CIPR

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has reacted to today's announcement by the Cabinet Office that the Government's Central Office of Information (COI) is to close.

Reacting to the news, Jane Wilson, CIPR CEO, said:

The Institute supports the Cabinet Office's work in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Government communications but we are disappointed to hear of further job losses. We look forward to seeing how the Government will maintain its communications track record through the introduction of new structures.

Public relations, media relations and social media are crucial components of Government communications and the CIPR will continue to be a key provider of skills and qualifications for Government communicators. We are ready to work with Ministers and Officials to advise on how public relations can help the Government meet its objectives.

There is clearly a vital role for communications in Government as shown by campaigns on issues including family health, alcohol, tobacco and safety, and it is important to recognise the COI's contribution to public information over the last 60 years.

Today's statement by Francis Maude, Cabinet Office Minister, follows the review conducted by Matt Tee (a Fellow of the CIPR) into direct communication by Government and the role of the COI. The closure follows the introduction of spending controls on direct communications and a reduction in the number of departmental in-house communications staff and budgets.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Phil Morgan on 07794 265 678.

About the CIPR

The CIPR is the professional body for PR practitioners in the UK. With 9,500 members involved in all aspects of PR, it is the largest body of its type in Europe. The CIPR advances the PR profession in the UK by making its members accountable through a code of conduct, developing policies, representing its members and raising standards through education and training.