CIPR Specialist Certificate – Internal Communications

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Course Overview

The aim of the CIPR Specialist Certificate (Internal Communications) is to provide the candidate with an introduction to the key concepts, theories, techniques and skills needed to operate effectively as an internal communicator.

Candidates will learn where internal communications fit into the structure, systems and processes, leadership and culture of an organisation; how to research, create and curate content that works and has impact across a range of available channels; and how internal communicators can support management in the achievement of strategic and transformational objectives.

The Internal Communications Certificate provides you with a solid grounding in the key concepts, theories, techniques and skills needed to develop effectively as an internal communicator.

The Internal Communications Certificate covers topics including:

organisational culture and transformation
communications theory and strategic internal communications and engagement
planning and managing
setting the right tone – the fit between internal and external communications
using social media for internal communications
the role of communications in transforming organisations.

CIPR Specialist Certificate Internal Communications
Assessment Method
Entry Requirements
Course Dates

CIPR Specialist Certificate Internal Communications

Aims of the module

You will consider topics such as:

Module structure

The link between internal communications and employee engagement
How internal communications can help organisations meet strategic objectives
Researching, creating and curating content that has an impact using a range of channels.

Successful candidates will be able to:

Explain how internal communications impacts organisational effectiveness
Select and apply internal communications and engagement models and concepts to support the achievement of objectives
Describe how internal communications and engagement can support organisational change
Identify the key issues facing internal communicators in strategy setting
Carry out research to support the development of an internal communications plan
Produce an internal communications plan (research, situation analysis, setting measurable objectives, developing tactics, and monitoring and evaluating impact)
Produce effective written and verbal communications (engagement, tone of voice, storytelling, brand alignment and managing communities)
Outline how social media can be used effectively in the internal communications mix (range, properties and management of channels, employee preferences, feedback mechanisms, employee voice, and enterprise social networks)
Describe how the internal communicators can support managers (the role of management in communication and face to face engagement, team briefing, and listening techniques).

Aims of the module

Module structure

Assessment Method

The qualification assignment will comprise the below in one written assignment.

1. Internal communication plan to include:
a) 500 word overview (+/- 10%) of secondary research undertaken to inform the internal
communication plan
b) 1,500 word (+/- 10%) detailed internal communication plan to include important employee
groups, objectives, activities, timeframe
2 Content curation report and creative brief based on the internal communication plan:
a) 500 word (+/- 10%) content curation report detailing process and tools to be used to curate
(identify, evaluate, annotate and re-publish) written and multimedia content relating to the
internal communication plan
b) 500 word (+/1 10%) brief for a piece of creative work to support activities in the plan.

Entry Requirements

You qualify for the CIPR Specialist Certificate in Internal Communications if you have any of the following:

CIPR Foundation Award
any UK recognised degree, or equivalent
two years’ relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors, e.g. marketing, journalism) and 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, one of which must be in the English Language.

The Internal Communications Certificate is right for you if you are in the first few years of your internal communication career, are considering a career in internal communication or are working in a related field (e.g. media relations, event management, CSR or public affairs).

Course Dates

Our next cohort is due to start on 9 January, 2pm-4pm GMT.

For more information please contact jen.lorimer@nesma.co.uk.

What our students say

Marketing Manager

Your Move - Chris Stonock

This was one of the most enjoyable and informative workshops I have attended. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly which was really conducive to learning and Jo was able to focus specifically on my industry, which was really helpful. The learning materials that accompanied the course were informative and easy to understand. I am now armed with a wealth of ideas on how to produce effective content, target the right customers and make my organisation stand out from the crowd.

Meryl Bentham

Gardner Aerospace

nesma is a first-class study centre combining excellent facilities and knowledgeable, supportive tutors who really feel like partners through the learning process. Small, interactive groups promote valuable discussion between students - a great way to transfer theory into the real world.

Learning Options

Virtual Learning Offering:

The Specialist Certificate is taught over 21 hours with a total of 10 x 2 -hour daytime or evening teaching sessions, via Teams, with 2 x 30 minute 1:1 assignment feedback tutorials.

Our teaching is live and interactive reflecting our face to face teaching but online, for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.