Meet the Committee – Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe

Age: 49
Location: Wythenshawe, South Manchester


What are your interests? What sets your heart on fire?
I am a strategic communications professional with leadership experience in Asia and the UK.  I currently work in the Cabinet Office as Head of Engagement at the Civil Service Strategy Unit.  I am passionate about purpose and making an impact in everything I do.  This includes my work, my podcast and my volunteering.  I have an adorable fur baby, Puppichino, who has relocated around the world with us and I love exploring parts of the UK with my little family. 

I host the Meet the Mancunian podcast: social impact stories from Manchester and enjoy getting to know the social impact sector and Manchester through my inspiring guests.  I serve as Trustee on the board of animal charity Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA).  I mentor a couple of people.

I love reading and travelling.  In 2025, I hope to follow a long-dreamt-of passion project and learn to write a crime novel inspired by Dame Agatha Christie.  Watch this space!

How did you get into PR?
I did a mass communications course for my post graduate degree and originally thought I would get into advertising.  During the course, I switched to a high interest in public relations and was encouraged by a friend about the potential of the PR and Communications profession. 

Comms has been my career anchor for over 28 years now, working in a range of industries from ecommerce to transport to energy to customs and now cross-government change.  There have been moments, such as after my MBA, when I have considered other careers but I always come back to comms as I enjoy it, and have built the skills and experience in  it.

What do you love most about PR?
The variety; the learning opportunities; the wonderful people in your team and your stakeholders; the ability to make a tangible difference.  I genuinely believe strategic communications can make a real difference to trust, reputation, employee engagement and many other key indicators for an organisation. 

What PR campaign or project are your particularly proud of?
eBay Census, where we analysed a year’s eBay sales to predict trends on what Indians were shopping for or selling online.  This trend report and many fun facts were launched simultaneously in 14 cities and also drew a lot of interest from media, industry bodies, brands and the ecommerce industry. 

It was a complex project, including a guide; a heatmap/interactive website; media training multiple spokespeople to field the simultaneous launch in the 14 cities; event management and much more. Leading it for multiple years as Head of Comms for eBay India was immensely satisfying and helped increase eBay’s share of voice in the eCommerce industry.

If you weren’t in PR, what could you see yourself doing?
Travelling the world and writing crime novels.

Describe your role in the committee and what it involves? 
I am the EDI Champion and support the rest of the committee on our EDI strategy and plans to make our committee, communications, events more inclusive. 

What do you think makes this committee unique?
The range of experience we bring, the passion for the North West, the willingness to get stuck in and really think about how we benefit our members. 

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in PR?
Don’t be afraid to try different disciplines within communications and build out your skill set.  Invest in building your network and join the CIPR.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day? 
Cuddling my dog, podcasting, reading.