About Robert Bartram
I bring over 25 years of immensely varied writing experience to you and your organisation. I cut my teeth in UK politics at the turn of the millennium, culminating in my work as a Special Adviser to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing St, the heart of government.
Following a stint as a Parliamentary Officer at one of the UK’s leading charities, I worked as a broadcast journalist for the BBC in Westminster and at its west London HQ. I covered political and general news, both domestic and foreign.
I then put the skills I had learnt to good use in the field, working in the communications’ teams for two UN agencies in Lebanon. After this, I based myself in Geneva as the Communications Manager for a small NGO, before a spell as an Editor for MSF International and the Communications Lead for a third UN agency, the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative.
In between, I also spent three years as a teacher in the south of England, an excellent training ground for developing wider communication skills.
“Narrative imagining – story – is the fundamental instrument of thought. Rational capacities depend upon it. It is our chief means of looking into the future, or predicting, of planning, and of explaining.”
Mark Turner, cognitive scientist, linguist, and author
My vision
To democratise data and help organisations craft narratives about their achievements, so that readers and audiences are more engaged and able to take informed decisions about driving positive change across the world.
My mission
I work with organisations to transform their data, projects and achievements into open, accessible and compelling stories that improve their reputation, and inspire positive ideas and actions for change in their audience.
My values
Words matter to me. That’s why I’ve dedicated my 25-year career to writing easily accessible, compelling and highest-quality content for a range of organisations, sharing their achievements with a broader audience and driving positive change across the world.
What others say about me
Robert wrote for the State of Geneva’s Economic Development Office a series of accounts in English about the advantages of locating firms in Geneva. He successfully transmitted in each story the key messages we needed to convey. Robert is precise in the use of the language, however keeping it accessible and adapted to the targeted audience. Robert was very easy to work with and understood immediately what was required. He delivered the work to deadline and met all expectations.
It’s rare to find a writer who not only cares about words, but also on telling an engaging and memorable story that get business results. Robert is such a writer. If you are looking for more than ‘just a story’, but meaningful communications that work, I highly recommend you get in touch with Robert.
Robert has worked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as a consultant developing public information materials. He wrote content in the form of success stories, oversaw the development of an illustrated promotional publication and supported internal approval processes to make it happen. Robert has great skills at getting to the heart of a story and translating complex concepts into user-friendly language, that is being able to describe projects in engaging and accessible English. He also makes sure the key messages and priorities of the organization come across prominently. Robert is very good at dealing with sensitive issues and with beneficiaries. I would like to highlight that Robert is trustworthy and always careful to meet deadlines. I really appreciated his flexibility and his willingness to adapt rapidly to changing situations. In summary, he is well-organised in terms of keeping the project together. I recommend Robert for any professional positions or projects with requirements along these lines.
Robert’s help has been invaluable in several projects I have been involved with. When I was coordinating QUNO’s website relaunch he helped us communicate our work boldly and clearly. More recently, he ensured that I was able to launch my website safe in the knowledge not only that the standard of English was up to the mark but that it was low in jargon. I would be happy to recommend him for similar projects!
Robert has supported the Geneva Communicators Network by moderating and animating events using his improv skills that were very much appreciated by the participants; he was able to manage a diverse group of 30 persons; integrating storytelling and interactive exercises that were both challenging and fun.
What is remarkable about working with Robert is his talent in guiding the client into the reflection process about the content to be written. His questions turn the brief into creative stories fitting superbly the brand tonality and audience. One can sense his dedication and expertise in the client’s project through the quality and well thought of content as well as his recommendations for improvement about points unaddressed earlier. I appreciate his work and I highly recommend him for furture clients.