About the Legion
Legion Public Affairs team wins prestigious award
15 November 2012
The Public Affairs team
of The Royal British Legion has won the prestigious Public Affairs
News Award for 'In-House Team of the Year'.
Against fierce competition from charities and commercial
companies, the prize was awarded at a ceremony in central London
last Thursday night, hosted by Daily Mirror journalist Kevin
Maguire.
A group of senior judges from across the public affairs and
campaigning sector decided that the Legion's Public Affairs team's
performance in securing tangible outcomes over a 12-month period
made it the best in the business. The successes
included ensuring the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant
were written into law and saving the Chief Coroner. The prize was
awarded after a tough interrogation from six judges back in
September.
There was stiff opposition on the night from both the charity and
private sectors, including Macmillan's team in Wales and the
Airport Operators Association.
Kevin Shinkwin, Head of Public Affairs, said "I'm really proud of
the team. This is a tribute to both our team effort and to the
Legion as a whole. This is the second consecutive year that the
Public Affairs team has won a Public Affairs News award, which was
given last year specifically for the Armed Forces Covenant
campaign. It recognises an outstanding year of achievements for the
Legion's Public Affairs team. To our colleagues in PR and Public
Policy and to all those who worked closely with us on the past
year's campaigns a very big thank you!"
Nick Donovan, Assistant Director for Public Policy and Public Affairs, said "As a result of the team's work many bereaved families should benefit from speedier and improved inquests, proposals to allow secret inquests were rejected, and injured Service personnel will receive improved financial support when the Disability Living Allowance is replaced by the Personal Independence Payment and Armed Forces Independence Payment. This award is given in recognition of the team's work in securing these important reforms which affect our beneficiaries' lives."
More information about the work of our Public Policy and Public Affairs teams can be found in our Campaigning section.