The first quarter of 2026 has been characterised by a noticeably cautious mood in the UK communications hiring market. Businesses have become noticeably more selective, reducing speculative hires and significantly raising expectations for senior roles. What “good” looks like at the top end has clearly changed, with a stronger emphasis on measurable commercial impact, strategic influence and hands-on delivery. Here is what our team has been seeing this quarter.
Across the UK market, there is a demand for individuals who can demonstrate a clear contribution to business results. Businesses want in-house comms functions tied with revenue, reputation and growth and they need individuals who understand that relationship. As a result, we have seen comms professionals move closer to the decision-making table. Today, communications is increasingly being treated as a board-level function and the briefs we are receiving reflect this.
For agencies, the picture is mixed. Budgets remain tight with many organisations still managing strict headcount limits. Junior pipelines have been affected, with hiring and job postings down significantly across UK agencies. What is interesting is how the more agile firms are responding. Rather than competing on volume, several smaller agencies are repositioning as high-value strategic consultancies, building specialist practices around policy, geopolitics, ESG and digital.
Hiring in UK healthcare communications has slowed this quarter, with companies focusing on fewer hires that can make a real commercial impact, rather than building out large teams. Clients are also looking for something different from senior hires. The idea of a purely strategic leader who sits above the work is becoming less attractive. Instead, organisations want people who can combine strategic thinking with strong technical expertise and remain close to delivery. In practice, this means senior leaders who are comfortable setting direction while still getting involved when needed.
Growth is now central to many healthcare communications hires. Senior leaders are expected to win new business, expand accounts and build client relationships, not simply manage teams. It is a more demanding brief, but an accurate reflection of where the market has moved.
Public affairs hiring has remained steady. Roles are still coming to market, but approval processes are slower and decisions are being looked at more carefully internally. This is most noticeable at the junior level, where entry-level hiring has slowed significantly.
Senior roles tell a different story. There is a high demand for Directors, Heads of Public Affairs and specialist policy professionals. At the same time, more corporates are building in-house public affairs teams. Organisations across tech, energy, financial services and healthcare are investing in internal capability rather than relying solely on agencies. Organisations are increasingly looking for people who combine policy expertise, communications capability and strong stakeholder management experience. Those who can operate confidently across all three areas are in high demand.
Looking across the first quarter, businesses are hiring less but expecting more from the people they bring in. Senior communications leaders with strong commercial awareness and board-level credibility remain in demand, even in a more cautious market.
For candidates, moving between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery is no longer a differentiator. It is simply expected. Organisations increasingly want communications leaders who contribute directly to business performance rather than operate as a support function.
As the demand for board-level credibility and hands-on strategic delivery intensifies, Hanson Search can help you navigate these shifts. Whether you are looking to secure a leader who can drive revenue or you are a specialist ready to step into a high-value strategic role, our team offers the global reach and local insight to make it happen our team would be delighted to support you.
Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need
Meet the team
Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.
Talent Partner, Blakeney
Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.
Talent Partner, MHP Group
The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.
Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge
Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.
CEO, RAK Tourism
Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.
MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies
Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.
Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young
I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.
CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington
Career Enquiry
