The world of internal communications is moving at an ever-faster pace as organisations respond to the changes, challenges and uncertainty of the world around us today. Internal communications have never been more vital in helping charities to move cohesively through this insecurity.
In close consultation with our members, we’re developing this special conference designed to address the challenges internal communicators are facing. There will be plenty of advice, ideas and inspiration as well as safe spaces to collectively reflect, problem solve and share knowledge.
There will also be opportunities to get back to basics too with our ‘brushing up’ sessions where we look at the vital foundations for good internal communications.
Together we’ll explore:
- A seat at the top table: tips for positioning internal comms at the strategic forefront of workplace evolution and engagement
- Health and Wellbeing: tips and advice for protecting health and wellbeing
- Back to basics: what are the building blocks for great internal comms?
- Showing the true value of internal comms: have we kept momentum up since the pandemic?
- Prioritising workload: tips for choosing big impact activities and advice for pushing back
- The future of the workplace: key trends as we transition back to work
- Sharing strategies for driving up self-service: what behaviour should we expect from our people to engage in internal comms themselves and how can we encourage this?
- Change communications – internal comm’s role in strategies for an environment in constant flux
- Engaging hard-to-reach staff: non-tech; non office; global communities and comms resistors
- Your challenges: discussion with internal communications peers
- Cultivating an inclusive environment: designing with diversity and inclusion in mind
- Measuring internal comms success: best techniques and tools
10:00-10:05 | Welcome
|
10:05-10:10 | Housekeeping
|
10:10-10:45 | Panel discussion: the changing face of internal communications The world of internal communications is moving at an ever-faster pace as organisations respond to the changes, challenges and uncertainty of the world around us today. In this session, our speakers will explore why internal communications have never been more vital in helping charities to move cohesively through this insecurity. They will share how their charities are responding to changes and how this is impacting on their internal communications work. We’ll also look at trends on the horizon and how to start preparing for what might come next in internal comms.
|
10:45-11:00 | Peer exchange: a problem shared is a problem halved A chance to discuss your challenges with other internal communications professionals. We’re often told this is one of the most valuable parts of the agenda, so please come armed with your challenges – ready to seek and offer input to others. |
11:00-11:10 | Break and reflection Whilst you wait for the kettle to boil, ponder this morning’s content and think about any action points you’ll take away. |
11:10-11:35 | Cultivating an inclusive environment: designing with diversity and inclusion in mind More details coming soon.
|
11:35-12:00 | A deeper connection – culture, values, brand, and the role of internal comms Culture is the personality and character of an organisation. But why does it matter? And how does internal comms play a pivotal role in shaping, nurturing and upholding that culture? Clare Mills discusses values, behaviours, attitudes and leadership, and the fundamental role these play in your culture and your brand. She’ll also share three key things she’s learned about how internal comms can use culture, values and brand to deepen the connections between people and teams.
|
12:00-13:00 | Lunch break |
13:00-13:20 | Measuring the impact of internal communications – back to basics In this session, Noha will bring you back to basics with a super practical talk on measuring the impact of internal communications. You’ll learn about:
|
13:20-13:40 | Mind: the role of engagement during periods of change Mind is undergoing a huge period of change. With the launch of its new strategy, the organisation has taken on three ambitious strategic development priorities: becoming an anti-racist organisation; supporting young people and fighting for people in poverty. It is also moving to hybrid working model, developing a digital transformation strategy and a people strategy. To succeed, each of these priorities will represent a major change in the way they operate. At every stage in the process, internal comms plays a pivotal role in bringing staff along. Everybody has a role in creating change and that means developing a shared vision and delivery plan. This doesn’t just mean communicating clearly, but it also means listening to staff and creating a genuine dialogue. Come and hear about Mind’s change journey and they’ll share what they’ve learnt (and are still learning!) about the crucial role of staff engagement along the way.
|
13:40-13:45 | Breathing space |
13:45-14:05 | Creating a team of engagement champions Smart Pension was named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for large companies in 2022 and one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing in 2022, and there’s a lot we can learn from their internal comms experience. In this session, you’ll learn how Nicki created a team of engagement champions and is working with them to develop, shape and deliver an impactful communication strategy. Nicki will also share how your champions can help increase colleague engagement and promote an inclusive and equitable culture too.
|
14:05-14:25 | Promoting workplace wellbeing while looking after your own The pandemic pushed the importance of both internal comms and wellbeing initiatives in charities to the forefront. But internal comms teams are burning out with demanding workloads and ongoing challenging times. How can you promote workplace wellbeing in good faith if you aren’t able to look after your own wellbeing? In this insightful talk, Shanara will share strategies and tips to support workplace wellbeing alongside your own, drawing upon her experience as a workplace wellbeing engagement officer, a wellbeing and mindset coach, and a National Athlete too.
|
14:30 | Close and launch of pre-recorded talks Speakers to be confirmed soon. |
Interested in speaking at this event?
We’d love to hear from you! Please send your talk ideas to Emma Wickenden.
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Please get in touch with Vanessa Weddell for more information.