We have a new Scottish Government that will want to set its own agenda, be seen to develop fresh ideas and create new policy. We expect the new first minister to set the scene for the policy direction of his government in a statement to parliament after the Easter recess, and when he does, organisations need to be primed to engage meaningfully.

However, for the new government, and businesses engaging with it, continuity won’t cut it (to coin a phrase). A new approach to public affairs and wider communications is needed, with a reset on most fronts. Understanding the new government’s priorities and progressing your own will take considerable time, direct engagement and share of voice. Charlotte Street Partners is well placed to support you in that endeavour in the coming weeks, preparing your leaders and communications team to take advantage of the change on a secure footing.

Providing an in-depth audit of your current priorities and strategy to date, we will work with your team to deliver:

– A workshop to understand your current strategy, challenges and successes

– Stakeholder mapping and recommended engagement approach

– Key messaging and evidence points (additional research recommendations)

– A 12-month public affairs strategy, with actionable plans, timescales, deliverables and measurement criteria.

Resetting your approach

What the government does, and the agenda it pursues, is no longer being solely decided by an all-powerful first minister. Humza Yousaf does not immediately carry the same level of authority of his predecessors. He needs friends, allies and advocates – a dynamic that manifests itself across the entire political spectrum.

At Westminster, we are likely little more than a year away from a pivotal general election, with opinion polls pointing towards a Labour administration led by Sir Keir Starmer. Scottish Labour will be expected to make a contribution by way of a recovery here and the Conservatives will look to win seats in Scotland to offset anticipated losses in England. The SNP needs to frustrate both to have any chance of achieving a second independence referendum.

This is the right time to be engaging with both government and opposition, to ensure your opinions are reflected in the development and implementation of public policy. Our team is ideally placed to help you understand the risks and opportunities of this changing political landscape, providing strategic counsel and support to your team.

We work with a wide range of companies and other institutions to develop appropriate engagement programmes and plans that raise your profile and your voice in the right places at the right time. We work on a bespoke basis, delivering tailored plans in partnership with our clients.