The IOIC Profession Map.

The global standard for Internal Communication. A clear, practical framework of the skills, knowledge and behaviours that define professional practice at every career level.

We believe great internal communication unlocks organisational success.

In today's fast-moving world, organisations succeed when people are informed, connected and purposeful. That sits at the centre of the IOIC Profession Map and at the foundation of everything the standards define.

The IOIC Profession Map defines what that takes, setting out the role, the practice and the expertise required across six profession areas, four levels and the core behaviours that underpin impactful work.

The four profession levels.

The map identifies four levels of practice, each describing the work, skills and knowledge that define that stage of your career, from your first internal communication role through to leading the function at the most senior level. Each level aligns directly to IOIC membership grades and all our learning programmes including CPD, underpinning your development pathway.

Delivering

Delivering communication plans and producing content across a range of channels, tailored for different audiences and contexts. Supporting employee voice activity and beginning to develop stakeholder relationships that underpin effective internal communication practice.

Managing

Creating and managing communication plans and projects that align to and support delivery of wider communication strategy. Taking greater ownership of content, including complex, sensitive and change-focused communications. Supporting people managers, project teams and colleagues to communicate effectively, building the influencing skills that define effective internal communication practice at this level.

Strategically advising

Developing communication strategies that align to and advance organisational strategy, including leading change and transformation communication. Drawing on insight and data to understand organisational need and shape strategic approach. Providing senior counsel to leaders and key stakeholders, with the credibility and influence to shape decisions at the highest level.

Leading

Shaping the strategic direction of internal communication at the highest organisational level, setting standards and building the capability of the function for the long term. Leading thinking on internal communication practice, championing the profession and its role in driving organisational success.

The six profession areas.

The map is built upon six profession areas that define internal communication as a distinct, specialist profession.

Strategy, planning and business acumen

Defining objectives, aligning IC strategy to business goals and creating plans that deliver measurable outcomes.

Understanding people and cultures

Understanding the people experience and how IC creates the conditions for belonging and sustained performance.

Creating content and curating conversation

Crafting clear, compelling narratives and content that connects employees to purpose, strategy, change and each other.

Channel and community management

Selecting, managing and optimising the channels and tools that deliver effective communication to all internal audiences.

Research and measurement

Using data, research and evaluation to understand audiences, assess impact and continuously improve internal communication practice.

Influencing and advising

Providing expert counsel to senior leaders, building internal communication capability and positioning the function as a strategic partner.

The behaviours that define excellence.

What you do is only part of professional practice. How your work shapes the impact and credibility of the profession.

Curious

Consistently maintains a desire to learn and remains open to new approaches in line with the organisation’s culture and subcultures.

Challenging

Uses evidence and reason, built on a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, to confidently question current thinking which allows for positive change.

Trustworthy

Demonstrates their ability to be trusted by colleagues across the organisation by ensuring that all information is managed ethically, honestly and accurately.

Adaptable

Able to adjust ways of working with people or on projects and remaining flexible in varying situations.

Creative

Challenges the status quo by offering imaginative and innovative solutions and approaches which are in line with, and tailored to, the needs of the organisation.

Analytical

Uses data and evidence-based insights to inform decisions and make suitable recommendations, challenge and provide advice.

Tenacious

Remains determined and strong in principle, position and course of action, while being open to constructive challenge.

Empathetic

Able to recognise, understand and appreciate other peoples’ emotions, perspectives and situations and demonstrate the importance placed upon these.

Listening

Utilises active listening techniques when speaking to colleagues across the organisation. Leverages opportunities via employee voice initiatives embedded throughout the organisation to build a reflective picture of how people are feeling, which allows for appropriate actions and interventions.

The standard is set. Are you part of it?

Join IOIC and align yourself to the framework that defines what great internal communication looks like. Your membership, your grade and your development, all mapped to the global standard.