Member spotlight Hannah Harriman IoIC, The Institute of Internal Communication

08 Apr 2026

From career transition to trusted advisor: strengthening impact through IoIC membership

I’m currently the Internal Communications Business Partner for Gallagher’s HR and Benefits Consultancy Division. This part of the business also produces the State of the Sector survey and the subsequent Employee Communications Report, which gives me a valuable opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are influencing best practice across the industry, while applying those insights within our own organisation.

In my role, I partner closely with senior leaders to shape and deliver communications that support business priorities, strengthen engagement and guide colleagues through change. I focus on ensuring communications are clear, purposeful and aligned to the wider employee experience, helping leaders connect with their people in a more meaningful and effective way.

I moved into this position without a traditional internal communications background, which required me to learn on the job rapidly to ensure that I was working at a strong professional level. The IoIC has played an important role in that journey, providing structure, professional standards and access to an incredible internal communications network. That support has enabled me to build credibility and confidence, positioning me as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

Finding my calling: driving connection and impact through internal communication

My route into internal communications began during the Covid-19 pandemic when, in my previous role, I supported with a series of internal projects. I saw first-hand the difference that internal communications could make to colleagues through huge uncertainty, instability, and organisational change, and also how internal communications can also be fun and bring joy to someone’s day.

I loved working directly with senior leaders and being given the opportunity to influence how they communicate to everyone.

When a permanent role was offered, I didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity to grab it, and five years on, I know that internal communications was my career calling.

What I enjoy most is the direct impact on the employee experience. Internal communications sit at the intersection of business strategy and people, and the work we deliver has an immediate and visible effect on colleagues across the organisation. Hearing directly from colleagues about what resonates, and what does not, allows me to continuously refine our approach and ensure communications remain relevant and effective, and ultimately supports them through their career journeys.

From foundation to future: how IoIC membership has supported my growth

Completing the IoIC Foundation Diploma in 2023 was a big part of my development. It provided a strong grounding in internal communications theory and helped me apply a more structured and strategic approach to my work which I continue to use.

Beyond the qualification, the ongoing value of IoIC membership comes from the professional community it offers. I remain connected with peers from my diploma cohort, and we continue to share insights, challenges and best practice. That network plays an important role in keeping my thinking current and ensuring I continue to evolve as the profession develops. I am also part of the IoIC North network and will take the opportunities to meet colleagues where I can.

Access to industry research, events and shared expertise has also helped me broaden my perspective and strengthen the strategic contribution I bring to my role.

I am also a very proud #IChoseIC Ambassador and have been able to speak at different career events to inspire the next generation of internal communications professionals.

A project I’m proud of that brought colleagues’ stories to life

One project I am particularly proud of is an Inclusion and Diversity Week that I helped deliver at Gallagher. The campaign focused on a range of themes, including health, bereavement and allyship, and centred on colleagues sharing personal stories and experiences.

The success of the campaign was driven by the openness and trust of those who contributed, which in turn encouraged meaningful engagement across the organisation. It led to genuine conversations within teams, with colleagues sharing their own experiences and perspectives in response to the content.

For me, the most important outcome was the cultural impact. It demonstrated how well-designed internal communications can create space for dialogue, build understanding and strengthen inclusion. The organisation was later recognised with an award for its work in supporting diversity, and I am proud to have contributed to a campaign that played a part in that achievement.

My advice for building a career in internal communication

Be proactive with your development and be open to a wide range of opportunities.

My own progression has been shaped by stepping forward and getting involved, often outside of my immediate role. Those experiences have allowed me to build new skills, expand my network and develop a broader understanding of the discipline.

Internal communications continue to evolve, particularly with the increasing role of digital, AI, and the emergence of more digitally based generations of colleagues within the workplace. Staying curious and being open to learning will help you remain adaptable and add greater value over time.