For the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), developing a succinct understanding of IC is crucial to sustaining an organisation that, for over 65 years, has set the pace for the internal communications profession. Through cultivating career development programmes, providing qualifications and representing over 1,000 industry professionals, the annual IoIC National Awards recognise best practice within the sector.

With entries now open for 2017, the IoIC National Awards category breakdown and wider recognition strategy holds diversity at its core. In that regard, the wealth of collaborative projects represent success throughout the entire fold of the organisational structure. This year’s awards feature revised categories that best reflect the changing nature of the industry, including strategic and operational campaigning, innovation and teamwork.

Accolades for ‘Best use of digital media,’ ‘Best use of design and imagery’ and ‘Best use of writing’ capture the essence of IC in an evening brimming with success stories. Yet this year’s programme promises to go even further, with feedback from previous awards taken under consideration, reworked categorisation and success criterion aim to solidify this year’s entries as the new standard for success within IC. Last year’s awards celebrated collaborations such as Britvic and Gatehouse teaming up to produce a 94% employee engagement rate with its flexible benefits programme, as well as KPMG’s internal survey, known as Pulse and created by AB Publishing Limited, winning the award for ‘Best ezine.’

The final deadline for 2017 entries is April 28 and the early bird discounted entry is set for April 7. The National Awards Dinner is scheduled for September 29 where the highly-anticipated winners will be announced at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, London.