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Internal Communications
We keep colleagues and students informed and connected by sharing key news and updates through a range of channels, including the Weekly Bulletin, University Updates, senior leadership talks and Rumourbuster. Our focus is on delivering timely, relevant information that encourages engagement and collaboration across our community. We also lead crisis communications, ensuring critical information is shared quickly and effectively when needed, and we work with contacts across faculties and divisions, to help maintain clear, consistent and coordinated communications throughout the institution.
Work with us
We act in an advisory role for colleagues, helping managers to develop their own communication strategies for projects. If you would like us to work with you on a communications strategy, please contact the team. If you have something to share with our students, please get in touch via email or complete the .
We also have toolkits available to help with communications planning to both colleagues and students, including templates, guidance and useful key contacts and channels. These are available on this page. We also have useful tips on how to write for Weekly Bulletin and our style guide for writing guidance.
Our channels
- The Weekly Bulletin e-newsletter is issued to all colleagues every Monday with up-to-date news from across our University community.
- is sent to all students every Monday, during term time and then once per month during the summer vacation
- The and our social media channels for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ-based students, on and are kept up to date with the latest student information. Colleagues in the manage social media for our Cornwall-based students.
- Talks from the senior leadership team take place throughout the academic year, online and in-person, and are open to all colleagues. Recordings of past talks are available here.
- Rumourbuster is an online, anonymous Q&A platform. It provides an opportunity to address any issues or uncertainty across our University.
Who we are
We are a team of communications specialists who work on campaigns and projects across all campuses, faculties and divisions. 
We are split into three main streams:
- Students – managing all student-based communications and working closely with our Students' Guild in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and Students’ Union in Cornwall, as well as colleagues across the University. We also support communications for a wide range of areas including academic studies, wellbeing, study and careers support, student safety and community.
- Colleagues – managing colleague-based communications and communications planning for strategic campaigns, projects and programmes.
- Change – managing targeted communications in specific areas including strategic development and change, and capital strategy investment projects.
Our Internal Communications team
Head of Internal Communications
Before joining the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in September 2014, I held a number of senior communications roles at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, most latterly as their Head of Communications. During my time at Musgrove, which spanned 10 years, I was responsible for internal communications, stakeholder relations, media relations, corporate publications, digital communications and crisis communications.
Before starting a career in communications, I worked as an event manager delivering a range of high profile events for third sector clients, and, prior to all of this, spent three enjoyable years at the University of Sheffield where I studied Politics.
I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and in 2012 completed the CIPR diploma with distinction. My passion lies in internal communication and engagement and my final research project explored the quality of the relationship organisations have with their employees.
Outside of work, I love nothing more than spending time with my husband and our two children.
Email: L.Aitken@exeter.ac.uk
Colleagues
Senior Internal Communications Manager (Colleagues)
My role within the Internal Communications team is varied and I work across all types of digital and traditional communication channels covering all campuses and faculties. My projects range from long-term strategic campaigns including the Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture Committee and Our Culture Conversations, to key University events such as the Professional Services Recognition Awards and our Community Day. I have previously led communications for COVID-19 and infectious disease messaging, and I lead on crisis communications and training within the team. I also currently have oversight of faculty communications and work with the Faculty Communications Manager to support the delivery and continuous review of these. I also lead the production team for the Weekly Bulletin and work with colleagues to ensure our high levels of engagement with this channel continue.
I graduated with a BA Hons from the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in Sociology and Media, and went on to work in a variety of roles within Devon and Cornwall Police over a period of ten years. This included PR and events management, operational planning and communications, emergency planning, risk management, the co-ordination of multi-agency stakeholder groups, planning, and strategic business change.
Outside of work I enjoy running, spending time with my daughter and sampling the delights of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ day and nightlife with friends and family.
Email: L.L.Littlechild@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Manager (Colleagues) (part time Mon – Weds)
My role includes corporate communications and project communications such as our structures, governance, and pensions and other HR issues. I also contribute to our internal channels such as Weekly Bulletin and write for the web. I have worked at the University since 2005, joining as the inaugural Press Officer for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences before moving into an internally focused role.
Prior to coming to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ I was a Press Officer at the University of Birmingham; I graduated from there with a BSocSci Political Science and Sociology. I have worked in communications roles at the Arts Council, and in tourism and events. I gained a distinction in the CIPR certificate in Internal Communications and helped launch our use of the internal communications platform, Poppulo.
I work part-time, generally from Monday to Wednesday each week, and outside of work I enjoy exploring the South West and Spain in our camper van.
Email: Abigail.Dixon@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Manager (Colleagues – Faculties)
Working hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am-5:15pm
Contact: C.H.Moore@exeter.ac.uk
I work as Faculty Communications Manager across all three faculties. I provide support, training and guidance to both faculties and departments with their internal colleague comms. I help to increase engagement, provide assistance in creating effective communications plans and to ensure that corporate messages are being delivered in the right way and to stop unnecessary repetition.
I’m a very open person and I want people to be open and honest with me, so if you have ideas or see things that could be improved then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I have been at the University since 2013 and my role prior to this was working as a Web Officer in the Digital Team which enabled me to support departmental websites with their online presence, including student recruitment, research, press and public relations, alumni relations and outreach activities.
Outside of work I enjoy performing, swimming, walking the South West Coast Path, venturing to the cinema/theatre and spending time with my family.
Completed: [2024] Award in Leadership and Management - Level 3 (Institute of Leadership and Marketing)
Internal Communications Officer (Colleagues)
My main role within the Internal Communications team involves being an editor for the Weekly Bulletin, our colleague newsletter. This involves writing, editing and proofing the weekly newsletter and working closely with colleagues on our different campuses. I also work on ad hoc communication projects within Professional Services and I am the lead contact for our Rumourbuster channel, which allows colleagues to submit anonymous rumours and receive timely responses from our senior leaders. Previously in this role, I was also the lead contact for all COVID-19 and public health communications.
I have a BA (hons) in Humanities, majoring in Media and Creative Writing and outside of work I spend most of my time ferrying my three children around, whilst also enjoying sea swimming when I get the chance.
Email: K.Doyle@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Assistant (Colleagues)
In my role for the Internal Communications team my main duties are providing updates on the University website, supporting the wider team on various project work. With a main focus surrounding the creation the Weekly Bulletin newsletter.
My background started with business, with a BSc(hons) in Management sciences from Loughborough University, had my own online handmade jewellery business and have also worked in a variety of roles in Higher Education such as Career Advisor, coaching students to start their own enterprise or further their entrepreneurial skillset. Outside of work I enjoy coastal walks, reading and anything sporty!
Email: B.Underdown2@exeter.ac.uk
Change
Senior Internal Communications Manager (Change)
My role within the Internal Communications team is extremely diverse and involves strategic planning, through to the delivery of a wide range of communications across a variety of channels.
Most recently I have focussed on the development of our new student residences at East Park - a five year project which included liaising with the local community and internal stakeholders, as well as complaint management and sharing progress on the build. In October 2021 I helped to launch Strategy 2030, working with colleagues across the University to showcase our plans for the next ten years via a variety of channels both internal and external, traditional and digital.
I graduated from the University of Swansea with a BA Hons in Media Studies, after moving back to the South West I joined the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Graduate Trainee Manager scheme in 2007. Following this I joined the conference and events team within the University as a Marketing Co-coordinator, before progressing to managing a small team. Our work involved presenting the University at national exhibitions, and creating a diverse range of marketing campaigns to attract external visitors to the University in order to generate revenue. In 2010 I became the Communication Manager for Corporate Services supporting a number of departments across the University from Sport to Finance in their communication and web-based activities before becoming the Communication Manager for Campus Services, and joining the central communications and marketing team in 2015.
Email: a.j.ramsden@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Manager (Capital)
In my role I lead on communications to support major capital projects at the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, such as new student residences, new research buildings and commercial developments. I am responsible for creating and managing detailed communications plans for the projects to ensure key stakeholders are informed about the new facilities being created and any potential disruption that may occur during the construction period. I work closely with the Capital Project Managers and the Mitigation Manager to minimise disruption where we can, manage concerns and complaints and protect the reputation of the University.
I also work closely with the Campus Infrastructure and Operational Support Service (CIOSS) Executive Team to plan and manage internal communications and engagement with this large and diverse service area.
I graduated with a BA Hons in Geography from the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and I have since gained a CIPR Diploma in Marketing from Yeovil College. Prior to joining the University in 2019 I worked in communications roles at Somerset County Council for ten years. During my time at Somerset County Council I led on campaigns, including a Fostering and Adoption recruitment campaign and a major change programme for Adult Social Care Services. As well as being responsible for managing PR, social media, web developments, events, branding, internal engagement activity, supporting multi-agency partnership projects and crisis communications.
I currently work part time (Tuesday to Thursday). Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my two young sons, exploring Devon on foot and by bike and catching up with friends in my local town of Crediton.
Email: J.J.Richards@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Manager (SDU)
I joined the University in Autumn 2019 and work as Internal Communications Manager (SDU) part-time supporting major projects.
Prior to that I’ve worked in various communications, employee engagement and change roles in large organisations, including Royal Mail, Department for Work and Pensions, Sodexo, University of Warwick and Sainsbury’s. I’m accredited by the CIPR and have also worked as a freelance.
I live on a hill on the East Devon/Dorset border and enjoy walking the South West Coast path, playing tennis, photography, rugby, and travelling when I get the opportunity!
Email: D.Wraith@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Manager (PS Connect)
Internal Communications Officer (Capital)
My role within the Internal Communications team involves providing support for a range of organisational change projects across our University. Predominantly, my work focuses on strategic planning and liaising with colleagues to support Strategy 2030, while highlighting the University’s progress towards our strategic priorities and commitments. Additionally, I assist with our colleague newsletter, the Weekly Bulletin, as well as various internal communications projects.
I graduated from the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with a BA Hons in English and an MA in Publishing, before working as a Communications Officer for an online safety charity, where I helped schools, young people, and adults facing harm online. Outside of work, I enjoy running, cooking, and taking plenty of walks along the coast.
Email: B.l.thornton@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Officer (Capital)
I work on communications for capital projects taking place across our campuses, helping to engage stakeholders, notify them of potential disruption and share information. I am currently leading on Penryn 2.0, the Penryn Wind Turbine, the Geoffrey Pope Fins and Windows Project, and Project Tardis.
Prior to joining the University, I worked in communications and media at Cornwall Air Ambulance, where I managed the press office, social media, campaign messaging, magazine production and aircrew engagement. I also led PR activity for the charity’s £2.85million Heli2 Appeal. Before that, I spent nine years at Pirate FM as Deputy News Editor and a newsreader, which involved delivering on-air news bulletins, interviewing celebrities and politicians, live reporting on breaking stories, and leading the news output through a global pandemic.
I hold a BA in Drama from the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and an MA in Multimedia Broadcast Journalism from Falmouth University, so I have studied at both the Streatham and Penryn campuses as well as now working across them. Currently, I am completing the CIPR Professional PR Diploma.
Outside of work I enjoy looking after my retired ex-racehorse and making the most of the Cornish coastline.
Email: S.Yeoman@exeter.ac.uk
Students
Senior Internal Communications Manager (Students)
My career began in journalism as a reporter and newsreader working for the BBC, ITV and regional newspapers. I was also the first Communications Manager for Eton College – responsible for seeing the famous school through a momentous year which included a change of Headmaster and the opening of two large-scale building projects.
During my career at the University I have headed up communications for the alumni and fundraising department, as well as some of the large scale capital projects including the Forum.
I also hold a Professional Certificate in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
I’m lucky to live on Dartmoor with my family. In my spare time write novels, lift weights and sing in a folk choir.
Email: j.v.cole@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: 01392 726571
Internal Communications Officer (Students)
I joined the student communications team in January 2022. My role has a particular focus on student wellbeing and safety, along with supporting colleges in their communications with students. Living in Falmouth I also provide local support to the Cornwall campuses.
I hold a CIM diploma in marketing and have a broad background in marketing communications including for local authorities and independent schools. I previously worked for FX Plus on the University’s shared Penryn Campus, supporting cross-campus campaigns to promote sustainability, campus services and facilities, and the opening of the Penryn Campus Sports Centre.
I am a huge advocate of plain language and keeping it simple, and work with colleagues and students to provide clear and relevant information for our student community.
Email: l.smith12@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Officer (Students - Law)
I'm the Communications Officer for the Law School and work alongside the Student Communications Team. My role is to support academics with their communications to students through our monthly student newsletter, and web pages. I also promote aspects of the Law School on , and .
My background before working at the University was in BBC Radio and digital communications.
Email: S.Miller@exeter.ac.uk
Internal Communications Assistant (Students)
I joined the University in July 2021, starting at the Student Information Desk, in the heart of the student experience. This followed a substantial stint in the hospitality industry, whilst also weathering the pandemic and completing a degree in Journalism.
After three years I joined the Residence Life team, supporting students in University accommodation. Both roles helped reinforce my enthusiasm for people and creating meaningful interactions with our students through clear, personable and helpful communication. I have loved having direct pathways to help, engage and meet people from different walks of life.
Within Student Communications, I support across the University’s student channels, including University Updates, social media and the My51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ app.
I enjoy formulating creative approaches to inform a diverse audience, in a way that unites and brings people together. I believe this can be achieved by approaching everything you create with a thoughtfulness and consideration over tone, ensuring you are inclusive. There are a multitude of ways we can achieve this and that what makes each day exciting.
It will come as no surprise, that I love to write in my spare time and hope to get a personal Substack off the ground one day soon – I hope. I try my best to utilise all that Devon has to offer in my spare time; good pubs, a great local cinema and walks across all different types of landscapes.
Email: O.Leonard@exeter.ac.uk