Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?
I am a driven and motivated 2:1 Marketing Graduate from Sheffield Hallam University. Currently, Assistant Internal Communications Officer at HM Land Registry. We are part of the Corporate Communications team, Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar directorate. Over five years’ experience as a civil servant. It is my responsibility to manage content on the main intranet page, advise on editorial techniques, produce video recordings for directors, plan, manage and deliver national Q&A events, support maximising the employee voice, deliver weekly internal newsletters and press newsletters for directors.
Prior to this role, I worked in the HR profession as a HR Resourcing Adviser for three years and became a CIPD affiliate. It was my responsibility to welcome people into our organisation and conduct thorough background checks. Before the civil service, I worked as the Marketing and Communications Officer at the University of Nottingham, Careers and Employability Service.
My expertise within HR practices and internal communications interlink. It highlights the importance of positive communication, building connections, creativity, D&I, culture and engagement.
This membership is a regular tool used by my team to attend webinars, gain key resources, read research, retain expert advice and events to network within the industry.
What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
When I graduated, I wanted to focus on getting into the public sector to make a difference to the general public. I knew my overall goal was that I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing within the civil service. I found this sector particularly interesting, I thought there would be an array of development opportunities, meet like-minded peers and be given a lot of responsibility. I’ve had experience working for smaller organisations such as consultancies, graphic design agencies and marketing teams. I wanted to challenge myself to experience a different size organisation to manage.
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
I have been in my role for three months. The IoIC hosted a new member event which I attended in Canary Wharf. I felt very lucky to meet a variety of internal communicators from a range of industries. I have learnt a lot in the past few months; crisis communications strategies, benefits of AI for marketers, employee voice, editorial and writing techniques.
What I enjoy most about the IoIC is that there is always something more you can learn. The opportunities feel endless. Their website entails a wide range of topics which allows me to improve on my continuous development journey. It also allows my manager and I to monitor my progress throughout the year to achieve targets.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
A specific highlight for me was within 3 weeks of joining the Internal Communications team I was given the responsibility of delivering the Customer Month campaign. This entailed building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, writing content, gathering content from others, monitoring the progress of the campaign, co-ordinating a strategic marketing plan, virtual event with 8 directors, daily customer testimonials, regular meetings with hosts of listening groups, produced and delivered director videos.
At the end of this project, I pitched a presentation back to the content creators reflecting on engagement analytics. I received praise from a variety of directorates within the organisation. It allowed me to build relationships with others quickly. I was supported with a big responsibility and immediately felt welcomed. I think this project gave me a confidence boost very quickly and I enjoyed this project.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?
Move round the industry. It will give you a portfolio of examples from a range of industries. You will learn how different organisations function. Your audience base will differ creating more skills for you. However, make sure to keep in touch with people you meet. Create a Linkedin account and add people as you go. Whether this be at work, attending conferences, webinars, virtual events etc. You can learn things from their experience as well.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
In my spare time, I enjoy going swimming at the gym.
