Co-Founder & Executive Chair

Gill Morris has over 30 years of experience in parliamentary and public affairs work. A winner of the CIPR’s Doug Smith lifetime Achievement Award, and Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs Award, Gill is probably one of the most well-known lobbyists and communication professionals in the UK.

A founder of a series of successful agencies, Gill has led the way on devolution, and how to build campaigns, consensus, and voice to call for positive change and levelling up in England’s towns, cities & regions.

Co-Founder & Director

Rod’s career spans the public, private and third sectors.  He began his career working for a voluntary organisation before spending 20 years in local government focused on urban regeneration, economic development and housing; developing local and sub regional strategies as well as delivering major programmes.  He then moved into executive recruitment, becoming a Partner at a global top six company working with an array of clients, including internationally. He has also been a board member of various bodies, including colleges, business support organisations and social enterprises.  

Co-Founder & Director

Carli is an experienced communications and strategy professional with a passion for working with businesses with purpose. She has worked with organisations spanning the public, private and third sectors, both in-house and as a consultant. She was the inaugural winner of Women in Housing’s Communicator of the Year Award. She is passionate about giving local communities the opportunities to make decisions about their own futures so that they can grow and thrive.

Carli is a non-executive director for two housing associations, and a local authority councillor in her home city of Norwich.

Head of People, Brand and Values

Emily is a devolutionist with a wealth of experience in communications, policy and public affairs. With a background in campaigns and community engagement, she delivers outcome focused strategies telling the story of the impact of devolution. She has worked for a combined authority on projects including public transport, net zero, culture, adult education, infrastructure, business growth and housing.  More recently she focused on evidencing impact and driving the narrative around policy recommendations that drive inclusive growth at an economic think tank. Emily passionately believes in the necessity of place-based economics and good growth as the foundational cornerstone for a strong purposeful economy for all. 

Head of Engagement

Charlotte is responsible for driving partnerships and strategic engagement. She works to sustain and build influential relationships and collaborations with regional stakeholders; connecting them to decision makers across Westminster and Whitehall and in devolved combined and strategic authorities. Charlotte coordinates a number of coalitions and campaigns including the Northern Culture APPG and Healthy Homes and Buildings APPG. Charlotte’s work has gained national media coverage - helping to increase the visibility and impact of our campaigns. Charlotte is passionate about achieving positive change through devolution.

Account Executive

Taya is a history graduate from the University of Leeds with practical experience in politics, public relations and campaigning. Before joining Devo Agency she worked for a Greater Manchester MP gaining valuable insight into parliamentary processes and stakeholder engagement. Taya plays a key role in supporting the administration of our APPGs, tracking parliamentary developments and contributing to our internal and external communications. 

Administrator

Eloise provides vital administrative support across the Devo Agency. She oversees invoicing, and acts as the main liaison for finance. With strong organisational skills and attention to detail, Eloise also supports diary coordination and plays a key role in keeping projects on track across the team.

Political Communications Executive

Bianca is a Politics and International Relations graduate with experience across marketing, political research, and campaigning. She has worked on strategic content, policy analysis, and cross-sector initiatives in academic, non-profit, and consultancy settings. As our Political Communications Executive, she supports the organisation and administration of APPGs, tracks parliamentary activity, researches and maps key stakeholders, and creates engaging content for our social media platforms.

Associate Director (Energy, Transport, Defence)

Rachael has been involved in communications, marketing, and public affairs across a whole gamut of industries – from quarrying to power, from transport to engineering and more recently the defence sector. She advises clients on approaches to government, owned media, and engagement campaigns. Rachael is an active volunteer at the Chartered Institute for Public Relations where she is currently vice president, is on the leadership team for Women in Defence UK, and is a board member for the social enterprise I Have A Voice.

Associate Director (Built Environment & Sustainability)

Jade Lewis is one of our built environment & sustainability experts. She works with us on the Healthy Homes & Buildings APPG. Jade was previously Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Association. She currently chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority Energy Capital Board, Board of Trustees of the National Energy Foundation, and the National Retrofit Hub’s Supply Chain, Products, and Solutions Working Group. She is also a member of the Green Construction Board.

Senior Consultant (Education, CYP)

Jonathan is a specialist in public policy, stakeholder engagement and campaigns, working across government and media for over 30 years. Jonathan founded Citadel Policy & Communications and is also an Associate of the Centre for Young Lives. His greatest experience is in education and employment, social inclusion and advocacy for young people. This includes convening policy events and related activities regionally and nationally, and annual party conferences.

Associate Director (Science, technology, energy storage)

Vernon Hunte Chart.PR has a extensive experience across politics and policy. During his career he has shaped the political engagement programmes for everyone - from global firms and charities, to membership bodies and exciting early-stage companies. He has a keen interest in public policy and regulatory approaches towards emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, energy storage and quantum. ​

Events & Exhibitions Consultant

Ann Kennedy MBE has worked in events for 30 years, including a significant period as Head of Exhibitions for the Labour Party. Ann has an unparalleled reputation reputation for delivering high quality events and stakeholder relationships. She works collaboratively with clients on projects and events, bringing an extensive network of industry experts to deliver with an expert eye on the budgets and important details as part of your team to allow you to focus on the outcome.

Associate Director (Health & regulated sectors)

An experienced and innovative healthcare communications and engagement specialist with 20 years’ experience in the public, private and charity sectors. Verity spent ten years leading and delivering internal and external communications at Health Education England (now NHS England) before becoming a communications and engagement consultant. She has worked with clients across the third, public and private sectors on diverse projects spanning health, social care and highly regulated sectors.

Web Designer

A talented web designer with a keen eye for detail, Reid provides advice, support, design and construction for all your web and content needs. With a specialist interest in digital accessibility, Reid enjoys working with clients to help them meet their digital goals and exceed user expectations. He has worked with clients in diverse sectors on projects ranging from SEO optimisation through to creating membership portals with e-commerce capacity.

Associate Director (Health, social care, local government)

Phil Hope is a former Labour MP and Minister. He was Minister of State for Environment, Transport & the Regions. He also served as Minister of State for Care Services where he led the development of the White Paper ‘Building a National Care Service’ and the first National Dementia Strategy.He also has extensive experience of local government and devolution.

Phil works with us on the Future of Social Care Commission.

Associate Director (Culture, communications)

Caroline helps organisations tell positive stories about the work they do and why they do it. Caroline has worked with iconic firms and campaigning organisations, in-house and at leading London agencies, including Hyatt Hotels, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and NSPCC. She advises NGOs, coaches women, trains spokespeople, and builds the confidence of teams. She recently published research into what drives strong workplace culture.

Associate Director (Infrastructure, transport, aviation)

Paul has 20 years experience as a political lobbyist delivering strategic political communications, stakeholder engagement, community campaigning and events management. He has worked with a variety of private and public sector clients including Stagecoach, RingGo, Bombardier, Network Rail, Toyota, Bellway, SAS, National Express, the London Borough of Hounslow, HACAN and Associated British Ports. Paul sits on the DfT’s Airspace Engagement Group and the DfT’s Aviation Noise Engagement Group. Paul is passionate about infrastructure policy and is currently studying for a PhD in asset maintenance finance at UCL.

Regional Partner (South of England)

Geri Silverstone the founder and CEO of Silverstone Communications is a leading expert in political communications and stakeholder across the South of England. Geri has worked extensively with local authorities, national government, infrastructure projects, and educational institutions, helping to overcome barriers to growth through meaningful dialogue. His consultancy (the largest of its kind based on the south coast) is renowned for fostering collaboration between communities and organisations, exemplified by initiatives like the "Silverstone Speaks" forums, which address regional challenges. Geri’s expertise makes him a trusted advisor on political and devolution strategies.

Consultant (Transport, devolution, regional government)

Rob is a dynamic and versatile public affairs and communications professional with extensive experience in campaign management and strategic communications. He has a proven ability to digest and synthesise complex information for diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders and the media. He is skilled in developing and delivering impactful campaigns, crafting policy briefings and engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels. An exceptional communicator with a strong academic background including a distinction in MA Governance and Public Policy and currently pursuing a PhD in Politics at the University of Manchester, bringing academic rigour to professional practice.

Associate Director (Utilities, planning, healthcare, local government & transport)

Mick has over twenty-five years’ experience working in frontline politics and public affairs. He worked as a political adviser to Members of Parliament, including a government minister, providing advice on policy, strategy, campaigns and communications for 20 years. Since 2015 Mick has been providing strategic public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications advice to a range of private and public sector organisations. Based in Yorkshire, he acts as an adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Yorkshire & Northern Lincolnshire. He has an excellent track record in providing strategic counsel and delivering strong buy-in from policymakers and stakeholders.

Associate Director (Arts & culture, sport, third sector)

John has held senior communications and advisory roles at multiple UK organisations over the last twenty years, including the British Museum and Goldsmiths, University of London, Prostate Cancer UK, CITB and Sport England. John has served for nearly ten years as a global ambassador for Athlete Ally, having had a successful career as a Great British para-ski racer retiring as European Champion, Double British Champion and in the World Top Ten. John was made a Freeman of the City of London due to his communications work.

Associate Director (Organisational Change, Communications, Public Services)

Hayley joins the Devo Collective with a wealth of experience spanning the public, private, and third sectors, having worked in a number of complex and high-profile organisations, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. A skilled communicator and change leader, Hayley specialises in transformation, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development. Alongside her role with Devo Agency, she runs her own consultancy in Cheshire. Known for her energy, creativity, and inclusive leadership style, Hayley is passionate about empowering leaders, shaping positive workplace cultures, and driving purpose-led change.

Associate Director (Housing, Development, Tourism)

Amy Gray’s experience across public and private sector has included some of the biggest crises of the last 15 years, including navigating the national tourist board through Brexit and Covid and Britain’s biggest retailer through the challenges of public health alcohol policy. As Head of Public Affairs at BRE Group she led agenda setting policy work on the cost of poor housing, and as Director of Communications at Policy Exchange she helped issues like building beautiful become key government policy. Now based in Cambridge, she has stood for Parliament twice and her first book, a political biography, will be published in September 2025.