Our community of more than 80 Fellows are integral to the work we do at the IoIC, sharing their knowledge and skills to advance the practice of internal communication.
They do this by, among other things, helping the Institute develop best practice guidance, providing input into the creation of standards and supporting other members as mentors.
With the support of our Fellows, we’re able to promote internal communication of the highest standards, drive professionalism and raise awareness of this valuable community to the wider world.
IoIC Fellows are able to demonstrate that they have made outstanding contributions to the internal communication profession and the Institute.
"It’s a public, highly respected quality mark,” says IoIC president Suzanne Peck. “As an Institute, we value the diversity that professionals with differing backgrounds and expertise bring to the sector and we want to continue to recognise their contribution."
Benefits
Why Should You Apply for Fellowship?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider:
- Recognition: Becoming a Fellow is a mark of distinction and a testament to your exceptional accomplishments.
- Network: Gain access to an exclusive community of like-minded individuals, experts, and innovators.
- Impact: Be involved in activities from the development of standards, mentoring, speaking engagements and collaborations that will advance our profession.
Who can apply?
To apply for Fellowship you must be an active member of the Institute and demonstrate that you meet the criteria outlined below.
You must be shaping the strategy, design, delivery or management of internal communications, or
- Be responsible for a significant portfolio of internal communication projects or people, or
- Be acknowledged as an expert in a particular internal communication subject area, or
- Be delivering internal communication education and training.
You’ll also need to have been involved with the internal communication sector for at least 10 years and demonstrated a strong commitment to your own personal development and operate at level four of the IoIC profession map.
Key dates
Applications for Fellowship
Round 1: 03 March - 17 March 2025
Round 2: 02 June - 16 June 2025
Round 3: 01 - 15 September 2025
Meet the Fellows
Nicki Dyson FIIC
I am a highly experienced leader in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that enhance brand reputation, strengthen relationships, and drive business objectives.
Throughout my career I have established exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of the finance industry, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. I report directly into the c-suite, coaching and guiding seniors leaders on best practice corporate communications.
I believe it's my data and analytical approach to how I communicate that has driven my career over the past decade.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dysonnicki/
Max Puller FIIC
Max Puller is an award-winning, strategic and creative, business transformation and employee engagement leader with wide-ranging experience, both in-house and consulting, from across the public, private and charity sectors.
In February 2024, Max joined FTSE 250-listed IT and technology services provider, Computacenter, as Business Strategy and Communications Director. Prior to Computacenter, Max was Business Transformation Director at BCW, a WPP company, Head of Colleague Communications and Engagement at Tesco Bank, Employee and Change Communications Director at Sodexo, and Chief Communications Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence.
In his spare time, Max is a Non Executive Director of the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Max completed the IOIC’s Masters in Internal Communication Management in 2020, and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Internal Communication.
In 2023, Max was delighted to pick up the Best Employee Experience Programme award at last year’s IOIC’s National Awards for BCW’s work with global facilities management firm, JLL.
Paul Diggins FIIC
Paul has worked in Internal Communications for almost 25 years. Having learned his trade at Barclays, he has since worked at a range of businesses in a number of sectors. Most notably, he was the IC lead on the merger between T-Mobile and Orange that led to the creation of EE. Following this, he joined RBS to work on the separation of the insurance division and the subsequent flotation of the Direct Line Group. As well as these businesses, he’s led the IC functions of Rolls-Royce PLC, Elsevier (a division of RELX PLC) and is currently the head of IC at Santander UK PLC.
Heather Armond FIIC
Senior internal Communications professional based in Munich, Germany. Works at Allianz Commercial (Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty SE), as Head of Internal Communications.
I have a broad range of interests and expertise, including change and channel management, face to face, leadership and strategic communications, all within a global, multicultural environment. I have held three, increasingly senior communications roles at Allianz and prior to that, and in my earlier career was at Heathrow Airport and the Natural History Museum in London focusing on internal communications.
Joe Salmon FIIC
Joe is a seasoned communications leader with a proven track record of driving organisational success. With over two decades of communication expertise, spanning agency, consultancy, and in-house roles at companies including Vodafone, BT, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, and Spotify. He excels at providing strategic leadership communication and coaching to enhance visibility, reputation and trust, while crafting employee campaigns delivered through compelling storytelling to help organisations to grow from the inside out.
His expertise spans leadership communication, employee engagement, and navigating organisational change. Joe has a Post Graduate Diploma in Internal Communication Management, and is a passionate advocate for the internal communication profession, his influence extends beyond the day job. He's an elected Board Director and Fellow at the Institute of Internal Communication, a champion for inclusion and belonging through the UK Black Comms Network, a recognised event host, speaker, mentor, and awards judge. And PRovoke Media Innovator 25 honouree.
Sinéad Bell FIIC
Sinéad is an award-winning reputation management professional, with a specialist interest in internal communications. She helps to protect and enhance the reputations of her clients through proactive campaigns, issues mitigation and management, and where appropriate, internal and external change management programmes. She has experience across a broad spectrum of sectors and with more than 12 years’ experience in external relations, she can also advise how internal communications and external communications can work together.
Dominic Walters FIIC
Dominic has specialised in leadership and direct manager communication and development for over 30 years. He has worked in senior ‘in-house’ roles and as a coach and consultant in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, supporting leadership teams across a range of sectors.
He has also featured in print, TV and audio promoting effective leadership communication and is the co-host of the Future of Internal Communication podcast. Dominic has worked with line manager groups for a range of clients including recently United Biscuits, H&M, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue and Telia Group.
Dominic is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and past national Chairman, Governance Adviser and Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication.
Diana Oakes FIIC
A former journalist, Diana Oakes has worked in internal communication roles, at various levels, since 2010. She has designed and delivered communications strategies and plans, written content and managed social media accounts for over 40 projects and large programmes in the banking sector as well as in a volunteering capacity, for various NHS and third sector organisations. Diana has a lot of experience in inclusive communications and DEI in general, including hosting webinars on Disability topics as a member of Lloyds Banking Group's Access Disability Network's Steering Committee.
Jo Bland FIIC
A proud Comms2Point0 Lifetime Achievement recipient, Jo’s career spans multiple communication disciplines, with a passion for internal communications.
Rachel Miller FIIC
Rachel helps internal communicators to thrive via consultancy, training and mentoring at All Things IC. She's a keynote speaker, author & podcaster.
Denise Bird-Newell FIIC
I started my career in Human Resources over 20 years ago and given the inextricable link with employee engagement, have had internal communications within my remit during much of this time.
I have led some large-scale global communications projects where I have created the communication, change and training strategy. This has included technology projects that have allowed me to travel extensively and experience first-hand the difference internal communications can make to the success of a project.
I am the chair of the global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion forum for Clarins, with over 24 local networks and 150 members globally.
Ensuring front-line employees are connected and information flows smoothly both ways, in my opinion is at the heart of business success.
I am extremely passionate about internal communication and employee engagement and the difference it can make to the overall performance and success of the organisation.
Misty Oosthuizen FIIC
Dynamic leader in internal comms, employee engagement, and DEIB. I transform culture through strategic innovation and inspire impactful global change.
Justine Stevenson FIIC
I am a passionate believer in Internal Communication, in the benefits to organisations and the individuals working in them.
I have more than 20 years of experience of internal communication across Government, Financial Services FMCG and Education. I have worked extensively in international and global organisations and enjoy communicating across cultures - with all the opportunities and challenges that brings.
I have been a member of IOIC for 20+ years, on the Board for a good proportion of them and I head up our annual IOIC awards.
Camilla Manistre FIIC
I’m a senior Internal Communications professional with 20 years’ experience having worked for several large global organisations including PwC, Barclays, Coutts and NatWest Group.
I’m an active member of the IoIC and am currently studying for the IoIC & Solent MA in Internal Communications Management due for completion in December 2023. I’m passionate about internal communications, both in improving my own capability and also through coaching and mentoring others
Sandra Lowman-Simpson FIIC
Sandra began her career in property and facilities management, working on various global accounts and rising to senior levels. Her achievements culminated in her being awarded the runner-up spot for the BIFM Young Facilities Manager of the Year. In 2011, after qualifying, she transitioned into the communications industry. Since then, Sandra has worked in a variety of roles, including as an in-house generalist (and specialist), a change agent, a senior consultant to the C-suite, and interim positions with top London agencies. Her extensive experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of communications practice. Today, Sandra advocates for the well-being of communicators by supporting them as a coach and mentor. She is passionate about assisting the work of the Institute to help shape the next generation of communicators.
Tracy Keates FIIC
Taking my transferable skills from 20 years of in house communication strategy, channel and people management, communication campaign planning and measurement in a large Corporate environment to a small, but mighty film production agency and using them to work with client organisations across all sectors rewards my love of creative challenges.
I deliver award winning and best in class films and internal communication campaigns for clients looking to engage their employees behind a new product, change programme or business strategy.
Claire Widd FIIC
I'm a marketeer turned internal communications and engagement lead for Rackspace Technology. My passions include engaging with non-wired employees and change & transformation. In addition to my IoIC Fellowship, I'm a proud member of the Chartered Institute of marketing and Freeman of the Company of Communicators.
Throughout my membership of the IoIC I've been proud to serve as a national awards judge, Central Region network lead and mentor. My career trajectory hasn't been conventional and helping others to find their path is very close to my heart.
Addea Amoa FIIC
A seasoned Internal Communication professional, with over 20 years of experience helping people at work feel informed, connected, and purposeful.
Amy Hockey FIIC
As an experienced internal communications leader, I’ve worked for, and with, a host of leading national and international organisations.
Jo Coxhill FIIC
I work with business, HR and IC leaders to build happy, healthy and highly engaged teams through the power of employee voice.
Lee Smith FIIC
Lee Smith is co-founder of The EX Space, the global learning community for employee experience and engagement practitioners. He has a career spanning more than three decades, during which time he has worked in a variety of communication and engagement-focused roles, both in house and consultancy, and advised some of the world’s leading businesses. He previously co-founded the internal communication agency Gatehouse, which was acquired by US-based Gallagher in 2018.
Shetal Joshi FIIC
Specialist with over 20 years experience in establishing internal communications & engagement as a strategic enabler across a geographical business.
Sonia Squires FIIC
Sonia Squires is Head of Internal Communication at Citizen Housing. Sonia started her career working in higher education institutions, the University of Manchester and the University of Huddersfield where she worked with under-represented groups, supporting and encouraging young people to achieve their ambition. She then found her calling with internal communication, working for the NHS, AQA and most recently in social housing.
Sonia’s passion is in supporting leaders with their communication so that they develop a greater connection with their teams. This stems from her MBA dissertation which focused on the importance of leadership in employee engagement and the significant impact it has every day.
Sonia is passionate about attracting brilliant talent from diverse backgrounds to the wonderful profession of internal communication.
Jarrod Williams FIIC
Jarrod is an award-winning chartered communications professional specialising in digital strategy, internal communications, brand, and transformation. With over 15 years of experience across financial services, housing, and non-profit sectors, he excels in delivering strategic messages through creative content and purposeful channels.
As Head of Digital Channels and Content at FTSE-listed St. James's Place, he leads global digital employee experience engaging 3,000 employees and more than 17,000 people in SJP's Partnership community. At housing association Bromford, he led communications for a £65 million transformation programme and spearheaded the response to a major cyber incident, where his approach to transparency and leadership visibility was highly commended.
Passionate about user-centred design, accessibility and inclusivity, and exploring the future of IC and digital comms, Jarrod regularly contributes to industry discussions as a panellist and guest speaker. He serves as Officer Commanding of the RAF Air Cadets Volunteer Communications Team, where he was recognised with a New Year's Honours commendation in 2023.
Caroline Waddams FIIC
Freelance internal communication practitioner with over 18 years of experience working in strategic internal communications.
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-waddams-82bbb924/
Soyem Osakwe FIIC
Based in London, Soyem is a communication strategist with over 15 years of experience in agency, private sector, and global non-profit work.
In her current role, she leads Internal Communication for a renowned global health organisation, with her work covering the UK, Asia, and Africa.
Neena Dominic FIIC
Global comms expert with experience across countries from the US to the Middle East. Now, in the British Council's Internal Comms leadership.
Clare Bowers FIIC
I’ve worked with retail, public sector and charitable organisations helping colleagues share their passion for their workplace and build strong connections.
My experience spans working with global, remote and field teams (at ZSL, they are literally working in a field) – so always seeking ways to keep everyone informed and engaged. I've had the privilege of managing conferences at music venues, botanical gardens, and even within the heart of London Zoo, making my career wonderfully varied.
As a mentor within the IoIC, I enjoy connecting with other IC professionals to share challenges and discover solutions. Additionally, I serve as the Vice-Chair of a primary school Governing Board.
I truly enjoy my career in Internal Communications and I’m excited to see how the profession continues to grow, evolve, and embrace new technologies.
Chloe Maple FIIC
I'm a data-driven, award-winning communication professional with extensive experience across £multi-billion public sector projects, oil & gas, leading technology brands, FMCG, FTSE100 financial services, and charity campaigns.
Christian Ball FIIC
Christian has extensive internal communications leadership experience across multiple sectors for firms such as Shell, Santander, EY, GSK, AstraZeneca, Linklaters, Mazars, British Gas, Nabarro and RBS Group plus Ballistic Comms, his own consultancy.
Nicky Gallagher FIIC
Nicky is a Senior Consultant at BB&A. She has 30 years’ experience in internal communication and cultural measurement, 20 of which as a consultant. Prior to this Nicky worked in-house for over a decade at Prudential and was also an Events Producer for Melcrum Publishing (now part of Gartner).
Nicky has a Master’s Degree in Internal Communication Management and mentors through the IoIC.
Nicky’s cross sector clients come in all shapes and sizes; she supports them to bring about culture change and performance improvement.
Mike Klein FIIC
Mike Klein, FIIC, FCSCE, SCMP is the Editor-in-Chief of Strategic Magazine, Founder of #WeLeadComms, and a communication consultant specialising in internal and social communication based in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Kate Jones FIIC
Kate is an award-winning corporate communications specialist with 28 years’ experience, both agency and in-house, across a range of industries.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joneskate/
Alison Harmer FIIC
How did you end up working in internal comms? I moved from deputy editor of a printers’ magazine to editing employee publications for the UK’s biggest brands at an agency (you’ll know it as Sequel). Turning corporate-speak into relatable language pro.
www.linkedin.com/in/alisonharmer/
Karen Dempster FIIC
Karen is highly experienced at helping organisations connect with people, inspire action and embed lasting change.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendempster1/
Fellow Nicola Lally FIIC
Partner at BDO. Chief Comms Officer. Senior communication adviser to Boards and ExCos. Strategic Board member (culture, sustainability). Reputation management. Internal behaviour change. Crisis Communications. Comms & Corporate Affairs.
linkedin.com/in/nicolalally
Steve Doswell FIIC
Communicator. Linguist. Writer. Runner (order varies with mood and project). Strong focus on European robotics sector. Chair of Council at Chartered Institute of Linguists. Former CEO of IoIC. Author of 'Running: Me Running EU', published 2024.
Rachel Royall FIIC
Rachel Royall is founder and CEO for Blue Lozenge, a strategic healthcare communication agency specialising in complex health programmes and delivering integrated communication campaigns globally, working extensively with the NHS, government and health.
Lyndsay Gray FIIC
My career in IC spans 25 years in a variety of industries including Telecoms, Aviation, Insurance and Banking. I recently gained the IoIC MA and at Santander I manage leadership comms and lead a team of BPs supporting central functions in Santander.
Ruth Findlay FIIC
I have been working in the field of internal communications for over 25 years. I have navigated many situations - M&As, restructures, crisis comms, and I am proud to lead a highly talented multiskilled comms team at Scottish Water.
Christine Crofts FIIC
Chris is a seasoned corporate communicator with over two decades of experience leading internal communications teams in FTSE50 companies like HSBC, Aviva, and Diageo. Now she's a bubbly and energetic trainer and freelance consultant.
www.linkedin.com/in/christine-crofts
Deborah Hulme FIIC
Deborah Hulme is a behavioural change expert specialising in human-centred organisational change and transformation. She delivers brain-friendly learning experiences for leaders, teams and individuals.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hulme-fiic-mnpn-97bb181/
Rebecca Marks FIIC
A natural problem solver, I use my 25+ years’ consultancy and corporate experience across internal communication, behavioural change and culture transformation to help businesses, teams and individuals achieve their goals.
Knowledge Circles
Being a Fellow of IoIC demonstrates that a communicator has experience, knowledge and expertise. So, when a group of them get together to discuss a key issue it’s worth listening to what they say. That’s why the Institute has started running Fellows’ Knowledge Circles (KC)– short, focused but informal conversations between a maximum of ten Fellows riffing on business and communication matters. Not only do these get togethers give Fellows a chance to compare experiences with other senior professionals, but what they say will be interesting for anyone involved in internal communication (IC).
About Fellows’ Knowledge Circles
IoIC aims to run four or so KCs over the next year. They will be online and face to face and are open to all IoIC Fellows on a first come basis. Numbers are limited to a maximum of ten to make sure that we can have a conversation and all contribute. We will send a message to Fellows about the next KC soon.
Summary from Second Knowledge Circle 10.03.2025
Summary from First Knowledge Circle 04.12.2024
Get to know some of our Fellows
Photos from Fellows Lunch at Brightsmiths, Birmingham November 2024
Fellows lunch 6.11.24
Fellows lunch 6.11.24
Fellows lunch 6.11.24
Fellows lunch 6.11.24
Fellows Lunch 11.24_6
Fellows Lunch 11.24_7
Fellows Lunch 11.24_8
Fellows Lunch 11.24_32
Fellows Lunch 11.24_10
Fellows Lunch 11.24_11
Fellows Lunch 11.24_12
Fellows Lunch 11.24_13
Fellows Lunch 11.24_15
Fellows Lunch 11.24_23
Fellows Lunch 11.24_31
Fellows Lunch 11.24_14
Fellows Lunch 11.24_16
Fellows Lunch 11.24_17
Fellows Lunch 11.24_30
Fellows Lunch 11.24_18
Fellows Lunch 11.24_19
Fellows Lunch 11.24_20
Fellows Lunch 11.24_21
Fellows Lunch 11.24_28
Fellows Lunch 11.24_22
Fellows Lunch 11.24_24
Fellows Lunch 11.24_25
Fellows Lunch 11.24_29
