While public affairs can be a London-centric industry, at Principle we've always been passionate about supporting charities from all over the country. With mayors and combined authorities continuing to take on more powers from central government and local government reorganisation setting councils up on a new footing, it’s an exciting time for the North of England. And that’s before we get to No.10 North and Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plans for a more geographically representative central government.
With Senior team members across the Midlands and North of England, we’re well placed to support charities and not-for-profits to engage with politicians and other key stakeholders across the North of England and to help northern charities and not-for-profits take their message to Westminster and the devolved parliaments.
Helen’s specialties for Principle are developing public affairs strategies that make the most of current opportunities, and developing policy solutions that build on organisations’ expertise and insight. She also has significant experience in parliamentary engagement in Westminster, the Senedd, and Holyrood.
Helen has worked with organisations to bring about change – including the rare disease quality standard with RAIRDA – and has experience across a range of sectors including health, social justice, refugee and migrant rights.
Prior to joining Principle she worked for Macmillan Cancer Support and a political think tank. Alongside her work she is completing a Masters in Public Health. She also loves cricket, and watching her children play at some scenic Yorkshire locations on a weekend (when it is not raining!)!
Originally from the East Midlands, she is now based in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
Aidan’s specialities for Principle are leading inquiries that result in hard-hitting reports and engagement with Parliament.
Aidan has run inquiries and written policy reports for a range of charities, including the No One’s Listening report for the Sickle Cell Society, which secured significant political and media attention and prompted NHS England to launch a wide-ranging sickle cell care improvement programme.
Aidan also specialises in supporting charities with parliamentary engagement, with particular experience in the health and refugee/migrant rights sectors.
Prior to joining Principle, Aidan completed a Masters at the University of Leeds and worked for the York branch of a political party, supporting its councillors and election candidates. As a York City fan, Aidan is delighted to have returned home to the city just in time for their promotion back to the Football League.
We have worked with Epilepsy Action, based near Leeds, since summer 2025. We’ve worked with the team to develop and implement a new public affairs approach and identify a policy focus for Epilepsy Action’s influencing work: maternity. Building on their brilliant work so far, we helped secure a role for them on one of the expert reference groups feeding into the current National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.
“It has been a pleasure working with Principle. Their team quickly became a trusted extension of our own, bringing strategic insight, political expertise and a strong understanding of the challenges facing people affected by epilepsy.
Our commission focused on raising the profile of epilepsy among policymakers, healthcare leaders and parliamentarians, ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with epilepsy were heard where they matter most.
Principle helped us deliver a highly effective programme of public affairs activity, securing engagement with key stakeholders and strengthening the case for change. Their work was consistently thoughtful, high quality and impactful.”
Alison Fuller, Director of Health Improvement & Influencing
To support local places to develop place-based approaches to tackling hepatitis C, we brought together key local stakeholders, including MPs, elected councillors, local authority directors of public health, GPs, NHS clinicians, third sector representatives and drug service providers to share best practice and support development of local approaches to achieve the national target of eliminating hepatitis C. We did this through ‘roadshow’ events in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Preston.
With hepatitis C primarily affecting some of the most marginalised groups in society, the elimination effort has played a crucial role in tackling health inequalities.
“Principle have been integral to our work in securing Government support to eliminate hepatitis C in the UK. It’s been an incredible long term partnership and has helped transform hepatitis C prioritisation and care.”
Rachel Halford, Chief Executive
Our engagement with northern MPs for the Sickle Cell Society in 2025-26 has helped to achieve a significant success for sickle cell patients.
Three of the seven pilot Sickle Cell Emergency Department Bypass Units – established by NHS England to enable sickle cell patients to get fast access to specialist care – are in the north (Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield).
Through engagement with each of the constituency MPs for the hospitals – including organising visits to see the ED Bypass Units and meet with clinicians and patients – we were able to secure the MPs’ support for the campaign to extend funding for the pilot programme.
This support helped persuade NHS England and health ministers to extend funding, meaning sickle cell patients in the north will continue to benefit from improved care services.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Principle. Our consultant hit the ground running and became an integral part of the team.”
John James OBE, CEO Sickle Cell Society
Across our team we work with charities at all levels from advising CEOs and senior leadership, supporting teams with delivery, and in many cases providing that delivery ourselves. This can include working from your offices if this is suitable for you. Please talk to us about the best skills mix that would help you achieve your charity’s goals.
Principle Consulting (trading name) is the same company as Principle Affairs Ltd, company number 05467588 (full details available on Companies House).
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