Emma Hardy joined the Internet Watch Foundation in April 2011 and is Director of Communications and a Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Emma helps shape the organisation’s strategic direction and leads on communications, public affairs, campaigns and reputation management. She oversees the IWF’s media relations, digital communications and brand activity, ensuring the organisation communicates with clarity, authority and compassion on complex and sensitive issues.
Emma leads the development and delivery of major communications campaigns, annual reporting and insight publications, helping to raise awareness of online child sexual abuse and influence change across industry, policy and public audiences. She also plays a key role in crisis communications and organisational response planning.
With more than 20 years’ experience spanning journalism, policing, local government and the charity sector, Emma has extensive expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and safeguarding-related issues. She is a regular speaker at conferences and events, helping organisations and audiences better understand online harms and the work of the IWF.
Before joining the IWF, Emma held communications roles at Cambridgeshire Constabulary and in local government, after beginning her career as a journalist.
Emma holds a degree in Multi-Media Journalism, is a qualified senior reporter and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. She is also a Trustee of Girls Friendly Society.
