As internal communication continues to stretch, evolve and adapt in a fast-moving world, the IoIC is investing its energy in areas that matter most to its members.
Our plans for 2026 build on the findings of the recent membership survey (November 2025) and the realities internal comms teams are facing: limited time, evolving skill expectations and the growing need for clarity, credibility and connection.
Chief executive Jennifer Sproul says member feedback has been central to shaping the year ahead. “What we hear clearly is that people value the depth of content and support IoIC provides, but they want to be able to find it more easily.
“Our community is diverse and everyone is time-pressured, but keen to take advantage of resources and templates, and to be recognised for their skills and the value they bring to their organisation. The year ahead is about making the membership experience simpler and more rewarding.”
Improving the member experience
The primary area of focus will be improving the overall membership experience. IoIC offers a wide range of guidance, research, professional standards and practical support, but members find navigating this wealth of content challenging.
With that in mind, the IoIC team is working closely with its analysis expert to rethink how online content is structured and accessed, with the aim of creating a clearer, more personalised journey for members at every stage of their careers.
The Institute will make greater use of CPD data, enabling a more tailored experience that reflects the needs and interests of members. This will sit alongside work to develop persona-based pathways, recognising the different expectations of senior leaders, early-career practitioners and global IC professionals.
Jennifer says a key aim is to ensure members make the most of the content that already exists.
“We want to empower people to get to the right guidance quickly, in a way that fits the reality of their working lives.”
Alongside these improvements, IoIC will strengthen its advocacy work, focusing on presenting the value of internal communication with greater clarity and confidence, and ensuring the profession is represented more powerfully.
Strengthening community and guidance
Connection and community will sit at the heart of 2026 activity. IoIC plans to work closely with its regional networks and fellowship community, while also strengthening opportunities for senior practitioners and internal communicators beyond the UK to get involved.
The Profession Map will be examined by the Standards and Skills Board to ensure it reflects the continually evolving skill set of today’s internal communicators, and the Institute’s ethical guidance will be refreshed, keeping pace with the shifting expectations and challenges practitioners face.
Alongside this, new training courses will be introduced, including further free options for members, designed to support emerging and priority skills.
After the launch of The Future of Internal Communication white paper in November, IoIC will bring the report to a wider audience and explore how it can spark deeper discussion across the profession. This will include looking at how communicators can prepare for potential new roles, emerging skills and the broader changes influencing workplaces.
Conversations about the future
Events will remain a defining part of IoIC’s offer, and 2026 will bring both familiar and refreshed experiences. The Festival will take place earlier than usual, on 6–7 May, and in a new location, retaining the award-winning experience. There will be a one-day “Best Of” Festival in northern England later in the year, extending access to the Festival experience and reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to connection across regions. There will also be a Leader's Forum, for curious, ambitious and forward-thinking IC leaders, this one day forum blends bold insights, design-thinking principles and meaningful conversation.
The IC Index will return earlier, in April, with a stronger emphasis on outcomes. It is designed both as a resource practitioners can use in conversations with senior leaders and as practical guidance to help practitioners drive better results in their own organisations.
Meanwhile, the Future of Internal Communication podcast will be back with new voices and perspectives, with the next season launching on 21 January.
Everything the Institute plans for 2026 is rooted in helping internal communicators feel supported, connected and equipped to thrive. It is a year built on listening to members – and on a commitment to inspiring, connecting and empowering the profession for the challenges to come.
