Fred de Fossard – The Strategic Mind Shaping Britain’s Prosperity Future
Who Is Fred de Fossard?
Fred de Fossard is a British policy strategist, political adviser, and thought leader currently serving as the Director of Strategy at the Prosperity Institute, formerly the British Prosperity Unit at the Legatum Institute. Based in London, England, he is one of the leading voices advocating for a reformed, growth-oriented, and globally competitive post-Brexit United Kingdom.
His career reflects a rare blend of government service, policy consultancy, academic insight, and entrepreneurial initiative. From working as a Special Adviser to Rt Hon Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg MP to leading national prosperity research, Fred de Fossard’s professional journey embodies a modern vision of public service — one that merges intellectual rigour with practical strategy.
Fred de Fossard at the Prosperity Institute
Director of Strategy: A Vision for British Prosperity
As Director of Strategy, Fred de Fossard leads the Prosperity Institute’s parliamentary and legislative research. His work focuses on British prosperity, regulatory reform, government efficiency, and economic growth. He directs research and campaigns that promote long-term policy frameworks designed to return the United Kingdom to sustained prosperity.
Under his leadership, the Institute’s research has explored themes such as Brexit opportunities, civil service modernisation, and legislative reforms necessary for the UK’s next phase of growth. His strategic direction ensures that academic research, government policy, and public communication are interlinked to produce measurable national outcomes.
Policy Influence and Parliamentary Expertise
Fred’s role extends beyond research. He works closely with policymakers, Members of Parliament, and civil servants to translate complex research into actionable legislative solutions. His background in parliamentary affairs provides a foundation for this approach — a skill honed during his years advising senior government ministers.
Career Path of Fred de Fossard
Special Adviser to the Government
Before joining the Prosperity Institute, Fred de Fossard served as a Special Adviser to Rt Hon Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg MP between 2020 and 2022. During this time, he operated at the heart of government, advising on Brexit Opportunities, Government Efficiency, and Business Strategy.
His tenure covered three major departments:
-
Leader of the House of Commons (2020–2022)
-
Cabinet Office (2022)
-
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) (2022)
In these roles, he gained a profound understanding of the machinery of the British state, the legislative process, and the internal workings of government reform. He contributed to the delivery of Brexit-related regulatory changes, the improvement of civil service recruitment, and the management of the government’s legislative programme.
His insight into how Westminster and Whitehall operate gives him a rare, practical perspective on the relationship between policy design and implementation.
Experience in Public Affairs and Consultancy
Public First: Campaign Management and Policy Analysis
From 2018 to 2020, Fred de Fossard worked for the renowned public policy consultancy Public First. Initially joining as a Policy Analyst and later promoted to Campaign Manager, he managed large-scale political and corporate campaigns across Europe.
His major achievements included coordinating a Europe-wide coalition of technology companies in partnership with Google’s Northern Europe policy team. This project sought to advance progressive technology regulation and balance innovation with public trust.
Fred also worked on national campaigns concerning housing policy, education, and higher-education reform. His ability to merge public opinion research with strategic communication became a defining skill during this period.
Clients and Partnerships
During his consultancy career, Fred de Fossard worked with leading institutions such as:
-
Google
-
Microsoft
-
Amazon
-
Oxford University
-
Cranfield University
-
The Sutton Trust
-
The Centre for Policy Studies
These collaborations deepened his understanding of the intersection between business, academia, and government policy, preparing him for the strategic leadership role he now holds at the Prosperity Institute.
Entrepreneurial Leadership: de Fossard Communications
Parallel to his consultancy and policy work, Fred founded de Fossard Communications Ltd, a public relations and lobbying agency operating across Europe from 2015 to 2020.
His company specialised in targeted PR campaigns, lobbying services, and commercial research for clients in sectors including finance, technology, agriculture, and international trade. Through this venture, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong grasp of how communication strategies shape public perception and policy outcomes.
Early Parliamentary Experience
Fred’s early political work came through his position as Parliamentary Adviser at the Policy Research Unit (2017–2018), a well-established service providing research and analysis for Conservative Members of Parliament.
In this role, he focused on health and social care policy, producing expert briefings and liaising directly with ministers, advisers, and industry stakeholders. His reputation as a clear communicator and rigorous researcher began here — qualities that have defined his later success in government and think-tank leadership.
Second Sip Ltd: The Culinary Chapter
Before entering full-time politics, Fred co-founded Second Sip Ltd in 2016, a specialty food and drink business. The venture traded single-origin tea and coffee and offered bespoke catering for both intimate and large-scale events.
This chapter in his career reveals his creative and entrepreneurial drive, as well as his appreciation for craft industries — traits that enrich his understanding of small-business realities and the wider British economy.
Academic Background
Education at the University of Oxford
Fred de Fossard read History at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, graduating in 2014. His academic training in historical research, critical thinking, and narrative construction continues to influence his analytical approach to policy and communication.
He maintains a keen interest in Medieval English history, which complements his understanding of Britain’s constitutional evolution and institutional heritage. This historical awareness often informs his perspective on modern governance and reform.
Personal Interests and Traits
Outside his professional life, Fred is known for his intellectual curiosity and practical mindset. His journey from chef to political strategist reflects adaptability, creativity, and determination — qualities that distinguish him within Britain’s policy landscape.
His presence on social media (X/Twitter @defossardf) further demonstrates his commitment to open dialogue. There, he shares insights on British prosperity, governance reform, and national resilience, always maintaining a tone of professional independence — as reflected in his bio, “Views own, naturally.”
Fred de Fossard’s Impact on British Policy
Championing Post-Brexit Opportunities
Fred de Fossard’s work has consistently supported the vision of a prosperous, independent United Kingdom. Through both his government and think-tank roles, he has advocated for:
-
Smarter regulation that encourages innovation
-
Efficient public service reform
-
A legislative framework that drives long-term growth
-
Enhanced accountability within the civil service
His expertise bridges academic insight and real-world policymaking, making him a distinctive voice in Britain’s ongoing conversation about prosperity and reform.
Thought Leadership and Communication
Whether advising ministers, writing policy papers, or addressing the public through think-tank platforms, Fred’s communication style combines clarity, conviction, and data-driven reasoning. His approach represents a new generation of British policy thinkers who combine academic rigour with practical policy delivery.
FAQs
1. Who is Fred de Fossard?
Fred de Fossard is a British policy strategist and political adviser who currently serves as the Director of Strategy at the Prosperity Institute. He specialises in British prosperity, government reform, and post-Brexit policy development.
2. What is Fred de Fossard’s background?
He studied History at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, and began his career as a parliamentary adviser before becoming a government special adviser and later a leading figure in public policy research.
3. What are Fred de Fossard’s main areas of expertise?
His expertise includes legislative strategy, regulatory reform, civil service efficiency, and technology policy. He is also known for his work on campaigns promoting British economic growth and innovation.
4. Has Fred de Fossard worked in government?
Yes. He served as a Special Adviser to Rt Hon Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg MP between 2020 and 2022, working across several government departments including the Cabinet Office and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
5. What is Fred de Fossard’s Twitter account?
Fred de Fossard’s official Twitter (X) handle is @defossardf, where he shares insights on British prosperity, government reform, and policy innovation.
Conclusion: The Future Vision of Fred de Fossard
Fred de Fossard stands out as a leading strategist shaping Britain’s economic and institutional renewal. From his early work in Parliament to his leadership at the Prosperity Institute, he exemplifies how research, communication, and strategy can unite to influence national progress.
With his firm grounding in history, public service, and pragmatic reform, Fred continues to guide conversations about how the United Kingdom can adapt, thrive, and lead in a changing world. His trajectory — from Oxford scholar and chef to Director of Strategy and policy innovator — encapsulates a modern, human story of resilience, intellect, and national purpose.
