University wide internal communications Sue Hagues, Internal Communications Manager

What is int. communication? Internal communication is the glue that binds together an organisation’s employees with its values and objectives. It is important to bring staff together, to inform them of developments in the University so that their values and work reflect the University’s own and they help spread the word about our excellent reputation. 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Benefits of internal comms. Increased passion for, commitment to and alignment with the organisation's strategies and goals 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Benefits of internal comms A high-energy working environment with increased productivity and good morale Creates a sense of loyalty in a competitive environment Attracts more people like existing employees which increases trust in the organisation and leads to higher retention rates 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Benefits of internal comms. Creates a community at the workplace and not just a workforce Improves student experience and loyalty 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Internal comms: What we do Offer advice on how best to communicate with your staff Help enable communications channels like e-newsletters Disseminate key University messages – for example, the VC’s updates and blogs 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Internal comms: What we do Raise the profile of internal communications through talks, presentations, workshops, and the ICN Produce Overview, the monthly staff newsletter Produce the staff web page, and maintain Twitter @sheffunistaff and change on a regular basis 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Incident management and business continuity 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Internal comms: What we do Offer tailored advice and communications solutions to support University activities Look to improve all methods of internal communications within the University Enable incident communications 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Channels of communication 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Channels of communication Face to face – presentations, talks, meetings, team briefings, seminars, Faculty Forums Printed – newsletters, posters, magazines, brochures, reports, letters, prospectus Electronic – Email, fax, plasma screens, Internet; social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, uSpace, text messaging and e-newsletters Telephone 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

10 top tips for communicating Silence is not an option Face to face and two-way is most effective Explain your vision, values, key messages Give timely, clear, concise, informative and interesting information. Don’t use jargon or acronyms. Tie in with external communications 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

10 top tips for communicating 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

10 top tips for communicating Lead from the top Stick to agreed messages Say what you mean and understand it Use confidence to create confidence Use a method your staff prefer 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield

Further information http://www.shef.ac.uk/internalcomms/ Internal communications toolkit Internal Communicators Network Overview, or start your own e-newsletter Help and advice Sue.Hagues@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone 011422 29857 or Malcolm.Roberts@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone 011422 29987. Twitter: @sheffunistaff 20/04/2017 © The University of Sheffield