IoIC Conference: Bristol
(sponsored by Silicon Reef)

Colin Archer

Head Of Communications, Spirax Sarco

Colin Archer is Head of Communications in the Steam Thermal Solutions business of Spirax Group, a global engineering company based in Cheltenham. A Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication and former IoIC board member, he brings deep expertise in shaping internal engagement strategies and coaching leaders to deliver stronger communication outcomes aligned with organisational objectives.

Colin has held senior communications roles across sectors including energy, retail, and financial services. He also contributes regularly to IoIC initiatives such as Knowledge Circles and thought leadership forums, reinforcing his role as a key influencer within the internal communications profession.

Will Foy

Company Owner, Echofal Communications

Will has been an internal communicator for over 20 years, working across industries including public health, defence, housing, and global FMCG.

A veteran webinar and conference speaker, he has also served as an IC judge and has a particular passion for transformation and digital employee experience.

Committed to extolling the value of strategic internal communication, Will is an active mentor and contributes to the IoIC mentoring programme.

Neil Hopkins

Communications Strategist and Consultant

Neil Hopkins is a writer by trade, a strategist at heart, and a geek for anything to do with social marketing and behaviour change.

Over the past 20 years, he has won awards and built a strong track record in strategic communications (internal and external), reputation management, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, change management, and brand building.

Neil’s approach to sharing stories is simple: tell your people, then your partners, then your publics.

Jackie Novels

Communications, Media & Marketing People Coach, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)

Jackie Novels is a strategic communications leader with 26 years’ experience across the public and private sectors, specialising in internal engagement, external reputation, and organisational transformation.

Based in Bristol, she currently leads the Communications, Media & Marketing team at DE&S, part of the Civil Service. Outside of work, Jackie uses her communications expertise to support two charities, is a mum of twins, and sings in a gospel choir in Bath.

Kamaljit Poonia

Diversity Consultant, Coach, Facilitator, Alchemy

Kamaljit Poonia is an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) leader with over 15 years’ experience driving meaningful change across government, higher education, and local authorities.

She has led ED&I strategy at Bristol and Camden City Councils, advised DFID and the Cabinet Office, headed equality initiatives at the University of Southampton, and supported ED&I research across Bristol and the South West.

Recognised as a Top 100 Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader by the World HRD Congress, Kamaljit combines strategic expertise with a deep commitment to inclusion. Her work spans policy development, cultural transformation, community engagement, and leadership coaching—empowering individuals and organisations to embed diversity at every level.

Sue Turner OBE

Founding Director, AI Governance Limited

Sue Turner OBE is dedicated to using her expertise in AI governance and ethics to inspire people and organisations to use AI with wisdom and integrity.

She is Professor in Practice for AI at the University of Bristol Business School and founded AI Governance Limited in 2020 to promote responsible AI use. From Fortune 100 and FTSE companies to small businesses and not-for-profits, she helps leaders harness the power of AI for both profit and impact.

Earlier in her career, Sue was a Communications Director, and today she has global influence as a founder member of the United Nations AI Skills Coalition. She has also been recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Women in AI Ethics.

Dominic Walters

Leadership Communication Specialist and IoIC President

Dominic Walters is IoIC President and an IoIC Fellow (having formerly been chairman of the Institute).

Based in Bristol, he has specialised in leadership and direct manager communication and development for over 30 years. He has worked in senior in-house roles and as a coach and consultant worldwide, supporting leadership teams and line manager groups across a range of sectors.

He has featured in print, TV and audio promoting effective leadership communication and is the co-host of the IoIC’s Future of Internal Communication podcast