Public affairs consultants help organisations, businesses, or charities influence government policy and public opinion. They act as a bridge between their clients and policymakers, working to ensure that their clients' interests are represented in government decisions. This work often involves researching policy issues, monitoring political developments, writing reports or briefings, and meeting with politicians and civil servants. Consultants may work for specialist agencies, in-house for large organisations, or as independent freelancers. The role requires strong communication, research, and analytical skills, as well as a good understanding of the UK political system.
Public affairs consultants in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £60,000 per year. Senior consultants or those in major firms can earn £70,000 or more.
There are an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 public affairs professionals working in the UK, with many positions based in London due to the proximity to Parliament and government agencies.
Most positions require a degree, often in politics, law, communications, or related subjects. Around 60 percent of consultants have a postgraduate qualification.
Specialises in advising healthcare organisations, such as NHS trusts or medical charities, on public policy, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies.
Focuses on public affairs and lobbying work for environmental groups, helping to shape government policy and raise awareness of environmental issues.
Works within a local council or for organisations interacting with councils, managing relationships, and advising on local policy and public engagement.
Focus on subjects such as Politics, History, English, or Economics to build relevant knowledge and skills.
Strong grades in essay-based subjects will help you develop critical thinking, research, and communication abilities. If available, take part in debate clubs or student government for additional experience. Universities offering public affairs or politics-related degrees often look for good A-level grades in these subjects.
Apply for degrees in Political Science, Public Relations, Law, International Relations or similar fields.
Choose a university course that covers politics, government, public policy, or communication. You may also benefit from modules in media studies or economics. Some universities offer work placements or internships as part of their course, which can provide valuable experience.
Look for internships with political parties, MPs, charities, or public affairs agencies.
Experience in a real-world political or advocacy environment is valuable for building your understanding of how policies are shaped and how campaigns are run. Consider volunteering for local councillors, getting involved in student politics, or applying for placements during summer holidays.
Work on communication, research, and networking skills through extracurricular activities and jobs.
Join societies or clubs related to debating, journalism, or campaigning. Take part in Model United Nations, write for student newspapers, or help organise events. These activities help demonstrate your commitment and build skills vital for a career in public affairs.
Seek entry-level positions in public affairs consultancies, think tanks, or in-house public affairs teams.
Graduate schemes or junior consultant roles are available in specialist agencies, large companies, and non-profit organisations. Tailor your CV to highlight your academic background and relevant experience. Networking and attending industry events can also help you find opportunities.
Attend industry events, join professional bodies, and consider specialising in a sector such as health, education, or energy.
Membership of organisations like the Public Relations and Communications Association PRCA or the Chartered Institute of Public Relations CIPR provides access to training, events, and job listings. As you gain experience, you may choose to focus your career on a particular policy area and take on more responsibility.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Public Affairs Consultant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Public Affairs Consultant primarily focuses on managing and shaping an organisation’s public image and communication strategies, which closely aligns with the responsibilities of a Public Relations Officer. Both roles involve media relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication to influence public perception.
You can get into this job through:
You can get into public relations (PR) with a degree in most subjects.
You could also do a degree or postgraduate course related to public relations. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has a list of recognised university courses.
Courses include:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which might give you an advantage when looking for a trainee public relations role.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could work towards this role by doing a Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This takes a minimum of one year to complete.
You'll usually need:
You'll find it useful to get paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations. You could:
You could study for professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
These can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include:
You can find out more about a career in public relations from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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