Alan Barker
Independent Consultant
Alan Barker
Independent Consultant
Alan Barker is an author and communications consultant. For the past 20 years, Alan has worked with writers in a wide range of organisations, including a number of UK government departments and local authorities. Since 2006, he has been a preferred supplier of training and coaching at the Greater London Authority, training and coaching Assembly Members and secretariat staff. Alan has also worked with non-governmental agencies such as the Environment Agency and Ofwat, as well as acting as a consultant for various directorates of the European Commission and the European Stability Mechanism.
With a particular interest in science communication, Alan works regularly with the British Science Association and speakers at the annual British Science Festival. He has been working recently with the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, and with specialist teams at IFAD, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development in Rome.
Alan is an Affiliate Professional of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, for whom he runs a regular copywriting masterclass. He is also a member of the European Speechwriter Network, with whom he has chaired conferences and run seminars.
Alan’s work is founded on a deep interest in the rhetorical tradition. He believes that the writer’s first task is to make reading easier. His training approach is built on the principle that good writing is not merely well organised and clear, but offers value to its reader. Powerful ideas matter as much as accurate information. He also believes that writing well can be truly enjoyable, and that effective writing in public service matters more than ever before.
