​Internal Communications – Building and Upskilling IC Teams

The Internal Communications recruitment market has been busy for the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing any time soon.

VMA GROUP’s CEO, Andrew Harvey, recently chaired a roundtable discussion between internal comms industry professionals, to explore the key skillsets and attributes which IC leaders are looking for, when growing and hiring for their teams.

The advisory board highlighted some fantastic points, including discussions around the art of retaining talent and ensuring employers have clear progression opportunities for all new joiners. Since the pandemic there has been a dramatic increase in the value of internal communications within the workplace. This has resulted in a 30% growth in recruitment demand for good internal comms professionals, and, as specialist internal communications recruiters, VMA GROUP are witnessing a continuation of this trend.

Whilst having a broad knowledge of the world of comms is important, there was an overarching awareness during the discussion for the appreciation of softer skills and emotional intelligence. Internal communications strategies will be unilaterally fulfilled when the team implementing it has a mix of skills and perspectives, as skills such as determination, self-awareness and resilience should not be seen as secondary features of a brilliant communicator. These attributes can’t be taught, only nurtured and encouraged by employers and therefore should be given greater attention and credit.

A further recurring topic focused on current hiring processes, and a need to be forward thinking, thus hiring for the future and not just immediate needs. Even though there is no doubt that hiring candidates for their experience is fundamental to business success, cultural fit is equally as important, and should not be overlooked.

Following another successful and insightful advisory board, we are looking forward to other roundtable discussions later in the year, focusing on digital, marketing and communications.

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VMA GROUP is a leading international interim, contract, temporary and permanent recruitment and executive search specialist. We are specifically focused on providing support to the communications, marketing, digital and change communities.

Our specialist practice areas cover: communications, corporate communications, internal communications, change communications, PR, media relations, financial communications, CSR, public affairs, investor relations, marketing, brand, digital marketing and agency services.

We have a reputation for providing expert consultancy services and advice, supported by in-depth knowledge of the professions we recruit for. Our thought leadership and benchmarking studies have become go-to resources for the communications, marketing, digital and change industries, supporting planning and decision-making for organisations of all shapes and sizes.

In the UK, VMA GROUP has offices in London, Bristol and Manchester and in Europe, VMA GROUP has offices in Amsterdam and Brussels, but we work with organisations and individuals on a global basis.

VMA GROUP is committed to equal opportunities and is a Diversity Pledged Recruiter.