Grayling has appointed Hannah Wynne as engagement and consultation director. Wynne will report to James Ford, managing director of Grayling’s Public Sector, Health and Skills team.

The appointment is a result of today’s launch of Grayling Engage, a new specialist public engagement and consultation unit that combines consultation expertise with strategic and hands-on communications.

Grayling Engage, will target public and private sector clients that want comprehensive solutions for communicating, engaging and consulting with stakeholders and the public.

Wynne said: “With councils transforming services, the NHS reconfiguring to improve clinical outcomes and the private sector continuing to  invest in major infrastructure and housing programmes, effective public consultation is becoming ever more important especially as ‘No’ campaigns become more sophisticated. We are finding that clients want an integrated approach – expert advice on running public consultations combined with the PR, digital and public affairs mix. Grayling is able to offer genuine expertise across all aspects and, through our network of regional offices across the UK, invaluable local insight and community links.”

Ford said: “We are excited by the wealth of experience Hannah brings in managing consultation and stakeholder engagement projects for public and private sector organisations including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, National Grid and the Health and Safety Executive. Combining Hannah’s skills with our existing expertise means we are able to deliver more than just communications or consultation alone.”