About the speaker:

Emily Hands is currently the Head of National Security Communications in the U.K. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). She is tasked with developing and directing the implementation of communications strategy to support the Prime Minister’s National Security Council (NSC) as well as the National Security Advisors. Her responsibilities include developing and directing Government and stakeholder-wide communications strategies on a domestic and international level to support National Security policy – examples include Afghanistan, Iran, Eurozone, Syria, cyber security and civil contingencies. She also drives the implementation of communication, including press and digital media, by directing and coordinating the NSC communications team, departments across Whitehall, and external organisations. Among her other roles, Hands advises No. 10 Downing Street, the National Security advisor and his staff on day to day communication issues and media handling. She also acts as a senior representative of No. 10 communications in international fora. She is also a member of the PMO and Cabinet Office Communications Senior Management Team which leads on professional development and reform.

Ms. Hands has worked over the last 12 years for three Prime Ministers, delivering press and broadcast relations, communications campaigns and strategy, digital media, stakeholder engagement, internal communications and crisis management around the highest profile and most sensitive issues. In her previous capacities, she has been the Head of Afghanistan and Pakistan Communications, Head of News and Deputy Spokesman, Chief Press Officer and Deputy Spokesman, and Senior Information and Research Officer at No. 10 Downing Street.

Synopsis:

65 nations around the world are committed to defeating ISIL’s narrative. The UK Government has just launched its new Counter Extremism strategy. But how do we define what looks and feels like success. How long will it take? Where is the genuinely contested information space and how do we reach it? Can communications and counter narrative really change the choices people make?

These are the questions we ask ourselves on a daily basis. The session will offer an opportunity to hear more about the challenges from a Western Government’s perspective, to ask questions – and offer solutions.

Contacts

For invitation enquiries please contact:-

Ms Yvonne Lee
Senior Administrative Executive
Tel: (65) 6790-6489
Fax: (65) 6792-8701
E-mail: [email protected]