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, Deputy Director of News, Digital and Visits, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (HoD). Read Calum’s biography
- Andy Aston, Head of News and Corporate Communications, UK Export Finance (DHoD). Read Andy’s biography
Follow the Media Community Forum on Connect.
External Affairs
- James Staff, Deputy Director of Communications, Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (HoD). Read James’ biography
- Kathie Coad, Head of External Affairs, DEFRA Group Communications, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Read Kathie’s biography
- Philippa Silverman, Head of External Affairs, Department for Health and Social Care (DHoD). Read Philippa’s biography.
Marketing
- Andy Jones, Deputy Director of Communication and Marketing (Digital, Design and Data), Department for Business and Trade (HoD). Read Andy’s biography.
- Natasha De Bique, Principal Head of Marketing Campaigns, OfWat (DHoD).
- Michael Lynch, Head of Strategic Marketing, National Savings and Investments (DHoD). Read Michael’s biography
Follow the Marketing Community Forum on Connect.
Strategic Communications
- Gemma Taylor, Head of Audience, New Media Unit, GCS (HoD). Read Gemma’s biography
- Naz Gayle, Deputy Head of Strategic Communications, NHS England (DHoD). Read Naz’s biography
- Tim Ward, Head of Regional and Corporate Communications, Highways England. Read Tim’s biography
Sign up to the Strategic Comms mailing list.
Read Gemma’s 5 minutes with interview.
Internal Communications
- Sara Vogt, Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, Ministry of Justice (HoD). Read Sara’s biography
- Helen Card, Head of Internal Communications, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Read Helen’s biography
Digital
- Ed Bearryman, Deputy Director Digital Transformation, Head of New Media Unit, Government Communication Service central (HoD)
- Lizzie Carse, Head of Digital Communications, HM Treasury/Chris Erridge, Head of Digital, Social Media and Film, Network Rail (DHoD). Read Lizzie and Chris’ biographies
Data and Insight
- HoD is to be confirmed
- Lucy Morrell, Head of Insight and Evaluation, DEFRA (DHoD) (on maternity leave)
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, Head of Digital Communications, 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.”
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.
Andy Aston, Head of News and Corporate Communications, UK Export Finance
Andy is the Head of News & Corporate Communications at UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency and a ministerial department that helps businesses of all sizes sell their goods and services around the globe.
His career in government communications spans over 15 years, gaining leadership experience in some of the busiest comms teams in Whitehall including the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government; the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (now the Department for Business & Trade); the Department for Work & Pensions and the Prime Minister’s Press Office.
Andy started out in the North East of England working in PR consultancy before moving into the press office of the regional development agency where he championed enterprise, inward investment and economic growth initiatives.
Michael Lynch, Head of Strategic Marketing, National Savings and Investments
Head of Strategic Marketing with National Savings & Investments (NS&I), Michael has held several NS&I roles including Head of Commercial Innovation and Head of Consumer Business Strategy as well as chairing their Marketing & Sales committee. He has served on secondment as Deputy Director, Head of Marketing and Communications at UK Export Finance and helped create the British Business Bank as Acting Director of Communications, Marketing and Brand. Before NS&I Michael held senior demand development and sales director roles with major financial services businesses.
A Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Chartered Fellow, Michael has been an examiner for and lectured for CIM courses including Research, Digital Strategy and Communications. Michael was elected by members to the CIM main board in 2021 and has twice been elected by fellow directors as Vice-Chair. Michael previously served as a non-executive director marketing at London Mutual Credit Union.
A certified member of the Market Research Society and an IMC qualified member of CFAUK, Michael attained an MSc in Strategic Marketing from Cranfield University and sits on their Marketing and Sales Practice Advisory Board. Michael has also been a significant contributor to the development of marketing apprenticeships and T level standards and currently serves as a Route panel board member with Skills England. He is a current GCS mentor and a regular ‘spot mentoring’ contributor at Civil Service Live.
Nazareth Ayele-Gale, Deputy Head of Strategic Communications, NHS England
I became Deputy Head of Discipline for Strategic Communications in 2025, and I have been Deputy Head of Strategic Communications for NHS England for the last 4 years.
In my current NHS role, I lead nationwide communications planning, shape public and system facing messaging on a range of high-profile issues and work across organisational boundaries to ensure message discipline and understanding of the NHS’ work.
Although, I am firmly a Comms person now, with over 10 years working in the busiest communication teams in the public sector, I started my career (very briefly) as an English teacher in Bradford, and I have always believed in the power of improvement through education.
Out of work, I run a Theatre review blog with my best friend and regularly promise to spend less money on plays.
Helen Card, MSc, Head of Internal Communications, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Helen Card is an accomplished senior communications leader and the Deputy Head of Profession for Internal Communication within the Government Communication Service.
With extensive experience leading internal communications across central government, arm’s-length bodies (ALBs), and local government, Helen specialises in developing and delivering strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change initiatives.
She is recognised for her evidence-led approach, political acumen, and ability to build high-performing teams that drive continuous improvement.
Helen is passionate about championing innovation, fostering inclusive workplaces, and setting the strategic direction for internal communications across government.
Tim Ward, Head of Regional and Corporate Communications, Highways England
I’m a senior communications and engagement leader, with over 25 years’ experience working in a range of transport organisations, government bodies and regional government.
I’ve advised senior leaders at National Highways, Transport for London and London First, as well as London’s Transport Commissioner and the Mayor of London.
I’ve also led communications, engagement and advocacy campaigns across a range of transport related issues, worked on the London 2012 Games and visits of the Tour de France to London in 2007 and 2014, and helped remodelled the communications team at National Highways, including its approach to crisis communications.
Philippa Silverman, Head of External Affairs, Department of Health and Social Care
I’ve been Deputy Head of Discipline for External Affairs since 2024 and am currently Head of External Affairs at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
With over a decade of experience in GCS, I began my career as a parliamentary reporter in the press gallery before moving into government communications.
Since then, I’ve worked across five departments – including transport, trade, and communities – embracing the variety and breadth that GCS offers. I’m passionate about the impact partnerships can have both across government and externally to build trust in policies, and have led teams across media, strategic communications, and ministerial visits.
Outside of work, I love seeing live music and travelling – especially when I can combine the two!
Andy Jones, Deputy Director Marketing, Creative and International, DBT
With over two decades (gulp!) working in creative marketing roles, I cut my teeth in digital marketing for Telefonica in Spain, before moving back to the UK to pick up a series of roles that allowed me to meld technology, creative and marketing, catalyst roles that led me into global university marketing roles where I lead major mar-tech transformations, international marketing campaigns and large global rebrands.
I dipped my toe into the ALB world with an epic 6 years at Network Rail, leading on digital marketing and creative, and heading up a newly formed team for Great British Railways, before handing over the baton 3 years back, when I moved to the Department for Business and Trade as Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing, leading on digital and creative, and later taking on Marketing and International.
In my early days, before kicking off my creative marketing career, I spent 6 years in the Royal Air Force — enjoying logistics by day, and launching myself out of planes, over cliff tops and across assault courses by night — a time that can best be described as a phenomenal adventure!
I’m Andy Jones, Head of Marketing discipline, and I’m looking forward to working with the elite group of marketing professionals across Gov comms to propel marketing forward, at a time when an always on campaign approach has never been more important.