Behavioural and mental health care provider Priory Group is celebrating after its internal communications manager Zoe Chiverton was ‘highly commended’ at an awards ceremony celebrating ‘best in class’ in internal communications worldwide.

Chiverton, who joined Priory Group two years ago, was among just five people shortlisted in ‘The Internal Communicator of the Year’ category. Other shortlisted candidates included individuals from multi-nationals such as RBS, Barclaycard and Skoda.

The awards ceremony was organised by CEB (formally known as the Corporate Executive Board), a global ‘best practice’ insights and technology company.

Rick DeLisi, principal advisor with the CEB Communications Leadership Council, based at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., says, “Zoe has established a highly regarded, professional and strategic communications function which is fully integrated into the business. For her input into several key projects, she has received personal letters of thanks from the CEO, Director of HR and Director of IT. She has launched and relaunched a full suite of fit-for-purpose channels - digital, face to face and print - many set up from scratch, and always seeking continuous feedback from staff. She has established herself as a true business partner to the HR function, C-level executives and the business as a whole.”

Across a total of nine categories – including ‘Large Team of the Year’, and ‘Excellence in Change Communications’ – there were more than 260 applicants, many from globally-recognised brands such as Barclays, HSBC and Bosch, who had flown in specially to attend the ceremony.

Chiverton received a framed certificate from Stephen Mangan, the actor and comedian best known for his appearances as guest host of ‘Have I Got News For You’ and his role in BBC TV’s comedy ‘Episodes’.

Chiverton says, “I am thrilled and humbled. It’s great to receive external recognition not just for myself but also for Priory Group and the excellent work it does as the leading provider of behavioural care in the UK.”

Tom Muir, group corporate affairs director heading Priory’s communications team, says, “Zoe makes a significant and meaningful impact at Priory. Her role in our team is invaluable. I am delighted that she stood out to the judges, especially against such fierce competition from companies with significantly larger teams than ours.”

Tom Riall, CEO of Priory Group, says, "Our colleagues are our single biggest asset, so being able to communicate with our staff and drive employee engagement is critical to our success. Many congratulations to Zoe for everything she has done. She has been instrumental to the success of our projects and she is a huge asset to Priory."