Experienced Advice and Expert Counsel
Oak Grove Strategies offers comprehensive consultancy services specialising in politics, policy, public affairs consulting, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, and participation. With twenty years of experience, we provide detailed analysis and strategic political advice to clients in politics, business, the public sphere, and the Third Sector. Our approach ensures informed decision-making and effective engagement with key stakeholders. Building enduring relationships is at the heart of what we do.
Paul O'Kane
Founder and Director
Paul is a dedicated and highly skilled professional with twenty years experience in public affairs, communication, stakeholder engagement, policy and participation across politics and the Third Sector. He provides insight and analysis of fast paced and often volatile political events at home and abroad.
For fifteen years Paul served in elected office as a Labour Councillor and then Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). He served as Deputy Leader and Education Convener in one of Scotland's leading local authorities. At Holyrood he served in various roles including Shadow Education Secretary, Shadow Social Security and Social Justice Secretary and Shadow Social Care, Public Health and Drugs Policy Minister. He was Deputy Convener of the Health Committee and a member of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee; the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee; and the Education, Children and Young People Committee.
Paul's time in Parliament was highly varied and often challenging: beginning with the COVID pandemic and witnessing events such as the full scale invasion of Ukraine, three First Ministers in a year, the Rutherglen and Hamilton West By-election (in which he played a key role), the death of the late Queen and a General Election. In this period he scrutinised significant legislation such as the Regulation of Legal Services Bill, the Tertiary Education Bill and the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill.
In Parliament he had varying interests notably: learning disabilities, international development, enhancing public service for good and understanding lessons from Northern Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina in terms of peace and reconciliation. Paul also supported Holocaust remembrance and education.
He chaired the Cross Party Groups on Learning Disability and Poverty as well as being a co-convener of the CPGs on India and Diabetes.
He was named 'One to Watch' in the Holyrood Political Awards of 2025.
As a dual UK-Irish citizen Paul has deep knowledge and experience of UK/Irish relations particularly in Northern Ireland and enjoys a productive relationship with members of the Irish Government and the political parties at Stormont.
He had a varied career in the Third Sector from Volunteer management and development roles to seven years at Scotland's leading learning disability charity, ENABLE Scotland, culminating in leading Policy and Participation.
Paul was a leading voice for his Party in print and broadcast media including BBC, Sky and STV, and continues to contribute to public debate and discussion.
Oak Grove Strategies was established in June 2026.
What we do
Public Affairs
We assist clients in navigating the complex and evolving political and policy landscape in the UK, Scotland, across the island of Ireland, and beyond. With Paul's experience in the chambers and rooms where decisions are made and scrutinized, we offer invaluable political advice and insights. Our communication strategies enhance opportunities for engagement, ensuring you can effectively shape what’s happening in public affairs.
Political Advice
We offer strategic communication strategies to clients seeking to understand, engage, and influence decision makers at all levels. Paul brings key experience in education, planning, health and social care, and social security to our public affairs consulting services. During times of significant change, whether at Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont, or within Local Government, Paul provides invaluable political advice to help you navigate with precision and sensitivity.
Communication
Paul leverages his extensive experience in the Parliamentary chamber, the Committee Room, and across television, radio, and podcasts, along with major speeches at conferences and events, to craft effective communication strategies. His work includes writing opinion pieces and providing press commentary, all aimed at helping you design and deliver strategic communications that connect with your key audiences. Additionally, Paul offers public affairs consulting, providing political advice and keynote speaking support through speech writing, training, or participation as a speaker or panelist at your events.
Campaigns and Participation
With a specialism in the Third Sector, Paul offers valuable political advice and can assist clients in designing and delivering far-reaching and impactful campaigns that drive the change you seek in our society. Through effective communication strategies, Paul helps to bring people together within organizations and communities. He supports you with planning, training, or delivery to consult, engage, and involve stakeholders, particularly those who may be challenging or hard to reach, through his expertise in public affairs consulting.
Resolving Conflict
Focusing on bringing people together and enhancing the quality of our engagement and debate in politics, communities, or organizations, Paul can deliver effective communication strategies to reduce conflict and improve collaboration. By leveraging insights from peace and reconciliation efforts worldwide, Paul offers political advice and public affairs consulting that can help clients navigate challenging situations with reflection and renewal.
UK - Ireland Relations
Are you looking to expand your brand or influence into new markets in Ireland, both North and South? With Paul's extensive experience in public affairs consulting and political advice, he can help you develop effective communication strategies and navigate relations with our nearest neighbours, ensuring sustainable growth.
Talk to us
Start a conversation today
Email: paul@oakgrovestrategies.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulokaneoakgrove
X: Paul Stevenson-O’Kane (@PFOKane) / X
For expert communication strategies and insightful political advice, connect with me for comprehensive public affairs consulting.
