Jasmine Croad: A Rising Leader in Public Affairs and Policy Engagement

Jasmine Croad is a Stakeholder Manager for Public Affairs at HS2 Ltd, recognized for her expertise in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and low-carbon policy. With a career spanning roles in the House of Commons, public affairs communications, and policy analysis, she has established herself as an influential figure in shaping the United Kingdom’s infrastructure development and sustainability agenda. Her leadership at HS2 highlights her ability to balance political, community, and corporate interests in one of the country’s most ambitious rail projects.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of public affairs and policy engagement, Jasmine Croad has emerged as a dynamic and influential professional. Her career reflects a balance of communication, strategy, and leadership, making her a key voice in the United Kingdom’s infrastructure development and low-carbon transition. Currently serving as Stakeholder Manager for Public Affairs at HS2 Ltd, she has built a reputation for her ability to engage effectively with political stakeholders, community groups, and business leaders. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Jasmine Croad’s journey, achievements, and growing impact on the UK’s policy and infrastructure landscape.

Early Life and Education

Jasmine Croad’s path toward public affairs and government engagement began with a strong academic foundation. She studied Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics (LSE), graduating with honors. Anthropology gave her a unique perspective on society, culture, and governance—skills that have become central to her professional work.

During her time at LSE, Jasmine was not only dedicated to academics but also actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the university rowing club. Her participation in sports reflected her team-oriented mindset and discipline, qualities that later translated into her career.

Even in her early years, Jasmine demonstrated leadership potential. While at Denmark Road Grammar School, she won both the Politics Prize and Sociology Prize, recognition of her academic excellence and interest in social issues. She also achieved runner-up status in the European Parliament Euroscola Debating Competition, a prestigious platform that sharpened her skills in communication and critical thinking.

First Steps into Government and Public Affairs

After completing her studies, Jasmine began her professional journey in government and politics. She worked as a Caseworker at the House of Commons, a role that allowed her to interact with constituents, analyze political issues, and develop practical problem-solving skills. This position introduced her to the complexities of parliamentary work, constituency challenges, and the balancing act between local needs and national priorities.

This hands-on political experience gave Jasmine valuable insights into the realities of governance and policy-making. It also reinforced her passion for connecting people with decision-makers and ensuring that diverse voices are heard in government processes.

Transition into Strategic Communications

Following her time in Parliament, Jasmine transitioned into the world of communications with THIRTY4/7 Communications, a consultancy specializing in public affairs. Here, she rose through multiple positions, from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive and then to Junior Account Manager.

At THIRTY4/7, Jasmine honed her ability to craft strategies, design campaigns, and manage stakeholder relationships. She worked with clients navigating sensitive policy environments, ensuring their voices were effectively represented before regulators, government agencies, and political leaders. This role strengthened her strategic thinking and refined her ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable communication strategies.

Specialization in Low-Carbon Policy

In 2022, Jasmine advanced her career further by joining Gemserv as a Policy and Insight Analyst specializing in low-carbon policy. This role positioned her at the heart of the UK’s sustainability agenda. She focused on stakeholder engagement, regulatory frameworks, and policy analysis within the energy and environmental sectors.

Her work contributed to shaping policies that support the UK’s transition to a greener economy. By combining her communication background with her policy expertise, Jasmine was able to bridge the gap between industry needs and regulatory expectations. This stage of her career highlighted her adaptability and forward-looking mindset in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change.

Leadership at HS2 Ltd

In May 2023, Jasmine took on one of her most significant roles to date: Stakeholder Manager – Public Affairs at HS2 Ltd. HS2 is one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects, aimed at transforming high-speed rail connectivity and reshaping the future of transport in the country.

As a Stakeholder Manager, Jasmine plays a vital role in navigating the complex web of political, community, and corporate interests. Her responsibilities include engaging with MPs, local government officials, contractors, and community leaders. She ensures that public concerns are addressed, while also communicating the long-term benefits of the project.

Her position requires exceptional negotiation skills, deep political understanding, and the ability to build trust across diverse groups. Jasmine’s work at HS2 highlights her as a central figure in ensuring that the project not only moves forward but does so with broad support and transparency.

Recognition and Achievements

Jasmine’s contributions to public affairs have not gone unnoticed. Among her achievements is her selection to represent Jamaica at the Commonwealth Connections Parliamentary Exhibition in 2021. This recognition emphasized her growing influence in both national and international policy discussions.

Additionally, Jasmine has committed herself to mentorship and diversity initiatives. Since December 2022, she has served as a BME Mentor at LSE, supporting students from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who aspire to careers in public policy and related sectors. Through mentorship, she has demonstrated her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Skills and Expertise

Throughout her career, Jasmine has developed a well-rounded skill set that makes her highly effective in public affairs and stakeholder management:

Strategic Communication: Ability to craft clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences.

Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at building trust and managing relationships across politics, business, and communities.

Policy Analysis: Expertise in low-carbon policy and sustainability frameworks.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead initiatives and mentor future professionals.

Cross-Cultural Understanding: Strong foundation in anthropology, enabling her to navigate complex social and cultural dynamics.

These skills reinforce her role as a rising leader in the UK’s policy and infrastructure landscape.

The Broader Impact of Her Work

Jasmine Croad’s work extends beyond individual roles. She represents a new generation of professionals committed to transparency, sustainability, and collaboration. By bridging the worlds of government, industry, and community, she is helping shape policies and projects that are not only ambitious but also socially responsible.

At HS2, her role is particularly critical. The project has faced challenges related to environmental impact, public opinion, and political debate. Jasmine’s ability to navigate these issues with clarity and empathy demonstrates the value of strong public affairs leadership in large-scale infrastructure.

Lessons from Jasmine Croad’s Career

Aspiring professionals in public affairs and policy engagement can draw several lessons from Jasmine’s journey:

Start with Strong Foundations: Academic excellence and extracurricular involvement build skills beyond the classroom.

Diversify Your Experience: Moving between government, consultancy, and policy analysis created a well-rounded profile.

Commit to Public Service: Roles in Parliament and HS2 highlight the importance of contributing to national priorities.

Champion Sustainability: Engaging in low-carbon policy shows alignment with the future of governance and business.

Support Others: Mentorship and community involvement enrich both career growth and personal impact.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Jasmine Croad’s influence is likely to expand further. As HS2 progresses and the UK continues its journey toward net zero, her expertise in policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement will remain in high demand.

She embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking leader: adaptability, integrity, and the ability to balance competing interests while driving positive change. Whether through infrastructure, climate policy, or mentorship, Jasmine is set to remain a powerful voice in shaping the UK’s future.

Conclusion

The story of Jasmine Croad is one of dedication, resilience, and leadership. From her academic achievements at LSE and early recognition in debating competitions to her influential roles in Parliament, communications, and sustainability policy, she has consistently demonstrated excellence.

Now, as Stakeholder Manager for Public Affairs at HS2 Ltd, she is contributing to one of the most transformative projects in the United Kingdom. Her journey illustrates the critical role of public affairs professionals in bridging politics, policy, and communities.

As Jasmine continues to rise, her impact will extend well beyond HS2, marking her as one of the most promising figures in the fields of public affairs, government relations, and sustainability.