The CIPR has announced its shortlist for the 2013 Inside Story Awards honouring the best in internal communications. The brand new awards programme features eight categories including best in house team, best employee engagement and best internal social media, among others.

The awards were designed to address the prominence of internal communications and employee engagement on the senior management agenda. Shortlisted entries range from household names like Pret a Manger and Coca-Cola to public entities like The Glasgow Housing Association to agencies specialising in internal communications.

Rebecca Pain, of theblueballroom, on the shortlist for the best agency award, says the growing recognition in the industry for internal communications prompted the consultancy’s merging with its PR sister thebluedoor earlier in 2012.

She says, “The creation of these awards can only add to the recognition that internal communications deserves for it role in transforming businesses. We love what we do, and we want others to feel the same way about their jobs, and for businesses to reap the benefits of great, joined-up communications...Its brilliant to be nominated in such salubrious company, and to have received such endorsement from clients.”

The awards event will be held on 28 February at Covent Garden’s Hospital Club.

To read more about the Inside Story Awards, click here.