Careers: Our teams Campaigns & Communications
When Which? was first set up in the 1950s consumers had little protection from unscrupulous businesses who could turn a blind eye to customer complaints.
Today consumer rights have been transformed by laws and regulations that Which? has played a key part in bringing about, and we’re proud of the claim that “Which?...can claim to have filled more pages of the statute book than any other pressure group…”. Whether campaigning against unfair bank charges, to improve patient experience in hospital, or for an end to the irresponsible marketing of unhealthy food to children, Which? works for all consumers.
Which?’s first campaign victory was the 1967 Toys (Safety) Regulations, which set basic standards for the production of children’s toys. Today Which? continues to influence the activities of government and business and industry. Thanks to the work of Which?, major supermarkets are introducing front of pack ‘traffic light’ labelling in order to help shoppers find out the fat, salt and sugar content of foods at a glance. Our campaigning to end the rise of childhood obesity has led to restrictions on junk food advertising during children’s TV programme. Following intense lobbying by Which? in 2006 the Government gave consumers what they wanted on pensions reform – a National Pension Saving Scheme run by an independent board, and downloads of our free online guide to challenging unfair bank charges has now topped 400,000.
Which? was behind the recent legislation to establish a better regulated and more consumer focused legal service, in addition to the Estate Agents Bill to implement a compulsory Ombudsman scheme for the industry. In the future we will continue to campaign in the key areas of personal finance, food and health, and add to this work in housing, water and energy supply.
Our success is down to the efforts of our campaign teams. The teams are made up of experts in campaigning, public affairs, policy research and media relations, who plan and deliver campaigns on key consumer issues. Creative marketing and communications play an important part too, raising awareness of key issues and sustaining the demand for change.
Everyone shares drive, energy, an eye for detail, a flair for ideas and a willingness to try new things. Results aren't always immediate, but through persistent pressure on legislators, regulators, manufacturers, trade bodies and UK and EU Parliaments, our teams ensure consumers' interests continue to be heard. There is huge satisfaction to being at the forefront of our mission to make all consumers as powerful as the organisations they deal with in their daily lives, and anyone at Which? can play a part in campaigning if they have the desire.
To read more, visit our campaigns section You'll see why it involves such a broad range of roles. Anyone at Which? can play a part in campaigning if they have the desire.