The Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) has launched a new membership system as a first step towards driving standards and credibility in the profession.

All institute members will be classified as one of four grades, linking membership to professional development for the first time.

The new structure offers internal communicators a pathway to progress, using their experience, skills and qualifications to upgrade their membership status.

The four membership grades are:

Affiliate: open to all – anyone working in internal communication (IC) is eligible with no formal entry criteria

Member (MIIC): a professional grade recognising achievement and experience, e.g. someone who has worked in IC for two years and holds a relevant qualification such as the IoIC Foundation Diploma

Certified Member (CIIC): a professional grade for those with significant levels of experience and achievement, e.g. the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Communication Management or five years’ IC experience

Fellow (FIIC): a public, highly respected award – following a face-to-face interview – to those shaping the strategy, design, delivery or management of IC, or responsible for a significant portfolio of IC projects.

The membership grading system reflects the IoIC’s professional skills matrix, formulated by senior industry practitioners, which identifies the skills required at different career stages. Grades are directly linked to the professional development offered via IoIC, including the IoIC Foundation and Advanced Diplomas.

IoIC chief executive, Jennifer Sproul says, “This structure will provide immediate benefits for members and these will also build in the future. Members in the professional grades (Member, Certified Member and Fellow) will gain professional recognition with the entitlement to use the designation letters of their status to prove their standing and experience.”

“They will also have the ability to advance through membership grades through their future achievements.”

Sproul continues, “This is the first of many steps towards improving professional standards and ensuring employers, recruiters and peers recognise our members’ achievements. It’s our way of saying ‘You are what you do and what you do matters’”.

Further information on the membership grades and other membership benefits is available at www.ioic.org.uk/membership