Paul Beckford – Policy Officer
Paul combines a tenacious approach to research and fact-finding with an ability to distil substantial amounts of data into manageable and user-friendly formats, whether providing clients with daily news updates or in-depth briefings for meetings with MPs and civil servants. Since joining Cogitamus two years ago Paul has attended and prepared briefings, reports and evidential material for Select Committee hearings, Public Inquiries; Public Consultations as well as Party and Trades Unions Conferences.
As the Cogitamus anchor at Westminster, Paul attends parliamentary debates and committee hearings in person to provide clients with a deeper and more colourful analysis which online monitoring services or even television coverage cannot provide. This familiarity with the processes and personalities of Parliament enables Paul to offer a much deeper insight into the true intentions of policy and legislation.
Additionally, Paul has project managed fringe meetings and receptions at political party and trades unions conferences. Paul’s career development has also included working alongside John Conmy in Brussels to broaden his understanding of the interaction between European and UK institutions.
Prior to joining Cogitamus he carried out a number of research projects for companies within the public affairs arena. He is a Politics graduate from the University of Southampton and also has an MSc in Global Politics.