Special Adviser and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Policy Fellow, Centre for Science and Policy

Iain Carter is Special Adviser and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. As the department's most senior political adviser he plays a key role in the development and delivery of the UK government's overall environmental priorities alongside its support for the rural economy.

Prior to joining DEFRA he was Special Adviser and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and has also previously served as a Special Adviser in the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street.

Outside of government he has worked as a political and campaign strategist holding various roles including Political Director of the Conservative Party and Director of the Conservative Research Department.
Iain has also spent time in the private sector, most recently as a partner in a leading strategic advisory firm. He holds degrees in both Politics and Law and was called to the Bar in 2013.