It has not been a year any of us planned or even saw coming but as 2020 draws to a close and I take a moment to look back at what has happened, what we have achieved, what we have learnt and the impact this has had on our professional and personal lives, it is all quite overwhelming to process.
But as I try to process, the thoughts and emotions that come to mind are all positive, I am amazed at our ability to adapt, proud of how we have risen to the challenges and incredibly grateful for the kindness we have shown each other and how we have come together as a community.
At IoIC HQ like our members we have had to quickly adapt and ensure we supported our profession through these difficult times and I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve, here are just some of our highlights:
Launched our refreshed Profession Map, designed to help internal communicators build their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Delivered over 50 free member webinars
We held over 25 virtual member events from huddles, regional hubs, networks, and roundtable discussions
Launched our dedicated coronavirus advice centre
Produced new thought leadership content looking at the Future of Work and the need for world class internal communication
All our training courses and qualifications programmes are now being delivered through new virtual formats
Published 4 issues of Voice magazine and circulated to members chosen addresses
Hosted our first virtual conference series 'Facing the Future'
Conducted surveys to look at the impact of COVID-19 on internal communication
Produced two new Peer Reviewed Factsheets on Communicating Redundancies and Leadership Communication
Hosted our very first virtual award ceremonies giving out over 55 awards
Supporting IC practitioners through our COVID-19 membership scheme
Created our COVID-19 taskforce with leading IC practitioners
Published over 60 blogs from a range of practitioners
Launched our #IChoseIC campaign to highlight internal communication as a career of choice
Joined the Government COVID-19 Advisory Panel and participated in a report to look at the implications of COVID-19 on the communication profession
Launched our new Podcast series 'Internal Communication in the Raw'
It has been an opportunity to do things differently, try new ideas and consider how we can make this an even better Institute in the future and you can see some of our plans here.
But before we go off for our Christmas break, I just want to say a huge thank you to my amazing team at IoIC HQ team, Tim Beynon, Richard Bowes, Daniela Girardi, Kirstie Godber, Sarah Magee, and Rebecca Nicholls, they have worked tirelessly to make all this happen and have been dedicated to supporting our members and the internal communication community. Thank you also to the team at Artful Dog, Rob Jones, Isabel Overton, and Ross Behenna. I of course also want to express my thanks to my Board colleagues whose counsel and advice has been invaluable, and to all our amazing volunteers who have stepped in to help us alongside their busy day jobs but most importantly to all our members who have stuck by us and the 700 new members who have joined us this year and a special thank you to those who have sent us kind emails which honestly make the world of difference.
Even though we cannot have the Christmas we may have planned I hope you all have a well-earned rest. Our future as a profession is bright and we have the opportunity to bring about long-term change in our organisations that not only will drive their success but improve the working lives of millions and wow isn't that something to be proud of and excited about.
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and even though 2021 may be another bumpy year, I am sure good times are ahead.
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