University of Surrey’s in-house communications team wins prestigious UK award

L to R: Kirsty Leighton, CEO Milk & Honey PR; Vickie Sheriff, Director of Communications and Marketing; Jodie Hansford, Internal Communications Manager; Oliver Burley, Communications Officer; Kerry Godliman, actor. 

Surrey was the only University selected as a finalist and won the category ahead of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and HM Prison and Probation Service.  

Vickie Sheriff said: 

“I am very proud of the team for achieving this recognition; it is incredibly well deserved and a most fitting tribute to all the work the team does to promote Surrey’s research, innovation and critical thinking. 

“The award is also testament to the team’s commitment to build a sense of community here at Surrey through great storytelling and events and embracing best communications practice. The team are always willing to share its knowledge with colleagues across the University. 

“The PRCA UK Awards are the premier awards for the PR industry in the UK and it was great to see the University’s name up in lights!” 

The communications team’s remit covers media relations, internal communications with staff and students, managing social media channels, and delivering institutional events from open days to graduations and major lecture series.  

It also supports academics with public engagement, public affairs and policy engagement and provides in-house communications consultancy.