Experience

A PAST PROJECT – CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE

The purpose of Children’s Alliance was to encourage policy-makers to put children at the heart of all decision-making, and the campaign co-ordinated sector-wide support for the Government to appoint a Cabinet Minister for Children and Young People.

This strong voice for children and young people at Cabinet level would work in the same way that the interests of women are served by the current Cabinet Minister for Women and Equalities. Similarly, a Minister for Loneliness at Cabinet level has been in post since July 2018.

Seven reports were produced during this project and these can be downloaded from the links below:

A Plan for Play – October 2023

Research has shown the importance of play to every aspect of child health, development and wellbeing, and yet many children have little or no access to high quality play opportunities. We owe it to children to make a plan for play that sees every child in every place playing every day, and this report makes that case.

The Role of the Family in Early Years Education – September 2023

In the early years children experience rapid growth and development in all areas including physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. This report looks at the crucial role of the family during this time.

Preconception Care – July 2023

Parental preconception health and the first 1,000 days of a child’s antenatal and postnatal life are main determinants of one’s later health, wellbeing and social opportunities.

Family and Community – September 2022

This report discusses the changing nature of the UK’s communities and the likely outcomes for future society, challenging the myth that “the old ways are the best”. It calls upon government, institutions, and individuals to champion a connected and inclusive future.

Mental Health – July 2022

With NHS data showing a 90% increase on 2020 figures in the number of children referred for urgent mental health treatment, this report makes several proposals to ensure that we are delivering for our children and young people.

Physical Health – December 2021

This report shows that some groups of children and young people begin life hampered by disadvantage due to their family grouping, geographical, cultural or socioeconomic circumstances. It outlines proposals to address the concern that without effective co-ordinated measures led by Government, the next generation of UK adults will be the least healthy in living memory.

Early Years – October 2021

“Giving children the best start in life is by far the most effective way to address health inequalities in the long term.”  This is the tenet of Children’s Alliance and the focus this report, which considers where we are now as a society, as well as setting a roadmap for improving outcomes for children in the future.


A PAST PROJECT – WASTED MONEY, WASTED LIVES

The aim of the project was to trigger improvements to health and education services for people with epilepsy. Dramatically improved profile achieved leading to special provisions to improve NHS services for people with epilepsy.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Jenny Caven, Head of External Affairs of Slimming World
Through Slimming World’s membership of the APPG on a Fit and Healthy Childhood I’ve worked with Phil Royal and Royal Public Affairs for several years.  Phil’s knowledge of the parliamentary system and his subtle, unassuming and unpretentious influencing skills are valuable. His model of developing strong reports that have real merit and gain the attention of politicians is effective at raising the profile for an issue and getting results.

Sarah Clothier, Public Affairs Consultant
Phil has a fantastic working knowledge of the political system and the ability to get to the heart of any issue very quickly. He is extremely well respected by senior players across all parties and his experience and success as a public affairs consultant makes him a great asset to any  team or campaign. Phil is also a joy to work with!

Alison Cornell, Programme Lead, Research, Policy & Campaigns at Young Epilepsy
Phil has provided policy and lobbying support to a group of charities over a number of years, including the one I work for. He is extremely effective, having secured excellent opportunities at Ministerial level and provided some helpful introductions in Whitehall. Phil was able to ensure appropriate questions were tabled and provided regular up to date briefing information. Phil is flexible and easy to work with and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Sharon Wood, Chief Executive, Joint Epilepsy Council
Phil has provided public affairs services for the JEC for several years and has significantly raised the profile of epilepsy issues with politicians and policy makers. He has developed a very good understanding of the condition which together with his considerable and detailed knowledge of public affairs has enabled us to lobby more effectively in order to improve services for people affected by epilepsy.

Alan Cruickshank, Head of Governance & Planning at Leonard Cheshire Disability
Phil’s very knowledgeable about parliamentary processes and engaging with parliamentarians. He provided a constructive, pragmatic and good-value service and was good to work with.

Jane Griffiths, Editor, Writer, Linguist and former M.P.
Phil is highly effective and a real professional. Unhesitatingly endorsed.