Communication Health Checks and Audits

For many, the pandemic blew our communications and channels to pieces.

Companies are doing their best to adapt to new ways of working but in the absence of data are finding it difficult to understand what’s working and what’s not. We can help.

We can conduct an independent internal communications health check and get you on the right track. We’ll give you data and insight to form a credible internal communication strategy and get you the investment you need.

Success stories

Aileen Thomson

It was great working with Comma Partners team.   They asked all the right questions, helped us refine our brief and identified some great candidates.   We’d previously been struggling to attract the right talent for two key internal comms roles but with their support we’ve been able to secure two exciting new recruits who will both be excellent additions to our team.

Katie Rogers, Head of Communications, Arup

Rebecca Sambrook

I just wanted to send a note to you to say how brilliant Lou has been over the last couple of months working with us, she’s been such a huge support to the team while we’ve been in a transition period both as an Internal Comms contractor and a recruiter. She has such a great can-do attitude, is very talented and just generally a delight to work with.
Thank you, Comma, for your flexibility over the last couple of months, allowing her to juggle both hats with Comma and CLUK.

Rebecca Sambrook – Senior Internal Communications Partner

Carole Maleczek

We recently hired three interims through Comma to support our business transformation. There were some specialist requirements such as a knowledge of audio for one role, and another role where a German speaker was desirable with a third role needing expertise in organisational design. Comma sourced excellent candidates within a short space of time, and we think very highly of them all.

Carole Maleczek – Head of Corporate Centre Communications

Jane Whittaker

We couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional service Andy’s provided to BSI. His deep understanding of our needs, the high calibre of candidates he presents, and the consistent communication throughout the hiring process truly sets him and Comma apart.
In addition, his market insights and thoughtful advice have been invaluable in helping us make informed decisions and stay competitive. Andy’s dedication and professionalism make the entire process smooth and efficient.
Thank you for the excellent work. It’s a pleasure working with you.

Jane Whittaker – Group Internal Communications Director

Angela Field

Andy and the team at Comma are the best in the business. They are my number one, 'go to' agency, whether client or candidate. With many years (combined) experience, they understand the market brilliantly, and marry the needs of their clients and candidates effortlessly. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Andy, Virginia and the team for their unwavering support and professionalism over the years. You guys are IC/Change Comms recruitment legends!

Angela Field – Interim Internal and Change Communications Consultant

Alison McIntyre

Louise supported me in my job search when I relocated to London. Interviewing remotely and subsequently relocating to a new city for a new role was challenging. Louise was by my side supporting and working to get me the best fit the entire time. Her professionalism and genuine interest in the success of the candidates she places touched me. Louise was so supportive in my successful transition from Ireland to the UK and into a job that was a perfect fit! Louise really went above and beyond making sure I was comfortable.

Alison McIntyre – Change Comms Specialist

Paul Osgood

Comma Partners have proved time and time again that they are some of the best match makers in the industry.  They always take the time to understand our situation, provide experienced and insightful advice on the roles being recruited and they take great care to present candidates that will work well with our existing teams.

Paul Osgood, Global Head of Internal Communications

Sandra Lowman-Simpson

Andy's a great senior recruiter. Professional, knowledgeable, diligent, and resourceful. He understands the human condition and the evolving pressures people face in the workplace. He's got his finger on the pulse of the communications industry. This makes him the ideal partner to help people find the next role and organisations new talent. He cares about delivering a great working relationship for all.

Sandra Lowman-Simpson, Senior Internal Comms Specialist

Sophie Rena

Comma have been my ‘go to’ recruiter for a few years: they’ve placed me in more roles than any other agency by far. I trust their advice completely: they know me, they know comms inside out and they know what will fit for the client. They consistently offer the highest quality, interesting roles and they are a joy to work with.

Sophie Rena, Change and Comms Lead

Adam Morris

I have found Comma to be a supportive and reliable partner in identifying and securing interim contracts. Comma’s support in the recruiting/placement process is second-to-none and their interest in their clients (both interims and organisations) is clear and focused on successful outcomes rather than ticking the box of filling a contract. Comma Partners is an excellent communications recruitment agency – full stop!

Adam Morris, Communications Consultant

Paul Lloyd

I would highly recommend Comma to find the best candidates in the market. The standouts for me were the Comma team spending the time to get to know our business, team dynamics and the role before rushing forward with potential candidates. They also researched the sector and market so they could put forward a credible short list of candidates. Comma know the market well and their insights have also helped me to shape future roles and recruitment activity.

Paul Lloyd, Corporate Communications & Engagement Director, Flutter

 

Katie O’Brien

If I want to be recruited to a role that fits my expertise – or need to recruit the right person for an interim or permanent role – Virginia has become my ‘go to’ resource. Virginia is an expert in understanding what/who is really needed in the often stressful world of specialist role-hunting or role-filling, and I am so grateful for the straight-talking and for the easy relationship I have developed with Comma Partners over the years.

Katie O’Brien, Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Anglo American

Catherine Inwood

I’ve worked with Comma for several years as both a hiring manager and as a candidate. I’ve recommended them to many of my network, too. In every case their approach has been great - they know the market, have strong candidates, work with top-tier organisations and provide a clear brief. The Comma team are generous with their time, provide good support during the hiring/recruitment process and make the effort to give something back with their knowledge seminars and participation in IC industry events.

Great to work with you, Comma. You really are good at what you do.

Catherine Inwood, Internal Communications Consultant

Anne McCormack

When I need strategic communication support I don’t want to be swamped with CVs. What has impressed me most is the way in which Comma develops a good understanding of the workings of the communication team enabling them to put forward people who not only tick the boxes on skills and expertise but, more importantly, are a good cultural fit.

Anne McCormack, SVP Internal Communication & Engagement, CPA Global

 

Aileen Thomson

Virginia exemplifies what’s great about small, smart and agile recruitment providers: in-depth understanding of the market, trends, value and pricing and most importantly, insightful understanding of the key players and their strengths. Virginia brings professionalism and perspective borne from her own experience in-house and running her own business. Her reputation goes before her. I have complete confidence in recommending Virginia as a top flight interim communications partner.

Aileen Thompson, former Director, Communications and Innovations Network, Innovate UK

Louise Sturgess

Comma Partners has placed me on more than one occasion and I have always thoroughly enjoyed my assignments. They take the time to get to know you, as well as understanding your skill set. This means that they are able to place people where there will be a good cultural fit, as well as a technical one. During an assignment Comma is always available to provide support and advice if required, which differentiates Comma from many of the larger agencies. I would highly recommend Comma to anyone.

Louise Sturgess, Internal and Change Communications Consultant

Need some advice?

Let’s book a convenient time to speak.

Success stories

Rebecca Sambrook

It was great working with Comma Partners team.   They asked all the right questions, helped us refine our brief and identified some great candidates.   We’d previously been struggling to attract the right talent for two key internal comms roles but with their support we’ve been able to secure two exciting new recruits who will both be excellent additions to our team.

Katie Rogers, Head of Communications, Arup

Rebecca Sambrook

I just wanted to send a note to you to say how brilliant Lou has been over the last couple of months working with us, she’s been such a huge support to the team while we’ve been in a transition period both as an Internal Comms contractor and a recruiter. She has such a great can-do attitude, is very talented and just generally a delight to work with.
Thank you, Comma, for your flexibility over the last couple of months, allowing her to juggle both hats with Comma and CLUK.

Rebecca Sambrook – Senior Internal Communications Partner

Carole Maleczek

We recently hired three interims through Comma to support our business transformation. There were some specialist requirements such as a knowledge of audio for one role, and another role where a German speaker was desirable with a third role needing expertise in organisational design. Comma sourced excellent candidates within a short space of time, and we think very highly of them all.

Carole Maleczek – Head of Corporate Centre Communications

Jane Whittaker

We couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional service Andy’s provided to BSI. His deep understanding of our needs, the high calibre of candidates he presents, and the consistent communication throughout the hiring process truly sets him and Comma apart.
In addition, his market insights and thoughtful advice have been invaluable in helping us make informed decisions and stay competitive. Andy’s dedication and professionalism make the entire process smooth and efficient.
Thank you for the excellent work. It’s a pleasure working with you.

Jane Whittaker – Group Internal Communications Director

Angela Field

Andy and the team at Comma are the best in the business. They are my number one, 'go to' agency, whether client or candidate. With many years (combined) experience, they understand the market brilliantly, and marry the needs of their clients and candidates effortlessly. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Andy, Virginia and the team for their unwavering support and professionalism over the years. You guys are IC/Change Comms recruitment legends!

Angela Field – Interim Internal and Change Communications Consultant

Alison McIntyre

Louise supported me in my job search when I relocated to London. Interviewing remotely and subsequently relocating to a new city for a new role was challenging. Louise was by my side supporting and working to get me the best fit the entire time.

Alison McIntyre – Change Comms Specialist

Paul Osgood

Comma Partners have proved time and time again that they are some of the best match makers in the industry.  They always take the time to understand our situation, provide experienced and insightful advice on the roles being recruited and they take great care to present candidates that will work well with our existing teams.

Paul Osgood, Global Head of Internal Communications

Sandra Lowman-Simpson

Andy's a great senior recruiter. Professional, knowledgeable, diligent, and resourceful. He understands the human condition and the evolving pressures people face in the workplace. He's got his finger on the pulse of the communications industry. This makes him the ideal partner to help people find the next role and organisations new talent. He cares about delivering a great working relationship for all.

Sandra Lowman-Simpson, Senior Internal Comms Specialist

Sophie Rena

Comma have been my ‘go to’ recruiter for a few years: they’ve placed me in more roles than any other agency by far. I trust their advice completely: they know me, they know comms inside out and they know what will fit for the client. They consistently offer the highest quality, interesting roles and they are a joy to work with.

Sophie Rena, Change and Comms Lead

Adam Morris

I have found Comma to be a supportive and reliable partner in identifying and securing interim contracts. Comma’s support in the recruiting/placement process is second-to-none and their interest in their clients (both interims and organisations) is clear and focused on successful outcomes rather than ticking the box of filling a contract. Comma Partners is an excellent communications recruitment agency – full stop!

Adam Morris, Communications Consultant

Paul Lloyd

I would highly recommend Comma to find the best candidates in the market. The standouts for me were the Comma team spending the time to get to know our business, team dynamics and the role before rushing forward with potential candidates.

Paul Lloyd, Corporate Communications & Engagement Director, Flutter

Katie O’Brien


If I want to be recruited to a role that fits my expertise – or need to recruit the right person for an interim or permanent role – Virginia has become my ‘go to’ resource. Virginia is an expert in understanding what/who is really needed in the often stressful world of specialist role-hunting or role-filling, and I am so grateful for the straight-talking and for the easy relationship I have developed with Comma Partners over the years.

Katie O’Brien, Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Anglo American

Catherine Inwood

I’ve worked with Comma for several years as both a hiring manager and as a candidate. I’ve recommended them to many of my network, too. In every case their approach has been great - they know the market, have strong candidates, work with top-tier organisations and provide a clear brief. The Comma team are generous with their time, provide good support during the hiring/recruitment process and make the effort to give something back with their knowledge seminars and participation in IC industry events.

Great to work with you, Comma. You really are good at what you do.

Catherine Inwood, Internal Communications Consultant

Anne McCormack

When I need strategic communication support I don’t want to be swamped with CVs. What has impressed me most is the way in which Comma develops a good understanding of the workings of the communication team enabling them to put forward people who not only tick the boxes on skills and expertise but, more importantly, are a good cultural fit.

Anne McCormack, SVP Internal Communication & Engagement, CPA Global

Aileen Thomson

Virginia exemplifies what’s great about small, smart and agile recruitment providers: in-depth understanding of the market, trends, value and pricing and most importantly, insightful understanding of the key players and their strengths.

Aileen Thompson, former Director, Communications and Innovations Network, Innovate UK

Louise Sturgess

Comma Partners has placed me on more than one occasion and I have always thoroughly enjoyed my assignments. They take the time to get to know you, as well as understanding your skill set. This means that they are able to place people where there will be a good cultural fit, as well as a technical one. During an assignment Comma is always available to provide support and advice if required, which differentiates Comma from many of the larger agencies. I would highly recommend Comma to anyone.

Louise Sturgess, Internal and Change Communications Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a communications health check?

Using a combination of online surveys, focus groups, user testing and prioritisation workshops a communications audit will:

 

  • Uncover the topics of most interest to employees
  • Uncover attitudes and preferences towards an existing mix of channels and content to help redefine the role, purpose and measurement of each going forward
  • Test the reaction and appetite for new and/or different ways of communicating
  • Identify what more can be done to ensure Senior Leaders and People Managers are better informed and supported when briefing teams 
  • Determine whether or not there are geographical nuances we need to address to improve local relevance and engagement
How can Comma help with a communications health check?

We scope, facilitate and implement internal communication health checks across organisations of all sizes and from a wide range of sectors – UK and Global.

Our complete end-to-end support is based on a series of key delivery stages but designed to be as flexible as you need us to be. We will aim to:

  1. Understand the current internal communications landscape 
  2. Identify any emerging issues likely to impact the audit
  3. Agree ways of working, including planning and logistics
  4. Be clear on objectives, requirements and expectations
  5. Create a set of guiding principles and questions
  6. Implement the audit after agreeing upon a preferred methodology
  7. Capture findings and report back with actionable insights
  8. Implement prioritisation workshops to drive actions and ownership

We can also help benchmark your findings against the market. Being able to demonstrate how you compare with others may help to further strengthen your case for investment where needed. 

What happens after the communications health check is complete?

The end of the audit is simply the start of a new beginning. Your opportunity to press the re-start and reframe what good employee engagement looks like within your organisation.

With access to newly sourced data and compelling actionable insight you are now well placed to influence and challenge everyone to rethink their approach to internal communications for the better and ultimately have a positive impact on the employee experience and employee engagement.

How much do communications audits cost?

Costs will vary depending on the scope and range of the health check and the number of discussion groups and focus groups required.

Need some advice?

Let’s book a convenient time to speak.