Internal communications

Standards

Internal communications is part of the Government Communication Functional Standard and the Modern Communication Operating Model. This sets the expectations for the management and practice of government communications.


Internal communications principles

These principles set out our purpose, how we work, areas of focus and how professional internal communicators add value.

Our purpose

To inform and inspire colleagues in a way which motivates them to maximise their performance to deliver government priorities most effectively. 

How we work

We build strong relationships with leaders, and partner with key stakeholders, to provide strategic and creative communications advice, and deliver activity, to support and enable the organisation to achieve its priorities.

Areas of focus

This will depend on organisational need but can include:

  • Engaging colleagues in the organisation’s purpose, so they can connect their work to the bigger picture
  • Building and influencing the organisation’s culture, including a focus on pride and belonging
  • Supporting leaders to communicate effectively with their people, including  people policies, and leading through change 
  • Leading on strategic internal corporate and cross-cutting insight-driven campaigns
  • Protecting and building reputation including amplifying external-facing activity and contribute to crisis response.

How professional internal communicators add value

Exercising judgement to decide where to focus attention and what advice to give, based on a strong understanding of and insights into these three areas:

  • The organisation’s issues and leaders’ priorities
  • The organisation’s culture and values – including its people and colleague sentiment
  • The external environment, including the political and wider government context

Our work is underpinned by the four Enablers For Success (MacLeod and Clarke):

  1. Strategic narrative
  2. Engaging managers
  3. Staff voice
  4. Organisational integrity

Learning and resources

Start learning at your own pace and build the skills you need, using our learning resources. You can also engage with our internal communication blogs and resources.

Read our internal communication blogs: