Michelle Atkinson

What I do for nesma

I teach on the CIPR Specialist Certificate and Specialist Diploma in Internal Communications.

My background

I’ve over 30 years of experience in PR and communications, 20 working at a senior level. I continue to work as a PR practitioner. I started my career in Internal Communications and am currently working in Internal Communications.  I am a Fellow of the CIPR and a Member of the Institute of Internal Communications. After gaining a BA Hons Business Studies (specialising in Marketing) degree at Bournemouth, I started my career at British Aerospace, where I was part of a European PR team delivering the launch of the Typhoon aircraft. I then moved into the NHS, a number of PR consultancies and more latterly worked as the senior comms professional in a number of public sector organisations.

I support MA Media and PR Dissertation students for Newcastle University and I am the Secretary of the CIPR’s North East committee. I have won a number of national and regional CIPR awards for my work and my work has been featured as best practice in the CIPR’s Effective Internal Communications book.

Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit, socialising and am an avid Newcastle United and Preston North End football fan.

My particular skills and experience

I provide help and advice on all aspects of public relations and communications. I have a particular interest in Internal Communications, public sector communications and crisis communications.

Why I love my job!

I really enjoy the variety and the networking. I love helping others grow and develop. I also love learning from students. It’s true, the day you stop learning, is the day you draw your last breath.