Firms relying more on interim corporate affairs professionals

A new report has revealed that UK businesses are increasingly relying on interim corporate affairs professionals.

Despite this role previously being seen as a short-term fix, one in three corporate affairs hires is now made on an interim basis.

A shift in how businesses manage

According to the Strategic Communications research compiled by Murray McIntosh, these findings represent a fundamental shift in how businesses choose to resource reputation, influence and stakeholder engagement.

With 58% of professionals considering a move within the next six months and senior teams often remaining small, employers are turning to interim leaders to mitigate risk and maintain momentum when permanent recruitment proves slow or uncertain.

The research suggests that interim appointments are no longer confined to transitional or backfill roles. Instead, they are being deployed at senior levels to:

• stabilise teams
• manage regulatory pressure
• lead high-stakes programmes
• deliver immediate impact in environments where speed and experience are critical.

‘A clear change in how businesses view interim corporate affairs talent’

Lauren Maddocks, Associate Director at Murray McIntosh, commented on the findings, “We are seeing a clear change in how businesses view interim corporate affairs talent. These roles are no longer just about plugging gaps. They are being used to bring in senior capability quickly, particularly where reputation, regulation or stakeholder trust is under pressure.

“That flexibility can be incredibly valuable, but it also raises important questions about continuity, institutional knowledge and long-term capability within communications teams. Interim leadership can be a smart strategic tool when used deliberately, but it should not become a substitute for investing in permanent teams.

“Corporate affairs functions operate at the intersection of reputation, regulation and trust. If employers lose sight of that, they risk weakening the very foundations they are trying to protect.”

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