The Internal Communications Conference

Rising to the Challenge of Unprecedented Times - Establishing an Agile, Authentic and Inclusive Approach

The way we communicate is ever-evolving, requiring communication professionals to continuously rethink, redesign and revaluate how to successfully plan and deliver effective and efficient internal communications.

Following a period of unprecedented challenges – this has been a pivotal moment for internal comms teams right across not-for-profits and the public sector. This has been an opportunity to demonstrate the value of internal comms like never before; it has been a time for creativity and innovation under pressure; it has been a period of shared unity, humanity and connectedness that has created a new voice for internal comms.

This December, join us for the 4^th annual Public Sector Internal Communications Conference where we’ll be reflecting on the past 6 months as well as looking to the future and the next set of challenges including:

• The continuing pandemic creates an environment of uncertainty which must be addressed for employee trust and morale
• An extension and further compounding of the hybrid workplace will force new thinking about collaborative working and how to establish of virtual team working
• Ongoing home working continues to present challenges around mental health and wellbeing, pride and recognition
• Equality, diversity and inclusion will remain top of the agenda
• All whilst trying to maintain a seat the top table and continuing to add value

Our expert speakers will share their stories, strategies and ideas for success at this pivotal moment for the public sector internal communications profession.

About the Event

Due to current uncertainty surrounding live events and restrictions around social distancing, this event will now take place online.As a delegate you can expect:

• High quality and timely content as you would expect in a face-to-face event
• Facilitated Q&A and panel discussions to put your questions to expert speakers
• Access to recordings from all conference sessions post-event
• Scheduled breaks throughout the day to minimise screen fatigue
• CPD accreditation on request for all registrants
• Delivered via Zoom Webinar, an accessible and user-friendly platform

10:00

Chair’s morning introduction
Jo Moffatt, Managing Director, Woodreed

10:15

Keynote: Reflecting on this Defining Moment for the Internal Comms Profession

• Exploring how the crisis has been an accelerant to the development of internal comms
• Delivering authenticity and bringing the human voice to the forefront
• Creating an opportunity from this crisis to establish a seat at the top table
• What do we do next to define the future of internal comms?

Paul Mayes, Head of Cabinet Office Internal Communications & Civil Service Communications, Cabinet Office

10:45

Panel Discussion: Sharing Experiences of Creativity & Innovation in 2020

• Exploring examples of transformation and change over the past 6 months
• How we’ve managed to get more done with the same or less resource
• Harnessing the opportunity to create team cohesion and engaging line managers/ team leaders in internal comms
• Finding new ways to help with health and wellbeing

Andy Holt, MD, Words&Pictures & Board Director, Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) 
Gareth Price, Head of Communications, National Assembly for Wales 
Joanna Parsons, Head of Internal Communications, An Garda Síochána

11:25

Comfort Break

11:35

Exploiting Digital Solutions for a ‘New Normal’ of Multi-Channel Communications

• Overcoming email overload and fixing communication channels
• Developing new ways of engaging and connecting with a remote workforce
• Selecting which messages for which channel; which technology for which audience; frequency and timing
• Developing a digital strategy on a shoestring – upskilling and embracing new tech

Vicki Davies, Internal Communication and Employee Engagement Specialist, Highways England

12:05

Developing a Cohesive Inclusive Communications Strategy

• Breaking down siloes of equality, diversity and inclusion comms and bringing together into one comprehensive strategy
• Recognising inclusion is about everybody and making it part of the everyday conversation
• Balancing the importance of messages for front-line staff as well as those behind the scenes
• Finding innovative ways to demonstrate pride and recognition and the value employees add

Richard Etienne, Deputy Head of Internal Communications, Department for International Trade

12:30

Lunch

13:30

Managing Continuing Uncertainty: How to Tell a Consistent Story

• How to give people certainty when there is uncertainty
• Exploring ways to retain trust with employees
• Establishing an agile approach: Continuing to listen and adapt accordingly
• Managing the challenges of fragmented uncertainty and getting comms right
• Case study

Jamie Morgan, Head of Internal Communications, Office of the Public Guardian, Ministry of Justice 
Rebecca Murch, Head of Internal Communication and Engagement, NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire CCG

14:00

Exploring the Next Chapter of Hybrid Working & The Future of Work

• Looking forward to an extended period of part office, part home working
• Designing the future of co-collaboration and how to establish effective virtual team building
• Continuing to find new ways to best support remote working and the impact on mental health and physical wellbeing
• Best practice for onboarding new employees in a hybrid work environment
• Creating a culture of unity and the role of internal comms

Jennie Rayner, Head of Communications, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Claire Brown, Programme and Change Manager, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government 

14:30

Comfort Break

14:40

Panel Discussion: Moving Forwards – Maintaining Position, Voice and Contribution

• Preparing for the future and establishing the ‘new normal’ for internal comms
• Planning ahead with ongoing uncertainty and repeating cycles of crisis management
• Finding time to step back from the firefighting and investing in internal relationship building
• Preparing for the potential rationalisation of comms teams
• Getting back to measurement to demonstrate value and secure our future position

Catherine Malloy, Comms Manager, Elmbridge Borough Council
Melissa Stewart, Strategic Engagement Lead, Save the Children UK
Mike Waddington, Communications Director, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

15:20

Closing remarks from the Chair: Jo Moffatt, Managing Director, Woodreed

Heads of Corporate Communications - Heads of Communications - Heads of Crisis Communications - Heads of Digital - Heads of Employee Engagement - Heads of HR - Heads of Internal Communications - Heads of PR - Heads of Social Media

Previous delegates to related events include professionals with the following job titles:

• Head of Internal Communications

• Head of Member Engagement

• Senior Director – People, Capability and Culture

• Marketing and Communications Officer

• Change Communications Lead

• Senior Campaigns and Digital Manager

• Head of Communications

• Internal Comms Business Partner

• Digital Content Editor

• Communication Lead

From organisations including:

• Food Standards Agency

• Department for Transport

• De Montfort University

• Cabinet Office

• Nursing and Midwifery Council

• Buckinghamshire County Council

• Imperial War Museums

• Ministry of Defence

• NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

• Competition and Markets Authority

How much does it cost to attend The Internal Communications Conference?

Private Sector | 1 Place: £395 
Public Sector & Not for Profit | 1 Place: £195 | 2+ Places: £145 each

When do I receive joining instructions?

We will be sending out joining instructions to all delegates a couple of weeks prior to the conference.

Will the presentations from the sessions be put up online after the event?

We will upload all speaker presentations; they will all be available via the website in the days immediately after the conference.

How can I find out about speaking opportunities?

To make any speaker suggestions, please contact conference.admin@dodsgroup.com