Vivienne Benson

Vivienne joined our team in February 2022 as the Head of Policy Engagement and Communications (PEC). Vivienne is leading on shaping our identity, brand, and policy narrative as we develop our new strategy, the policy engagement and communications for the Global Prioritisation Exercise, and supporting the PEC team to deliver strategic and impactful communications and engagement.

Previously, Vivienne led the communications for a portfolio of projects and programmes at the Institute of Development Studies. She also managed a team of research communications and impact specialists to define the research communications process and establish clear principles on delivering communications and engagement throughout the lifetime of research. She has worked on a range of issues including health and nutrition, child labour, gender equality and humanitarian crises. 

Vivienne believes strongly in the ‘show don’t tell’ principle, which underpins her entire approach for translating evidence and knowledge into engaging and targeted communications.