Planning and Editorial manager Review

I'm the Planning and Editorial Manager for the UK Internal Communications team at E.ON. I'm essentially responsible for managing the timing, flagging issues with content and channels for UK-wide internal communications. I ensure communications are true to our UK purpose and help colleagues join the dots between the work that they do and the bigger picture. I work closely with operational areas to understand their priorities and curate engaging UK wide content. I'm also accountable for content on our Knowledge Management system. I manage one Internal Communications Exec, who is responsible for delivery of UK wide comms and managing our communications planner.

- Leadership and people management - Strategic thinking - Ability to multi-task and deliver to tight deadlines - Flexibility and agility to respond to colleagues' and business needs - Conflict management and how to assert myself effectively and professionally - Undertaking a degree apprenticeship in Business Management and Leadership - Emotional intelligence and my learning profile - what makes me tick

I have thoroughly enjoyed my degree apprenticeship so far. Initially I had concerns about juggling study alongside a demanding and fast paced role, but with the support of my leadership team and my own team I've been able to manage my time effectively to deliver what I need to. I believe my degree will provide me with broader business skills which will allow me to think outside of my communications box and better understand business priorities, which will help influence my communications advice. However, the course isn't easy and it certainly requires self-discipline!

It's a very structured programme, with a clear understanding of module dates, learning days and deadlines. However, there is a little discrepancy for me about my degree portfolio vs my actual modules to earn my degree. I'm unsure how to fit this all in and although support from tutors is great, there has been times where I've needed some extra support. I'd also like more communication from the uni - for example, where extenuating circumstances have meant an extension to deadlines, I've had to email my personal tutor to find that out, rather than getting an update clearly directly from the uni.

Tons. When I first started my apprenticeship journey I was concerned about finding the time to do my study - and assumed that this would eventually be picked up at evenings and weekends. But my managers have consistently encouraged me to block study days, put an out of office on, and use my working time to deliver uni work. This has helped me succeed and demonstrated their commitment to my development.

I do get enough support when working on my qualification - if I ever have any questions or concerns I can get in touch with my personal tutor for both my apprenticeship or my module tutor and they respond super quick with guidance and advice. there's also a discussion board available which allows me to ask my peers questions and vice versa.

I believe my qualification gives me a broader understanding of the business. It supports my strategic thinking and provides me with an in--depth understanding of some business processes which will help to influence and shape my communications into that area. I generally believe my qualification will give me transferable skills which I can take to any role.

There are, but I don't tend to get involved in them. I find webinars and networking events such as conferences the most useful. I know there used to be clubs for more social elements but I don't see much about them anymore. I think a lot of long-standing colleagues who were involved in organising these have left the business.

Yes

I've worked for Eon for 12 years now and in that time have worked in a variety of different roles and have been given the opportunity over the years to develop my career. The organisation genuinely cares about it's people, despite going through turbulent times. Colleagues are always at the heart of business decision making, even when difficult decisions are made. The fact that I am able to do a degree within work time, while still earning, makes me feel that the organisation values me and my leaders support me in giving me the time to do this.

Be your true self - it's an inclusive culture. Give as much as you take. You need to be able to be prepared to work hard, but you'll be rewarded with a generous package, the opportunity to work flexibly and develop yourself. Be passionate - the organisation needs people who truly care about sustainability and living and breathing the UK purpose. It's not always easy, there are cost constraints, be prepared for change.