Heads of Disciplines
Heads of Discipline (HoDs) and their deputies (DHoDs) are pivotal roles which make a meaningful impact across our entire profession – influencing the direction and development of government communicators working across more than 300 organisations. They voluntarily dedicate 20% of their time to:
- leading continuous improvement across their discipline
- shaping professional standards
- building capability within the Government Communications community
- fostering cross-government collaboration in ways that help us better serve the public.
There are 7 government communication disciplines: Data and Insight, Digital, External Affairs, Internal Communications, Marketing, Media and Strategic Communications. Leaders from across the government communications community are appointed to represent each discipline.
Our 2025 Heads of Discipline cohort are:
Media
- Calum Grant, DSIT (HoD). Read Calum’s biography
- DHoD is to be confirmed
Follow the Media Community Forum on Connect.
External Affairs
- James Staff, Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (HoD). Read James’ biography
- Kathie Coad, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Philippa Silverman, Department for Health and Social Care (DHoD). Read Kathie’s biography
Marketing
- Andy Jones, Department for Business and Trade (HoD)
- DHoD is to be confirmed
Follow the Marketing Community Forum on Connect.
Strategic Communications
- Sarah Clark, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (HoD) (on career break until August 2025). Read Sarah’s biography
- Gemma Taylor, New Media Unit, GCS (DHoD). Read Gemma’s biography
Sign up to the Strategic Comms mailing list.
Read Sarah and Gemma’s 5 minutes with interviews.
Internal Communications
- Sara Vogt, Ministry of Justice (HoD). Read Sara’s biography
- DHoD is to be confirmed
Digital
- Ed Bearryman, Government Communication Service central (HoD)
- Lizzie Carse, HM Treasury/Chris Erridge, Network Rail (DHoD). Read Lizzie and Chris’ biography
Data and Insight
- HoD is to be confirmed
- Lucy Morrell Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DHoD) (on maternity leave)
We are now working with the new HoDs to select appropriate deputies for the remaining positions. If you are interested, please contact the Skills and Standards team for details.
Biographies
This page will be updated as and when new biographies and photos are provided.
Sara Vogt, Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, Ministry of Justice
“Having spent much of my career in external communications – across campaigns, PR, strategic comms and stakeholder engagement – I discovered the work that truly energises me when I moved into internal communications. I’m passionate about the power of internal communications to help leaders and their organisations find their inner voice; engage staff in ways that connect them with their purpose; and foster a working culture where they can thrive and give their best.
I’ve experienced enough working environments to know why organisational culture really matters and the power it has to drive performance and wellbeing… in both directions! That’s why I’m care about championing the conditions that help people feel seen, heard and able to succeed.
I began my career in the private sector, including roles at publisher HarperCollins and in PR agencies; and also at BBC Worldwide. Since joining government, I’ve worked across the Home Office, DWP, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Cabinet Office, and now the Ministry of Justice, where I’m Deputy Director for Corporate Communications. I’m proud that our team has twice won In- House Team of the Year at the IOIC Awards.
Language has always been a love of mine – I hold an English degree from Oxford University – and I’m equally passionate about coaching. I hold postgraduate qualifications in Executive Coaching and Team & Systemic Coaching, and believe strongly in the role both can play in helping individuals and teams unlock their potential.
My teenage daughter keeps me grounded, reminds me not to talk to her like a coach, and ensures I stay at least slightly in touch with Gen Z.”
James Staff, Deputy Director of Communications, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
James has responsibility for External Affairs, Insight, Employee Communication and Campaigns.
James joined GCS in 2018, prior to this he worked in the private sector for a FTSE-listed utility and in a consultancy.
Since joining GCS he’s worked in 3 departments in several disciplines including as Head of Strategic Communications and as Head of External Affairs at the Department for Transport.
Chris Erridge, Head of Digital, Social Media & Film, Network Rail
Chris is an experienced digital communications leader, he brings a strong track record of delivering innovative, insight-led digital strategies that enhance public engagement and support organisational objectives.
Chris is passionate about embedding digital at the heart of the communications function—ensuring it is fully integrated, accessible, and aligned with wider strategic goals. An evangelist for the huge benefits the digital space can bring to public sector comms, his work reflects a commitment to public service values and delivering impactful, measurable but most of all meaningful communications to citizens and stakeholders.
Lizzie Carse , HM Treasury
Lizzie brings over 12 years of digital communications leadership experience from government, charity, and commercial sectors.
She has successfully led teams through periods of significant change and national importance, including high-profile collaborations that have reached millions.
Known for combining strategic thinking with people-centred leadership, she is passionate about supporting teams across government to deliver exceptional digital communications that serve the public.
Gemma Taylor, Head of Audience, New Media Unit
“I’m a strategist and leader with significant experience across all areas of communications, including media, marketing campaigns and strategy.
I’ve worked across a range of government priorities in recent years, from Brexit to Covid and the economy, and always put people at the heart of what I do.
I’m Head of Audience at the New Media Unit where I focus on rebuilding trust in government, and am also a charity Trustee and advocate for disability rights.”
Kathie Coad, Head of External Affairs, Defra Group Communications
“I became Deputy Head of Discipline for External Affairs in 2024. I’m Head of External Affairs in Defra and have been in the department for six years. Prior to that I have worked in strategic comms in Department for Transport, events and visits for the Deputy Prime Minister, and various government press offices.
I have been in government comms since I started my career 20 years ago and love the variety that it offers. I have been fortunate enough to travel to some exciting places – including Bogota, Berlin and Paris – and be involved on some exciting and challenging comms including Brexit, Covid-19 response and the 2012 Olympics.
Out of work, I am a mum to a four-year old girl and adventures with her are my passion. We enjoy travel, theatre and exploring nature.”
Sarah Clark, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
“I’m excited to continue as GCS Head of Discipline for strategic communications.
Fixing, problem solving and crisis leadership has been at the heart of my 26 year career. Having led strategic communications on complex issues such as crime, Healthcare associated infection and Europe Communications, I moved into the centre of government, heading up Economic Communication for No10/CO. This was a fascinating role combining my interests in collaboration, great people and innovation (just like the GCS Strategy!).
Subsequently, whilst leading the communication strategy for Get Ready for Brexit, and a team of 23 supporting this, I was asked by the Executive Director of Government Communication to co-lead covid testing priority communication during the pandemic. As we know, communication played a hugely important role in the government’s response to covid, both through operational and behaviour change communication and I remain hugely thankful to those who came to help and work with us on covid testing.
There has never been a more important time to apply strategic thinking and listening in tackling societal problems.
This is why I’m now on a career break working on a book with Routledge on how to do organisational strategy. If there is something you are struggling with in strategic communications please let me know and I ensure I am tailoring this towards your needs, as we did at the successful GCS Learning Festival last year. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Calum Grant, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Calum is the Deputy Director at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), responsible for its media, digital and visits teams.
He has worked at DSIT since it was first formed in February 2023 and before that worked at The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (RIP).
He has spent a good chunk of his career outside of central government comms, working in media roles in tourism, criminal justice and in finance.