Diana Oakes, FIIC

Senior Communications & ED&I Consultant

TranslatorCopywritingEntertainmentConsultingHRBusiness Owner

Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication and an experienced communication consultant specialising in inclusive, accessible and strategically effective communication. I work with organisations to design communications that cuts through complexity, support organisational change and ensure messages reach diverse audiences. Combining a background in journalism with extensive corporate communication experience, I bring a strong storytelling approach alongside practical expertise in employee engagement, leadership communication and communication strategy. One particular focus and passion for me is helping organisations embed inclusive and accessible communication principles into everyday practice – improving clarity, usability and inclusion across channels and content. As a trainer and adviser, I support leaders and communication teams to strengthen their capability, adopt inclusive communication practices and deliver communication that drives understanding, trust and meaningful behavioural change. As a speaker, I bring a uniquely diverse life experience that permeates truly inspiring keynotes and resonate with various audiences, as well as providing lived experience knowledge.

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Work Background

Communications and ED&I Consultant

Diana Oakes CommunicationsCommunications and ED&I Consultant

Jan. 2024Leeds, England, United KingdomExperienced self-employed Internal Communications Consultant, with 25 years' experience in the banking industry, specialising in designing and delivering training / consultancy on Leadership, Engagement, Change and Transformation internal communications. Subject Matter Expert in ED&I (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion), with particular expertise in Disability Inclusion and Accessibility.

Programme Communications Lead - Business Readiness

Lloyds Banking GroupProgramme Communications Lead - Business Readiness

Jul. 2023 - Aug. 2024Leeds, England, United KingdomCommunications Lead for a large programme delivering an end-to-end case management system to thousands of Commercial Banking colleagues.

Enterprise Risk Platform Communications Lead

Lloyds Banking GroupEnterprise Risk Platform Communications Lead

Oct. 2022 - Jul. 2023Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Communications & Engagement Lead

Lloyds Banking GroupCommunications & Engagement Lead

May. 2019 - Oct. 2022Leeds, England, United KingdomLeading on colleague engagement and internal communications for a large team of Agile Project Management practitioners.

Engagement Manager

Lloyds Banking GroupEngagement Manager

Dec. 2017 - May. 2019Leeds, England, United KingdomColleague Journey & Programme Communications - PPI Wind-down Programme - designed the colleague communication strategy for the largest PPI Wind-down programme in the industry in advance of the regulatory deadline for PPI complaints.

Communications and Engagement Manager

Lloyds Banking GroupCommunications and Engagement Manager

Dec. 2014 - Dec. 2018Leeds, United KingdomInternal Communications - audience of 9,000 thousand. Designed the Colleague Communication Strategy for the largest PPI Wind-down operation in the industry. Communication Relationship Manager for a number of Directors. Accountability for activity relating to the annual Colleague Survey. Process Improvements and Communication plans for various projects and programmes. Learning & Development Champion Member of the Diversity & Inclusion workstream as part of our People Plan

Partner / Marketing & Administration Manager

David Oakes Photography / The Art of David OakesPartner / Marketing & Administration Manager

Feb. 2012 - May. 2024I support my husband's social media accounts, marketing, advertising and admin for his freelance digital art business, The Art of David Oakes (originally David Oakes Photography).

Communications Manager

Lloyds Banking GroupCommunications Manager

Jun. 2010 - Nov. 2014Leeds, United Kingdom05 Jan 2012 - 1 Dec 2014: Community Bank Shared Services > Sales & Service Channel Migration > Communications and Advocacy Team 27 Jun 2010 - 05 Jan 2012: Business Design & Integration - Colleague Engagement & Advocacy

Team Manager

Lloyds Banking GroupTeam Manager

Sep. 2006 - Jun. 2010Team Manager in Business Ops (now Collections Support), in Collections & Recoveries (Unsecured).

Remortgage and Secured Lending Assistant

Lloyds Banking GroupRemortgage and Secured Lending Assistant

Apr. 2003 - Sep. 2006HBOS plcProcessing secured loan and remortgage applications received online or via the branch network; conveyancing; Land registry work; processing these applications from new to completion. Attending Colleague opinion survey meetings, designing and presenting training, deputising for Team Leader.

Freelance Interpreter

UK Home OfficeFreelance Interpreter

Feb. 2002 - Feb. 2006Leeds, United KingdomInterpreted in interviews for the Immigration & Nationality Directorate (asylum interviews, interviewing illegal immigrants caught at borders, home raids by IND when they discovered an address with illegal immigrants) etc.

Customer Adviser

Lloyds Banking GroupCustomer Adviser

Jan. 1999 - Apr. 2003Leeds, United KingdomCashier; receptionist; Internet Banking Specialist Advisor; Savings Reviewer; Halifax brand

Customer Assistant

Various RetailersCustomer Assistant

Jan. 1996 - Jan. 1999Leeds, United KingdomC&A, Max Spielmann, Tradex, Shell UK

Campaign President

Michael JacksonCampaign President

Feb. 1992 - Dec. 1994

News Editor

Various Radio Stations (Romania)News Editor

Jun. 1991 - Jun. 1995Translated news from English into Romanian and compiled a daily news bulletin for governmental institutions, as well as producing a news package in English for Embassies in Bucharest etc.

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