How to carry out an internal comms audit
An internal communications audit helps organisations understand whether their communication is actually working — not just whether messages are being sent.
Many organisations reach for an audit when something feels off. Channels are busy, messages are frequent, but engagement is inconsistent and people still feel confused, overloaded, or disconnected from what matters most.
A well-designed internal comms audit creates clarity. It shows what’s landing, what’s being ignored, and why.
Why internal communications audits matter
Too often, internal communication audits focus on activity rather than effectiveness.
Common issues we see when organisations take a closer look include:
Channels and messages multiplying over time, creating noise rather than clarity
Engagement dropping because communication is designed around what’s easy to send, not what people need
Audits measuring outputs (emails, posts, campaigns) rather than experience
Leaders assuming “more communication” will fix problems rooted in trust or relevance
As the article I originally wrote for PRmoment explores, an audit should be about understanding how communication is experienced, not just how it’s produced.
“An internal communications audit isn’t just about listing channels — it’s about understanding what’s working, what isn’t, and why.”
When should you carry out an internal comms audit?
An internal communications audit is particularly valuable during periods of change, including:
Organisational growth or restructuring
Leadership transitions
Cultural or DEI programmes
Digital or AI-enabled transformation
Declining engagement or trust
At these moments, assumptions about “what works” often no longer hold.
How to carry out an effective internal communications audit
The most effective internal comms audits start with discovery, not recommendations.
At True, we begin by understanding how communication is actually experienced across the organisation. That means listening to people about:
What they pay attention to
What they ignore or work around
Where communication supports their work
Where it creates friction or confusion
Without this discovery phase, audits risk becoming a technical exercise — neat channel maps, sensible recommendations, but limited impact.
When audits are grounded in listening and insight, they become a foundation for better decisions. They help organisations simplify, prioritise, and communicate in ways people understand and trust.
Read the original article
You can read the full article on PRmoment here:
👉 https://www.prmoment.com/internal-comms/when-was-the-last-time-you-audited-your-internal-comms
If you want to understand how your internal communications are really landing — and what to change get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs.
