Afiniti Wins Class Winner in Two Categories at the IOIC Awards 2026
We are incredibly proud to share that Afiniti has been named Class Winner at the 2026 Institute of Internal Communication (IOIC) Awards in the Best Engagement Programme and Best Listening Programme categories.
How a Digital Dog Inspired People to Love Our Data was named Class Winner for the Best Engagement Programme. In collaboration with Subsea7, the global employee engagement programme helped more than 7,000 colleagues think differently about data, translating complex data governance into practical, everyday behaviours through the bold Data Dog creative concept.
The judges commented, “The measurement was one of the strongest aspects of the submission, with clear links back to the original objectives and evidence of improved confidence, stronger differentiation and practical use of the tools provided.”
Listening With Intent: How Network Rail Made Employee Voice a National Maintenance Standard was named Class Winner for the Best Listening Programme. Developed with Network Rail, the programme gave the 14,000 maintenance workforce a structured route to share frontline insight, turning employee voice into nationally adopted operational improvements.
The judges commented, “Judges were impressed with the entry overall with each element clearly defining the approach, planning, execution and impact. It clearly strengthens the link between listening and operational improvement.”
The IOIC Awards celebrate excellence in internal communication, with this year’s awards attracting nearly 300 submissions. We are delighted to see the quality, creativity and impact of these two programmes recognised by the judges.
Together, they demonstrate how effective internal communication can influence behaviour, strengthen ownership and help organisations sustain change. They also showcase the value of combining strategic thinking, meaningful employee involvement and creative execution.
Gill Hughes, Partner, Transport and ERP Business Lead at Afiniti commented:
“I’m incredibly proud to see both programmes recognised as best in class by the IOIC. Engaging people in change, giving them a meaningful voice and creating the conditions to make change stick are at the heart of what we do at Afiniti, so it’s fantastic to see our teams and clients recognised in this way.
Both programmes were genuine whole-team efforts, requiring tremendous work, creativity and commitment. It’s brilliant to see that hard work and, importantly, the impact they have delivered celebrated in this way. Congratulations to our brilliant Afiniti people and incredible client teams at Subsea7 and Network Rail!”
We would like to thank our exceptional client teams at Subsea7 and Network Rail, as well as everyone at Afiniti who helped bring these programmes to life. And a big thank you to the Institute of Internal Communication and the judging panel for this wonderful recognition.
Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and Class Winners.
