Misha Upadhyaya

Chief of Staff at IOPC, 2025 40 under Forty winner

United Kingdom

About

Strategic, politically astute leader operating across public affairs, policy and organisational transformation. As Chief of Staff at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, I drive executive decision-making, lead high-stakes public affairs, and advise senior leadership, Board members and non-executives. I’ve successfully influenced national policing reform, shaping policy and legislation through strong relationships across Whitehall and Parliament. Previously, I led the Private Office and Secretariat at MOPAC, overseeing corporate and political priorities for London’s senior leadership. I managed a 20-strong team, supported a 300+ organisation, and built the governance, stakeholder and communications architecture required to operate at pace in a complex political environment. My career spans frontline delivery through to global policy influence — from leading a world-first city-wide consultation on extremism and co-authoring a best-practice international strategy, to driving safeguarding transformation across NHS England and delivering nationally recognised community programmes. I specialise in: • Strategy and organisational transformation • Government relations and public affairs • Leadership of complex, high-performing teams • Governance, risk and crisis management I’m driven by impact — shaping policy, strengthening institutions, and delivering meaningful change at scale.

Experience

  • Chief of Staff at Independent Office for Police Conduct
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    Senior policy and public affairs leader serving as principal adviser to the Director General, shaping organisational strategy and influencing decision-making within a complex national regulatory environment. Provides expert advice on policy, governance, and high-profile issues with political and reputational impact, ensuring alignment with national policing priorities and statutory frameworks. Leads the Director General’s Office, delivering strategic coordination across policy, communications, and operational teams to ensure coherent external positioning and consistent messaging with government, Parliament, and key stakeholders. Oversees horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and policy developments, supporting proactive engagement and organisational readiness. Drives strategic projects and governance processes, working closely with board members, senior leadership, and external partners including Police Chiefs, government representatives, and key stakeholders. Acts as a key interface between the organisation and its external environment, strengthening relationships and influencing outcomes on critical public affairs issues. Recognised for delivering high-impact policy advice, managing complex stakeholder landscapes, and leading high-performing teams to navigate politically sensitive environments and deliver organisational priorities.

  • Mayor's Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) (6 yrs 2 mos)
    • Chief of Staff / Head of Private Office and Secretariat
      Aug 2020 - May 2024 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Director for MOPAC’s Private Office and Secretarial function, managing corporate and political priorities for the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and Chief Executive Officer. Leading a team of 20 staff members and supporting an organisation of over 300 employees, member of MOPAC Board of Directors and point of contact for all stakeholder relationships across the capital. Oversee all briefings, speeches, correspondence, policy submissions. financial decisions, mayoral questions and all external engagement for the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

    • Senior Policy and Stakeholder Management Officer
      Nov 2019 - Aug 2020 · 10 mos

      Lead the world’s the first ever city-wide consultation to understand what more needed to be done to improve and renew efforts to tackle hate, intolerance and extremism in London. Published a Strategy A Shared Endeavour: Working in Partnership to Counter Violent Extremism in London, which is still revered at best practice internationally.

    • Stakeholder and Engagement Officer
      Apr 2018 - Nov 2019 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Regional Safeguarding Lead at NHS England
    Sep 2016 - Apr 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Worked in the national and regional safeguarding team delivering transformation programmes across the complex health sector bodies in London and the South of England. Organised and delivered regional and national safeguarding conferences on safeguarding priorities for England and Wales. Increased compliance in safeguarding training by 80% in health care organisations by influencing and managing complex governance structures within the health economy.

  • Community Engagement Officer at Thames Valley Police
    Sep 2014 - Sep 2016 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Camp Director at Camp Beaumont Day Camps
    Jun 2012 - Aug 2013 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Worked whilst studying at University