This episode, we are joined by Suzie Robinson, an intranet and digital employee experience consultant, from ClearBox Consulting. Suzie has worked with intranets since 2008 and has practical experience with all aspects of an intranet lifecycle, from research, to implementation, to ongoing governance, and overall strategy. Suzie’s intranet experience has grown out of the roots of internal communication, with a focus on employee experience and engagement. Listen to find out Suzie's top tips for growing an effective and strategic intranet!

After a short break, the History of Internal Communication Podcast is back with new host Emily Rees! In this episode, Emily speaks to the writer and historian Dr Scott Anthony, a specialist in the history of public relations and propaganda, who has just published a new book with BFI/Bloomsbury on the history of British propaganda film. Tune in to hear them discuss the crossovers between IC and PR, dealing with misinformation in the age of propaganda, and what communication practices of the past might tell us about the future.

In Episode 21, we are joined by Jenni Field, the director of Redefining Communications and former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in 2020. Reflecting on her experiences across many different industries, Jenni talks about the importance of identifying root causes of communication problems rather than just alleviating symptoms. Join us for a discussion of the importance of being intentional in communication strategies and the need for structured internal communication systems to prevent chaos.

In Episode 20 we are joined by Christine Shukis-Brown, the Deputy Director of Strategic Communications at King’s College London. Christine shares her insights into cultural shifts from her time at the BBC, where she began as an archive researcher and moved into internal communication and change initiatives. With her involvement in digital transformation at the City of London Corporation and her PhD in social psychology at Birkbeck, Christine has a unique perspective on the strategy and psychology of internal communication.

The nineteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Dr Mike Esbester, a Principal Lecturer in History at the University of Portsmouth. Mike’s research into the early British railways explores the roots of workplace safety practices. In this interview, he shares insights from his project ‘Railway Work, Life & Death,’ highlighting how historical approaches to safety have shaped contemporary practices and perceptions. The conversation challenges the modern view of health and safety as a recent nanny-state concern, showcasing its deep-seated history and critical importance across various industries.

On 14 May 2024, Meta announced the closure of Workplace, the work comms platform that it had launched in 2016. In Episode 18, we talk about history as it unfolds, as we are joined by Simon White, a former employee of Meta’s predecessor Facebook. Now the HR leader for the intranet and communication application Blink, Simon shares with us his wealth of experience of digital communication and how this sector is evolving.

In the seventeenth episode, we are joined by Michael Ellender, the Internal Channels Lead at the BBC. Michael shares his journey in internal communication, reflecting on the shifts from traditional methods to digital platforms and the impact of these changes on organisational culture and employee engagement. His unique perspective highlights the challenges and innovations within the BBC’s internal communication strategies. Tune in as we explore how internal communication shapes organisational identities and adapts to the digital age.

The sixteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Sue Dewhurst, the former Director of The SD Group, and Liam Fitzpatrick, the Co-Founder of Donhead Consultants. In 2001, Sue and Liam developed the first competency framework for internal communication practitioners in the UK. Their model marked a turning point, providing a structured approach to professionalising this growing field. In this interview, they discuss the enduring importance of strategic leadership, the ongoing quest for professional recognition, and the potential impacts of AI.

In Episode 15, we are joined by Isabel Hull, the Research and Content Director at Kademy. Isabel shares invaluable insights on mastering change communication in today's workplace environment. She talks about maintaining a coherent message across channels, navigating the pitfalls of unofficial channels, and bridging the skills gap in communication teams in the fact of technological advancements. Isabel tells us the key messages from Kademy’s latest report entitled What’s changed about change communication?

In the fourteenth episode, we are joined by Mike Klein, an internal and social communication consultant at Changing the Terms. With a career that began in political PR in the US, Mike has worked in internal communication in many different countries and held posts at Shell, Cargill, and Maersk Oil. Join us as we explore Mike’s insights from measurement to leadership, offering valuable perspectives on the evolution and future trajectory of internal communication.