Hannah Cruickshank

Strategic communications leader with more than 13 years' experience delivering media relations, crisis communications, corporate communications, transformation communications and high-profile publications across complex public sector organisations. NCTJ-qualified journalist with a strong track record of managing politically sensitive issues, protecting organisational reputation and developing compelling stories from complex operational and policy issues. Trusted adviser to senior executives, elected members and other senior stakeholders, providing communications counsel during major incidents, organisational change and periods of intense public and media scrutiny.

Experienced in translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives that help people understand change, support organisational objectives and drive behaviour change. Skilled in leading communications teams, developing organisational narratives and delivering high-profile communications products, including annual reports, speeches, strategic publications and award-winning campaigns. Recognised for building strong relationships, influencing at senior levels and coordinating complex communications activity across multiple stakeholders in fast-paced and highly scrutinised environments.

Communications & Engagement Business Partner at West Northamptonshire Council (2026-03 – Present)

• Worked closely with senior leaders and elected members, providing communications advice and support on a wide range of issues
• Developed and delivered communications strategies and plans that supported organisational priorities and service delivery
• Managed communications around sensitive and high-profile issues, helping protect organisational reputation and maintain stakeholder confidence
• Managed complex communications projects involving multiple contributors, coordinating content development, approvals and publication to deliver high-quality communications products
• Led communications activity across a range of channels, ensuring messages were clear, consistent and tailored to different audiences
• Used insight, feedback and evaluation to understand what worked, improve communications activity and achieve better outcomes
• Interim role following voluntary redundancy during a period of organisational change

Senior Communications Manager at Northamptonshire ICB (2017-11 – 2026-05)

• Led and developed a communications team, providing support, coaching and strategic direction across a complex NHS organisation
• Led the redesign and publication of the organisation's Annual Report, coordinating content development, editorial review, senior stakeholder input and publication, increasing downloads by 30%
• Acted as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and regularly deputised for the Assistant Director of Communications, providing advice on high-profile and sensitive issues
• Led communications for major transformation programmes, helping colleagues and stakeholders understand what was changing, why it mattered and what it meant for them
• Led communications during COVID-19, industrial action and safeguarding incidents, providing timely advice and protecting organisational reputation in highly scrutinised environments
• Developed annual communications strategies aligned to organisational priorities and used insight and feedback to improve engagement and communications effectiveness
• Supported ministerial engagement and high-profile visits, including a visit involving the Prime Minister

Communications Manager (multiple organisations) at Halton CCG/St Helens CCG (2013-01 – 2017-11)

• Led communications across two NHS organisations, balancing competing priorities and supporting delivery of organisational objectives
• Developed and delivered communications strategies, using insight and feedback to improve channels and increase stakeholder engagement
• Planned and delivered multi-channel campaigns, including the Choose Well campaign, increasing awareness and influencing behaviour change
• Led engagement and consultation programmes for major service changes, ensuring statutory requirements were met and patients and stakeholders were kept informed throughout
• Managed communications budgets, reducing costs by 50% while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of communications activity
• Managed and developed a small communications team, providing support, coaching and development opportunities

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication – University of Central Lancashire

Bachelor of Arts in Life Literature and Thought with American Studies – Liverpool John Moores University

NCTJ in Journalism – Liverpool Community College