Member Spotlight Alison Ulldemolins

Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?

My current role is UK Internal Communication & Change Specialist at Buro Happold, a consulting engineering practice. My ‘client base’ if you will, is upwards of 1,700 employees. It’s a global company with over 3,500 employees worldwide and the UK is the biggest region in the practice with offices spread across the country and incorporates Hong Kong and China. An extremely busy role which keeps me on my toes!  In addition, I am the Communications Director for the Happold Foundation, a voluntary position.

Since joining IoIC a few years ago it’s great to see how its evolving in its support to its members. Having attended some courses previously I am regular attendee of the online webinars which are always very topical and relevant and it’s reassuring to know others experience the same issues and challenges. 

Access to the new(ish) network community of like-minded professionals is so helpful although something I need to make more use of. The available online resources are pretty vast and the easily downloadable fact sheets, guides and articles help me as I constantly strive to be better in my role and in the support I provide. I do look forward to receiving my copy of Voice magazine when it lands through the letterbox (call me old fashioned but its lovely to take time away from the screen and read an actual magazine).

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

What can I say, I love internal communication. I’ve been involved in one form or another for quite a number of years having always been fascinated by how and when people communicate. Understanding what works (and what doesn’t) and developing a curious nature to always find out more while trying to hone my skills.

There are many things I enjoy about it - not least ‘educating’ people that I don’t just ‘send stuff out’. In addition, working in internal communications means I have the privilege of working with so many different people and teams across the company, something I find rewarding. While the pandemic was the tipping point for some to realise the value of internal comms, for me it just cemented what I knew all along in that its crucial to help drive forward the business strategy, partnering with the leadership and ensuring the employees engage and understand where they ‘fit’ in the organisation and how they contribute, creating that sense of belonging.

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

In addition to the offered training courses, having access to the vast array of support materials is hugely valuable and I am currently working my way through some of the materials and modules in the new IoIC Diagnostic Tool which is already proving to be really beneficial.

As a comms professional you never stop learning. The IoIC mentorship programme is great and I so enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Louise Invine-Rawlins from The Works as my mentor. Being able to chat through ideas and strategies with someone externally was so beneficial and meant there was a completely fresh and unbiased perspective.

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

If I had to pick just one it would be actually establishing a dedicated internal communication presence in the UK region, working alongside our global communications team.  It started small but evolved into a full time position with the support and encouragement of both my line manager and our UK Chief Operating Officer.  Now, for the first time, we have an internal communication strategy for the UK and I’m working closely with the leadership on their own communication plan following a recent reorganisation. Doing my due diligence and constantly learning from the resources available from IoIC means I can always try and be ahead of the game, backed by robust research.

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

Listen and learn! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be curious, everyone has to start somewhere. Get a mentor both in your organisation and outside if you can, its hugely valuable to get different perspectives and insights from others.

Build your network of comms professionals, LinkedIn is great for this as is the IoIC community network. Don’t worry, send anxiety is a ‘thing’ you will understand when it comes to sending your first mass email, many of us have been through it ! I love a good book and have amassed quite a library of different aspects of internal comms, there is always something new to learn.

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

Gosh. I could say I go rock climbing on weekends seeking that adrenaline rush (I don’t by the way), although I do love walking! Something a little more down to earth I once won a coveted Blue Peter badge for designing a stamp (one of a LOT of runners up but I was proud nonetheless!) a long time ago now.