Our Charity’s Communications Team Named UK’s Best!

Community Integrated Care’s Internal Communications Team has been recognised as Britain’s best after scooping six top accolades at the Chartered Institute of PR (CIPR) #InsideStory Awards, which took place in London last week.

Our charity’s Internal Communications Team of two, Danielle Chan & Siobhan Biggane, were recognised in five out of the six categories they were shortlisted in. They also took home the highest honour of the night – the coveted Judges’ Award – a surprise accolade recognising the stand-out organisation of the evening.

At the event, which took place at London Zoo on Thursday 23rd February, the team picked up the ‘Best In-House Team’ and ‘Best Public Sector or Charity Campaign’ accolades. This recognised the charity’s efforts to deliver pioneering approaches to communication and engagement amongst its 6000-strong workforce, including the bold and innovative launch of their first employee forum.

The team added two ‘Highly Commended’ awards to their haul: ‘Best Example of Employee Engagement’ and ‘Best Print Magazine or Newsletter’ for the relaunch of their charity magazine, You First.

Danielle Chan, Community Integrated Care’s Head of Communications & Engagement, who set up the charity’s Internal Communications Team only 18 months ago, was also ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Future Leader’ category, acknowledging her significant achievements and contribution to the industry.

The team’s success saw them named alongside some of Britain’s biggest businesses and household names, including KPMG, Nationwide, BUPA, Co-Op and EDF Energy.

Steven Murgatroyd, Chair of CIPR Inside, said: “The decision to award Community Integrated Care the Judges’ Award was an easy one, as they really were the stand out company at this year’s awards. Shortlisted for six awards, taking home three, and being ‘Highly Commended’ in three, is impressive by anyone’s standards. Clearly their work has had a massively positive effect on their organisation and demonstrates that resource and budget aren’t the only things that dictate success.”

Danielle Chan, Head of Communications & Engagement, said: “Although we are only a fairly new team, we are proud to have achieved an incredible amount in such a short time. It’s been a huge year for us and I’m thrilled that all of our hard work has been recognised by the CIPR.

“What drives us is our knowledge that for the people we support to lead the best lives possible, it is vital that our colleagues are well informed, feel motivated and engaged. To receive such positive feedback for our creativity and accomplishments in delivering this is a tremendous honour.”

On being ‘Highly Commended’ for the Future Leader Award, Danielle continues: “I was really thrilled to find out I’d been ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Future Leader’ category. It’s an incredible honour to be placed alongside so many talented peers. I’ve had the opportunity to lead on some really exciting and innovative initiatives but I could never have received this recognition without the hard work and dedication of my team.”