17 February 2005
PR body awarded Chartered status

Chartered status has been awarded to the Institute of Public Relations, the professional body for the PR industry in the UK. The IPR is now the ‘Chartered Institute of Public Relations’.

This marks the ‘coming of age’ of the PR profession and is official recognition of the important and influential role that public relations plays in business and society. It is acknowledgement that it is in the public interest to have an approved body to lead the public relations industry, and that the CIPR is that body.

The award of a Charter by the Privy Council is affirmation of the role the Institute plays in the public relations industry - providing leadership, developing policy, raising standards through training and education, and making members accountable through the Code of Conduct.

Chris Genasi, President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, said: ‘This is a milestone for the Institute and the PR industry. The CIPR can now implement its strategy to further improve and support the industry with the formal stamp of approval from Government.’

‘The Institute has been acknowledged as the official body to strengthen and lead the profession. The Government has recognised the PR industry as a leading player in public and corporate life and PR practitioners as professionals with specialist skills, knowledge and qualifications.’

Colin Farrington, Director General of the CIPR, said: ‘Chartered status will make it easier for employers, clients and the general public to distinguish between PR practitioners who are prepared to commit to the industry code of conduct and to be accountable, and those who aren’t. Membership of the Institute has always been about professionalism, commitment and standards and now Chartered status gives CIPR members external, third party approval and endorsement. Membership of CIPR is a clear demonstration of professionalism.’

www.cipr.co.uk

ENDS

Further information

Ann Mealor: 0207 553 3772 / 07971 596925 / AnnM@cipr.co.uk
Jessica Molloy: 0207 553 3771 / 07976 768752 / JessicaM@cipr.co.uk

Photographs
Downloadable print quality versions of the photographs of Colin Farrington (ref 10128) and Chris Genasi (16705) are available from the IPR image archive in the Media Centre on the CIPR website - www.cipr.co.uk or by using the following links:
Colin Farrington http://www.prshots.com/?i=10128
Chris Genasi http://www.prshots.com/?i=16705

CIPR
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has over 8000 members, involved in all aspects of the public relations industry. It is the largest professional body of its type in Europe, with rigorous qualifications for membership (based on educational qualifications and/or multi-disciplinary experience) ensuring that standards are high and maintained. Further information on the CIPR can be obtained from the CIPR website at www.cipr.co.uk or by calling 020 7253 5151.