The Communiqué Awards at 20: Mark Flannagan

Mark Flannagan (pictured left) receives the 2012 Communiqué Award for Healthcare Communications Advocate

Where were you when you won your Communiqué Award, and where are you now?

Chief executive, Beating Bowel Cancer. Left on 31 March 2017 to set up as an independent consultant and strategic counsel.

What has been the biggest change in healthcare communications during your time in the industry?

The economy has driven decision-making in cancer to new levels of survival only mode. This has made it difficult, if not impossible, to engage decision-makers beyond their short-term needs and pressures. Politicians have been able to redirect communications to the NHS on basic issues, such as drugs funding, without appearing to suffer negative consequences.

What influence have these wins had on your career?

The award allowed Beating Bowel Cancer and myself to be seen as a key partner in healthcare and patient advocacy. This opened up conversations about joint working that would not have been available.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Sir Richard Doll - taught me the benefits of long term, evidence based advocacy.

What do the Communiqué Awards mean to you?

It remains an honour. It recognises that we in the charity sector have a role to play and this is a visible statement of that. The award itself is a really impressive bookend!

This year the Communiqué Awards celebrate 20 years of recognising excellence in healthcare communications. To take part in the festivities, book your tickets and join us at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 6 July.