Could you describe your current role in Internal Communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?
I am currently Senior Communications Officer for a housing association in Wales. I am responsible for Internal Communication and work with HR colleagues on internal engagement in our organisation. In January 2025 we underwent a merger with another Welsh housing association. We now have nearly 400 staff across two offices and a larger geographical area, this has also meant two IT systems, two cultures, internal processes etc, so life has been very busy. Having access to resources and a network of professionals through the IoIC who understand challenges faced is invaluable to my role.
What motivated you to pursue a career in Internal Communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have had a long career in wider communication roles, often covering Internal Communication as part of these roles. Internal Communication has always been the area which I have enjoyed the most, so around 5 years ago I decided to specialise more in this area.
I enjoy making a difference and achieving behaviour changes. Also helping people understand how to communicate in the best way to get the most impact. You can often get caught in SOS (Sending Out Stuff), with everyone wanting their messages shared but when you take a step back and are more strategic the impact comms can have is significant.
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
I had done a few online courses with the IoIC before undertaking the Advanced Diploma. Doing the Advanced Diploma showed my dedication to Internal Communication and helped build my confidence and knowledge. Being able to evidence that my work is in line with ‘good practice’ and theory has been key to Internal Communication becoming a more strategic function in my organisation. In addition to this I now also have access to a network of professionals to share and discuss ideas and challenges with and I have also taken on my first mentoring role to share my knowledge and experience while also continuing my own CPD.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
There are lots over the years but one very recently is implementing a new staff engagement platform. I set this as one of my objectives for the advanced diploma which really benefitted both myself and my organisation. I was able to ensure I looked at theory, asked the right questions to staff, senior leaders and providers and sourced the best platform for staff. I also ensured we set up good governance and strategy around the new platform, which can often be forgotten about when implementing a nice shiny new product.
We brought the launch forward so I could present it at our staff conference and yes it was a very stressful time but what’s makes me most proud is how our staff have embraced it. Within 48 hours the majority of staff had signed up to the new platform by just using the invite email. I was expecting to have to do a lot more behaviour change comms to get staff to adopt it but the fact they all signed up quickly and are engaging on it shows we chose the right platform and developed it in the right way.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the Internal Communication profession?
There will be challenges along the way but in my experience there will be teams and people who are open to your support and advice. Take time to build strong relationships and then use these to prove how important Internal Communication is to the sceptics!
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I met Tom Cruise at the Australian premiere of Vanilla Sky.
