Virtual event
How to Communicate with Anyone (Really, Anyone)
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
Time is displayed in your local time zone
Speakers
What to do next
- Catch up on the 9-minute highlights above, or dive into the full recording
- Check out the Life in Government Community
- Check out our upcoming event How to Run Great 1:1’s
Resources
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The Life in Government Community is a collaborative space designed for Apolitical members to connect with peers in the global public service and ask and answer questions on life in government.
Event Description
Great communicators get things done. They break down silos, build coalitions, win hearts and minds…and they tend to get noticed. In government, where the audiences are diverse and the stakes are high, good communication isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the skill that sets you apart.
Think of what happens when we don’t get communication right. Impactful policies are ignored or abandoned. Citizens disengage from government initiatives. Team objectives become unclear, and morale is damaged. At every level, poor communication blocks progress. But when we do get it right? Ideas spread, silos fall, people rally and things move forward.
Join this event to learn from experienced communicators who’ll share practical ways to improve how you speak and write — no matter who’s on the receiving end. Expect insights on adapting your style for different audiences, avoiding the jargon trap and making your message land.
Who should join:
Public servants and policymakers who want to work more effectively, lead more confidently and accelerate their careers by communicating with clarity and purpose.
Interested in how Apolitical can support you and your organisation? Learn about collaborating with us.
Image Credit: Pexels
Speakers
Helena Hornby
Head of Marketing & communications, Orlo, and former UK Government Communications Specialist, UK
United Kingdom
Álvaro Vargas Franzani
Manager, Change Management, Department of Justice, Canada
Canada
Helena Hornby, Head of Marketing and Communications at Orlo, is an award-winning communications professional, with over 20 years’ experience in the UK public sector, including national and local government, transport, digital transformation, and community engagement. She has led high-impact campaigns and communication strategies that drive engagement, build trust, and have real-world outcomes for citizens. Helena now uses her expertise working with Orlo, the only community engagement platform built for the public sector. Her focus is on equipping comms and marketing people with the digital tools and insight they need to deliver impactful communications that make a difference. Her hands-on experience of delivery and leadership helps her understand and support organisations to meet their strategic outcomes. She is a big believer in continuous personal and professional development, loves any opportunity to get creative, and she really enjoys attending and speaking at events, and helping comms professionals to grow their influence and experience. In her spare time, Helena is a musician - she sings and plays saxophone with a soul band based in Manchester, and she’s about to start a radio career as a DJ with a jazz show on Fusion Radio
Álvaro Vargas Franzani, is a change management practitioner who helps teams navigate the complexity of transitioning through change with clarity and care. He leads a change management team at the Department of Justice, supporting change initiatives through alignment, communication, and collaborative engagement. With a background in UX research and applied anthropology, Álvaro brings a people-centred lens to change leadership—one that emphasises clear, inclusive communication as a foundation for progress. His team is currently focused on AI awareness and cultural readiness at Justice, encouraging safe, sustainable adoption. Their work explores how AI can be positioned as a strategic partner in shaping the future of public service. One of his current favourite questions is, “What are we optimising for here?”
