Each month we’re going to showcase some of our valued members in the Company of Communicators.
This month, we’re speaking to Sally Sykes – the current Master, who has been involved in the company for the last seven years. She has held many positions in communications from working in aviation during 9/11 to being in the NHS during the pandemic. Her latest role in this illustrious career is as Interim Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Liverpool City Regional Combined Authority.
How long have you been in Communications?
“I have been in communication for over four decades, and across many industries from events to retail, aviation to health, government to education. I was in aviation during 9/11, I’ve worked through five recessions and the ‘Age of Austerity’, spent the pandemic working in an acute hospital that treated hundreds of COVID-19 patients, worked at one of the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine centres, I’ve had to deal with extreme environmental and animal rights protesters, and been on the programme boards of 4 major construction projects of up to £350m. I’d sum it up as being an eventful career!”
How did you come to Communications?
“Like most people, I fell into it. I studied English Literature at the University of Leeds, and started my career organising conferences at Manchester University. I’m a naturally curious person, and I think that’s what draws people in – it’s a career where you get to ask questions, think through problems and find solutions.
What has been a highlight of working in Communications?
“I was President of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR) in 2012, where I had the pleasure of hosting an amazing Excellence Awards dinner featuring 5 Olympic medal winners and Paralympians. We also presented the CIPR President’s Medal to Lord Seb Coe.”
Quick fire questions!
What quality do you personally have that enhances your role in comms?
“I’m a team builder! I’ve helped create and lead a number of award-winning teams, who run campaigns that are not just eye catching and innovative, but also purpose driven. During my time at HSE, we won Best Public Sector Campaign and Best Overall Campaign in PR Week’s awards in 2010, for our work to reduce fatalities in agriculture.”
If you could change one thing about the sector what would it be and why?
“Diversity – of all kinds. We do need to do more to diversify the sector. I’ve always championed women to have a crack at senior leadership. I’ve mentored dozens of very talented people and promoted the value of academic and professional qualifications.”
Why should someone join the company?
“Our diverse and welcoming company offers fellowship and friendship from people with a broad range of backgrounds – from serving the Royal households to trade associations, the NHS, Government Communications, agency heads, banking, insurance and City comms leads, freelancers, corporate communicators and diplomats. Whether you’re starting your career or well established, it’s a great network for all, regardless of which part of the country you are from. It’s fun – with a purpose.”
To connect with Sally, here is her LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/sallysykescomms
If you would like to learn more about how to join the Company of Communicators, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the clerk, Ian Wingfield, who can be reached on email - clerk@companyofcommunicators.org
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