HE.
With a track record of leading impactful public affairs and communications campaigns, Chris has successfully worked with the NHS Chief Scientific Officer to boost the profile of Healthcare Science, briefed Ministers and officials, written Parliamentary Questions and led an NHS organisation up into the top 20% in the country for staff engagement. He is passionate about the opportunities that education can create for individuals and wider society.
Chris is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and serves on their Public Affairs Committee.
Chris lives in Harrogate with his wife and young son. He is a Trustee of a couple of local charities and Chairs his local Residents’ Association. In his spare time, he enjoys watching documentaries, going to his local non-league football club, and playing chess in the local league.