Heather is a Founder, Director, and Consultant at ASE Creative Solutions
Heather Abbey, MPP
I loved my time on the Master of Public Policy Programme. The degree was demanding but I appreciated the challenge: I learned so much about what I was capable of, what my priorities were, and how I could reach goals with the support of others. It was crucial in helping me pivot from a career in the UK government to social entrepreneurship. It helped me form the network, evidence base and skills needed to set up my own consultancy - and take advantage of the fulfilment and freedoms that come with working for myself.
I met so many passionate people championing social causes and devising innovative solutions to enduring social problems. I felt inspired by my cohort every day. I could also uncover research related to my interests and the change I want to see in the world, and I could connect with fantastic professors, who were accessible, proactive and deeply knowledgeable. I also took advantage of opportunities beyond the programme - I led an access initiative introducing local high school students to the LSE, and arranged for my classmates to visit No. 10 Downing Street. I felt so energised throughout; it was a great use of 9 months!
I chose the LSE because several Civil Servant colleagues had taken part in, and recommended, the SPP. I'm also based in London, and studying at one of the best universities in the world while staying close to home had a really strong appeal. I liked that there were so many modules to choose from - and there were a range of disciplines to engage with through the programme. The course designers seemed committed to shaping well-rounded policy professionals - and I think that approach is what is needed to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
My career path has seen me take up multiple roles across the changemaking ecosystem. Prior to LSE I had worked for the UK government for 7 years - where I was a Chief of Staff, coordinated ministerial decisions on Brexit and Covid, and ran training programmes for government teams in the UK and overseas. I also worked in the charity sector leading criminal justice reforms. Now, I run ASE Creative Solutions: a social impact consultancy which offers wellbeing-conscious and holistic support to changemakers (such as charities, grant funders, universities and social entrepreneurs). We have delivered research, leadership development programmes and grant management projects in the UK, and we are expanding into Ghana.
The SPP gave me perspective on how vast the changemaking ecosystem is. It gave me a foundation where I could build a work life that works for me (and not the other way around). I have a job I love - where I work on issues I care about with passionate people. I have freedom, I have fun, and I've continued making space for learning thanks to the SPP. I've also made amazing friends and colleagues from LSE, who've helped me feel seen, supported and determined to innovate.
Heather is happy to connect via LinkedIn.