Julia GliddenManaging Director, 21c Communications
Dr Glidden completed her D.Phil. (PhD) in International Relations at Oxford University, and has extensive experience in the design and delivery of global eParticipation initiatives.
An internationally recognised expert in the field of citizen-centric eGovernment, Dr. Glidden has participated in a wide variety of global forums on the subject, and has authored numerous articles on enhancing citizen engagement in the democratic process. Recent publications include a co-edited journal on eParticipation for the Council of Europe and UK Government, a review of the evolution of the British Government's eDemocracy policy, and a case study with Andrew Pinder, former UK e-Envoy, on the UK's Knowledge Economy Strategy.
Dr. Glidden has recently managed an award-winning proposal to transform a major region in the UK into an advanced IT zone for business and citizens, and has coordinated several eParticipation study tours to the UK for EU member states. Prior to launching 21c Communications, Julia served as Managing Director for Accenture eDemocracy Services where she oversaw major eParticipation projects for countries ranging from the United Kingdom to the Philippines. She is currently a strategic advisor for the International Centre of Excellence for Local e-Democracy.
Susie RustonSenior Consultant, 21c Communications
Susie is a founding member of 21c Communications. Since graduating from Durham University she has spent her career as a consultant, election expert and communication officer in the public and private sector for companies including election.com and Accenture. Susie has extensive experience developing and delivering international award winning citizen participation and electoral modernisation strategies.
As a PRINCE2 and MSP qualified programme manager Susie's recent assignments have included the management of a European eTen project on CRM, the development of a national toolkit for use by UK local Authorities to implement new e-democracy projects, the creation of best practice strategies for engaging with hard to reach citizens and the deployment of wireless technologies to reconnect citizens and politicians. She was also responsible for the development and management of the UK Governments first International eParticipation and Local Democracy Symposium held in Budapest Hungary and Baltimore, USA in 2006. As part of her remit Susie regularly attends and participates in relevant e-democracy and e-government conferences around the globe.
About Us
A Unique Focus on Innovation
The 21c team is unique amongst communications professionals in that we combine hands-on business experience with in-depth PR and marketing expertise. Our team not only understand the challenges of running and improving a business in the Internet Age - they also know how to deploy innovative communications strategies and tactics to bolster the bottom line.
21c understands that in today's Web 2.0 world successful communications require the careful and creative integration of on-and-offline tactics. Our team has helped to pioneer government initiatives to encourage internet usage across Europe, and is regularly called upon to address the impact of new social media tools on government. We understand that today's Internet environment offers innovative and ever changing ways of communicating, collaborating and connecting with key audiences, and are skilled at identifying the right tools and techniques for your audience. Whether it is ensuring your website makes the most of new media, repurposing your existing content for the audiovisual age or simply bolstering your traditional communication channels through the Internet, 21c knows how to make the Web work for you.
A Flexible Approach
21c has extensive experience helping small and large organisations alike to compete in the global marketplace. We know that effective communications often extend beyond media outreach alone, and we work closely with our clients to identify the right blend of strategic and tactical activities to achieve key objectives. Our training and background in business research, analysis and strategic planning enables us to create communications plans that truly engage the target audience. Whether it is reaching out to trade publications and/or the national press, revamping websites, managing workshops and seminars or running highly engaging brand awareness campaigns, the 21c team knows how to reach the audience that matters most to you.
A Track Record of Success
Over the years, our team has created and run numerous communication initiatives for organisations ranging from United Airlines through to Sheffield City Council and the UK Ministry of Justice. We have trained and coached government officials and senior executives alike for media appearances on programmes ranging from BBC News 24 and Bloomberg News through to Larry King Live and CNBC's Power Lunch, and have generated positive news coverage for clients in outlets ranging from The Financial Times and USA Today through to The South China Morning Post and Japan's Asahi Shimbum.
Recent projects include the delivery of a targeted PR campaign for a major internet security company, the development of an award-winning strategy to promote IT usage in the UK, and the management and promotion of a series of international conferences on eGovernment. Representative partners and clients include: The UK Government, the European Commission, Entrust and Tata Consultancy Services