What we do
The Policy Key supports organisations to navigate policy, political and strategic change through insight, analysis, training and government engagement expertise.
From business to government, regulation to research, public to private - no organisation is immune to the growing risks of today’s volatile world. Policy is shifting rapidly, with complex changes ahead that will reshape how organisations operate, spend, and deliver.
In this climate, awareness isn’t enough. To thrive, organisations must engage early, shape the agenda, and prepare strategically.
The Policy Key was founded by a former UK Senior Civil Servant - Clare Dobson - with a track record in some of the most high-impact policy and regulatory developments of the past two decades. We offer consultancy services in energy policy and net zero, policymaking and engagement and cyber security.
Whether you’re a private business, regulator, public sector body or research institution, we help you stay ahead of change - and make policy work for you.
Client work
Recent Client Work
Energy transition
Advising energy sector organisations on policy options, narrative and strategic positioning for effective engagement with government and regulators.
Developing policy papers and strategic recommendations to influence government thinking on nationally significant issues.
Delivering postgraduate teaching on energy policy, systems impacts and national resilience.
Conducting expert assessments and interview panels for applicants to the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund, evaluating innovation potential, strategic alignment and delivery capability.
Policy making and engagement
Providing strategic research and analysis to academic organisations on government policy priorities to shape engagement and external affairs strategies.
Delivering tailored training for central government departments on the foundations of policymaking, strategic thinking and building effective relationships with Ministers.
Designing and delivering bespoke training to civil service on research methods, evidence gathering and analytical skills for effective policymaking.
Supporting the development of future civil service leaders through practical leadership training and one to one coaching-mentoring.
Contributing thought leadership on policymaking, the energy transition, cyber security and resilience through published analysis, conference speaking and expert panel participation.
Cyber security
Providing strategic insight and recommendations to companies following participation in cyber exercises aimed at strengthening organisational resilience and response planning.
Delivering board-level briefings on cyber threats, cyber crisis communications and organisational preparedness in response to evolving risk environments.
NET ZERO & ENERGY
The transition to net zero will mean unprecedented change to the energy landscape in just a few years.
We have deep experience of working at senior levels of government, to develop and deliver energy policy solutions over the short, medium and long term.
CYBER STRATEGY
Current geopolitical conflicts and tensions combined with advances in Artificial Intelligence mean the cyber threat picture is intensifying.
Our experience includes a leading role in the creation of the UK cyber legislation and leadership of governmental responses to cyber attacks (including participation in COBRA meetings).
POLICY MAKING
In response to global threats and an ever changing world the scale of government policy making is huge.
We have over 20 years’ experience of formulating policy at senior levels of government working in partnership with industry, regulators, academic and consumer organisations.