The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) has announced the shortlist for the Douglas Smith Prize for young public affairs practitioners.
In its second consecutive year, the Prize honours PRCA founding fellow Douglas Smith. The Prize is open to practitioners 27 years old or under. Candidates were asked to submit a short essay entitled "Together in the national interest: what has coalition meant for our industry?". Participants were also asked to present judges with an endorsement from their line manager or senior colleague who worked with them on a daily basis.
Seven candidates have been shortlisted. They will be interviewed on their essay and wider work on Monday 24th November and the winner will be announced at the PubAffairs and PRCA Public Affairs Christmas Party on Thursday 27th November. The Prize includes a £500 award.
The shortlisted candidates are:
- Melissa Barnett, Account Manager at PB Political Consulting
- Jordan Campbell, Account Manager at Ketchum
- Alistair Hill, Senior Account Manager MHP Communications
- Lincoln Hill, Account Executive at Weber Shandwick
- Tim Knight, Senior Account Manager at PLMR
- Matt Palutikof, Account Executive at Connect Communications
- Zoe White, Account Executive at PLMR
The Prize is judged by Lionel Zetter, Managing Director of Zetters Political Services, Director at TEAS and PRCA Public Affairs Chairman; Burhan Al-Gailani, Account Director at Brands2Life and PRCA Public Affairs Vice-Chairman; Simon Pugh, Senior Account Director at Weber Shandwick and PRCA Public Affairs Vice-Chairman; Ros Kindersley, Managing Director of JFL Search & Selection; and Rhiannon Hughes, inaugural winner of the Douglas Smith Prize.