Welcome to our new series of blogs where we interview people in a wide range of roles across different think tanks and ask them the how, why and what their job entails. This interview is with Liberty Morrow from the Centre for Social Justice.
What is your formal job title?
Events and Engagement Manager at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
How did you get into think tanks?
I’ve always been passionate about public policy and social impact, having studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at university. After graduating, I was exploring opportunities on the W4MP jobs board when I came across the Events Executive role at CSJ. The combination of a policy-focused environment and hands-on event management immediately appealed to me, so I applied—and here I am.
Was this always what you wanted to do?
Not at all! I stumbled into this role more by serendipity than long-term planning. However, as soon as I read the job description, I realised it combined everything I enjoy: coordinating high-profile gatherings, engaging with a broad network of stakeholders and supporting research with real-world impact. It turned out to be a perfect match.
How does a typical day start for you? And at what time?
I’m an early riser, so I usually begin checking overnight emails and urgent notifications around 7:00 am. By 8:30 am, I’m in the office at the standing desks, often settling in with a coffee while reviewing the day’s agenda. I love a list and will always have multiple versions running so it takes a while to check through it all, but that early head-start helps me prioritise the tasks of the day before the first meetings kick off.
What do you enjoy most about working at the Centre for Social Justice?
Without hesitation, it’s the people. CSJ is home to talented researchers, advocates, and support staff who care deeply about social justice. Our collective commitment to positive change creates an energising atmosphere, where collaboration and mutual respect are the norm.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, which keeps the role dynamic. In the lead-up to an event, we’ll be liaising with venues, drafting run-sheets and coordinating logistics—often darting around Westminster to finalise arrangements. During quieter periods, we can focus on planning future programmes, refining processes and tackling any outstanding administrative tasks.
What excites you most about your work?
I’m inspired by our alliance of over 700 small charities nationwide. Meeting and supporting these grassroots organisations, each tackling poverty in their own communities, reminds me daily of the real-world impact our events help facilitate and always excites me. Their dedication is truly motivating.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Managing the diaries of busy public figures can be a real puzzle. Parliamentary schedules shift at such short notice and aligning various stakeholders’ availability often feels like solving a complex jigsaw. It’s always the trickiest part of any project initiation phase.
Can you think of one thing in particular you have learnt since starting this job?
Flexibility is everything. No matter how detailed your planning, circumstances can change at the last minute, whether it’s a venue hiccup, a speaker cancellation or a sudden policy announcement. Embracing adaptability, and having contingency plans, has been invaluable.
Which 3 skills do you think are essential for success in your role?
Judgement: Ensuring high production values across every detail, from AV setup to speaker briefings, and providing leadership within the team to maintain our high standards.
Relationship-building: Cultivating strong political and sectoral connections so we can secure high-profile speakers, navigate stakeholder priorities, and foster ongoing partnerships.
Initiative: Proactively identifying new opportunities and innovations around events, fundraising, and impact measurement, whether that’s piloting a fresh format or securing sponsorship to amplify our reach.
What tools or technologies do you use most in your job?
I’m a huge advocate for Trello—the lists and planning boards are a game-changer. I use it daily to map out event timelines, assign tasks and track progress in real time. It keeps the whole team aligned, prevents things slipping through the cracks and I recommend it to everyone I meet!
How do you balance work and personal life?
In this line of work, urgent requests can arrive at any time but the CSJ’s supportive culture and flexible working arrangements, whether that means adjusting start and finish times or working remotely, make it much easier to stay on top of pressing matters while still respecting personal boundaries. I’m also intentional about scheduling down time in my calendar like my regular yoga classes which help me switch off and maintain my energy levels.
How much of your day is spent in meetings or working with people vs individual work?
Typically, around 60% of my time is collaborative with planning sessions, stakeholder calls, and site visits etc, and the remaining 40% is focused on solo tasks, such as drafting briefs, updating budgets and reviewing logistical plans.
What would be your one piece of advice to someone considering a similar career?
Be adaptable and proactive. Event management in the policy sector demands both strategic foresight and the willingness to dive into the details. Cultivate strong relationships, stay organised and always have a backup plan—you’ll be rewarded with a varied, impactful, and exciting role.
