Sheila Parry has been appointed education and accreditation director at the British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB).

Managing director of internal communication consultancy the blueballroom and chairman of PR consultancy thebluedoor, Parry will oversee the ongoing development of CiB’s qualification programme for internal communication professionals, including the planned launch of the Advanced Diploma later this year.

“Internal communication is coming of age as a function in its own right with a vital part to play in the achievement of organisations’ overall business objectives,” she said. “Accredited industry qualifications will play a key role in ensuring practitioners have the necessary breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, and develop the strategic competencies to make this happen."

Parry also plans to develop graduate and post-graduate level qualifications in collaboration with an outside academic body. “Our goal is to have a comprehensive programme of recognised qualifications and supporting courses that meet practitioners’ development needs at all career stages.”