We recognise diversity as an all encompassing term that acknowledges and respects difference such as gender, ethnicity, sexuality, socio-economic background, disability, religion/faith and age. From 2010/11 we undertook a 'Conversation' with the PR industry in order better understand the best way to promote an inclusive culture, raise general awareness of diversity issues and to increase the number of PR practitioners from all backgrounds. We settled on a dual strategy aimed at tackling issues across the profession and embedding diversity practice within the CIPR itself. This work has informed the current CIPR Diversity Strategy 2011/12 and our role is now to advise and oversee the work of the CIPR in the delivery of this strategy.
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Members
- Cornelius Alexander FCIPR (Chair)
- Helen Ashley MCIPR
- Harish Bhayani
- Patrick Edwards MCIPR
- Avril Lee
- Alex Louis MCIPR
- Marcia McKnight MCIPR
- Tim Morris MCIPR
If you would like to follow the DWG, consider joining our Facebook group.
Objectives
- Oversee CIPR progress regarding the delivery of the internal and external asks and report back to CIPR Council via the Policy & Campaigns Committee
- help to promote diversity in the profession itself and how it carries out its work through, for example, online resources and members' networks
- identify practical actions that the leadership of the profession could take to progress the diversity agenda, specifically, but not confined to , the areas of diversity that the Group is focused on
- secure senior industry buy-in to such practical action and commitment to achieve tangible and visible change to tackle the identified areas of weaknesses.
Areas of activity
- The group will determine a strategy for 2012 with objectives based on the purpose of the working group – to oversee the CIPR's plans of action
- The group will advise on the CIPR's 2012 plan of action
- the strategy and the CIPR's plan of action will be reviewed by the working group at regular meetings
- commission research in order to improve understanding of PR in communities in which PR is not a visible career option, for use by the CIPR in subsequent years
- promote greater visibility for diverse role models who demonstrate that diversity is plain good business and not a barrier to success
- support the CIPR mentoring proposal and explore how we can use mentoring to improve diversity in the profession.
Working arrangements
- The group will be advisory, informing the whole organisation and owned by the whole organisation rather than representing a particular group.
- the group will mainstream diversity within the CIPR by commenting on and advising the work of the standing committees and their sub-groups.
- the group will identify partners within and outside the PR profession to work with in order to address the agreed programme of work
- the group will develop sub-groups to work on/support specific projects but who will report back to the DWG.
Accountability
- The DWG is a formal working group of the CIPR Policy & Campaigns Committee
- a report of the activities of the DWG shall be made on a quarterly basis to the CIPR Policy and Campaigns Committee (reports shall be made available to CIPR Council and Executive Board).
Contact
If you would like to learn more about the CIPR Diversity Working Group please contact Andrew Ross, CIPR Policy & Communications officer at AndrewR@cipr.co.uk or 020 7631 6915.
