Jessica Prestidge

Jessica Prestidge

Deputy Policy Director

It is a huge privilege to join an organisation committed to giving a voice to individuals and communities far too readily excluded from the policymaking process. As a special adviser in Government, I saw first-hand how passionately and effectively the CSJ advocates for those facing mutually reinforcing disadvantages, with a rigorous, evidence-led approach underpinning workable solutions which are taken seriously by those with the power to enact them.

I spent most of my time in Government working for Therese Coffey at DWP, where I led on labour market, welfare, and disability policy. I also spent periods at the Department for Education and the Department for Health and Social Care, as well as at the Cabinet Office. Before entering Government, I worked in the Conservative Research Department at CCHQ and in parliament, and before this completed a PhD in political history at Durham.

Something you might not know about me

I hold an Advanced Two qualification in tap dance.