Ten to 15 years ago, internal communications was a little-known subset of corporate comms. From its roots in the internal magazines and newsletter managers of old to the behavioural psychology theory of the late 1990s, IC has now evolved into a fully-fledged strategic communications provider.

The rise of the profession’s integral role in corporate communications has led to an increasingly higher standard of work with each passing year. The third annual CIPR #insidestory awards recognised the achievements in internal communications last night at a ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Jenni Wheller, chair of CIPR Inside and group head of communications at SSP, says, “A wide range of businesses and organisations are recognising the value that great internal communication and increased employee engagement can bring and this is being continually reflected in the vibrant and varied examples of best practice we have seen in the awards each year. These awards aim to share best practice and recognise the excellent work and value that internal communication delivers in organisations of all shapes and sizes.”

The range of sectors from which the winners have come indicates both the pervasive nature of strategic internal communications and the 50% increase in entries in the awards compared with last year.

Awards were distributed for digital campaigns and properties, internal events, change programmes and more. The ‘Best in-house team category was split by size. ArcelorMittal took home the small team trophy for its team of four who manage a network of 50 local communicators across the company’s 20 countries of operation. The Wheatley Group, a large Scottish housing, community regeneration and care provider, which also received two highly commended nods, took home the award for ‘Best in-house team’ for a team of seven and more. The team has overseen a period of change and massive growth within the business.

The CIPR Inside group’s AGM will be held on 17 March to discuss its plans and projections for the next year. Wheller says, “Everyone is invited to join us...We also elect the committee for the year so if you want to be part of it next year do come along!”

Communicate magazine's Visual Content for Internal Communications conference takes place on 3 March. The last few tickets are available here.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best example of employee engagement

Winner: EDF Energy

Highly commended: Heineken - Act for Addaction

Highly commended: Wheatley Group

Best change communication campaign

Winner: Coca-Cola Enterprises

Highly commended: EDF Energy

Highly commended: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Best internal event

Winner: Birmingham City University & Birmingham City University Student's Union

Highly commended: Bradford District Care Trust

Highly commended: dunnhumby

Best use of video

Winner: Clarks

Highly commended: Circle Housing

Highly commended: Verve and NHS Office of London CCGs

Best intranet or enterprise social network

Winner: Oxfam

Highly commended: Dentsu Aegis Network

Highly commended: Wheatley Group

Best digital magazine or newsletter

Winner: Tullow Oil plc

Highly commended: Sequel Group & World Gold Council

Highly commended: The Fifth Business (Scotland) Limited

Best print magazine or newsletter

Winner: Tata Steel

Highly commended: Amey

Highly commended: Circle Housing

Best in-house team (1-6)

Winner: ArcelorMittal

Highly commended: Genus

Highly commended: NHBC

Best in-house team (7 and more)

Winner: Wheatley Group

Highly commended: St Andrew's Healthcare

Highly commended: Western Power Distribution

Best agency

Winner: H&H

Highly commended: AB

Highly commended: HarknessKennett

Clare Latham award for the best individual contribution to internal communication

Winner: James Harkness

Highly commended: Nikki Griffiths

Highly commended: Saskia Jones