Internal communication 'instrumental in providing a safe space’
With experience in both internal and corporate communications, this CIPR member explains why working with decision makers to translate their vision and strategy is so rewarding.
Name: Jon Large
Location: Cambridge, UK
Time in PR: 20+ years
What does your current role involve?
I have sadly just been made redundant so will speak about my most recent role. I worked in the internal communications (IC) function of the clinical operations group of AstraZeneca.
The group is responsible for delivering clinical trials for the company, and consists of over 2,000 people across more than 40 countries. The main focus of the IC function is to align this diverse group to our values and our strategy. The IC function is instrumental in providing a safe space where employees and our leadership team can be authentic and be able to share.
Internal communications provides and delivers a strategy that promotes these behaviours. The largest pieces work that I led included our regular quarterly town halls, and a strategy for leadership engagement which deployed face-to-face 'ask us anything' style events. We worked hard to listen to each other and take action, where we could, to improve the workplace.
What do you love most about working in public relations?
I love being close to decision-makers to translate and execute their vision and strategy. I really enjoy working with leaders who trust in this translation and risk letting themselves go a little. I admire this risk-taking and believe that it is a very powerful tool to communicators.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
I worked in the corporate communications team of a UK biotechnology company called Cambridge Antibody Technology. There was a wonderful culture at CAT; we were focussed on making life-changing medicines, but we were going to have fun on the way .
I was very involved in this culture and led the way in our approach to the more left-field internal communications. However, none of these approaches would have been successful without an executive group and colleagues that embraced getting involved.
How long have you been a member and what made you join?
Only a few months. I wanted to endorse my experience and gain respect with a professional membership and the CIPR does that in spades.
How does the CIPR support your career?
I am about to find out. I am just starting to tap into the support offered to this communication professionals who sadly get made redundant.
Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
Most recently, "back yourself" to take steps in your career that you think might be too risky. Another piece of advice I would mention is that company culture comes from within and cannot be artificially created.
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