Member spotlight Roz Bonnar

What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?

It didn’t happen by design. I studied Communication Studies at Queen Margaret University, leading to an interesting career journey that began in television and radio, taking me across the UK. I pursued a role in PR when I moved back to Scotland and discovered internal communications.

I was actively pursuing internal comms activities on the side while working as a press officer and found I enjoyed everything it had to offer. I love writing, photography and the power of storytelling. Internal comms gives me the opportunity to learn about the company and the people I work with while discovering interesting facts that I’m sure others will enjoy reading and engaging with.

Internal Comms can often be overlooked and dismissed by other PR Professionals.  Here’s the difference: I sit beside my audience.  I stand beside them in the coffee queue and I find out what matters most to them. It's much more than metrics, although that’s important. It's about what they need and what the company needs them to understand. It's vital that we provide opportunities to be heard, to have a voice and to keep them informed using meaningful and engaging content and events.

How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?

IoIC has always been one of my go-to resources, through network meetings, courses, 121 conversations with other members and the knowledge base.

Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?

I really intend for this opportunity to become my biggest achievement. It's exciting to build an Internal Communications department and lay the foundations for new channels that will support the strategy to inform and connect the business across the UK.  I have been involved in the rollout of large digital programmes, with some strategic fun attached, including a dog mascot that I will forever be proud of and the uptake of an employee app during COVID.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?

Be prepared to learn, ask questions, blitz acronyms and build relationships. They will carry you through all projects and challenges you will undoubtedly experience. Sign up for IoIC to meet like-minded people who will happily give you advice when you need it.

Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I photographed the legend that is Sir Billy Connolly; the photos went worldwide and they’re still used frequently.  No other photographer or journalist was allowed in the room and it's by far my biggest and unpaid PR success for Parkinson's UK – it was incredible.