Addressing equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI)
The public relations profession faces a diversity challenge. Our State of the Profession data shows that 8 in 10 UK practitioners are White (2024) and 25% are privately educated (2022) – around four times higher than the UK national average. This lack of representation hinders our ability as public relations practitioners to connect with the diverse and vibrant communities we serve.
We know there are barriers to entry and progression in the profession for under-represented groups. Our 2020 Race in PR report revealed that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic practitioners were unable to access the same opportunities as White colleagues. They spoke of racism, microaggressions, unconscious bias and inflexible working cultures that denied them opportunities to advance their careers.
Our EDI strategy
Our EDI strategy, first launched in 2023, embeds EDI principles and best practice in six key areas of our work. The strategy sets out how we will achieve this and how we will report on our progress to drive lasting and meaningful change.
Since then we have progressed our work in the areas of EDI, continuing to support inclusion and belonging during particularly challenging times. In 2025 we undertook our first EDI member survey and the data will inform our EDI updated strategy.
The strategy has been developed by the CIPR EDI committee and builds on years of advocacy and hard work by the Diversity & Inclusion Network. Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who have championed and continue to champion change in this vital area. The strategy is currently being updated and our second version will be published in April 2026.
If you have any questions on the strategy, you may find the answers in our frequently asked questions. To talk to us about the strategy or provide feedback, please contact Claire Bloomer, Director of Operations.
Download strategy
Our EDI areas of focus for 2026
Our five areas of focus, based on 2025 member survey data, are:
- Age
- Disability
- Ethnicity and race
- Neurodiversity and cognitive differences
- Socio-economic background and class
Under-representation in senior leadership underpins all EDI areas of focus.
Our EDI progress report 2024
Our first EDI Progress Report, published in 2025, showcases our achievements in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in public relations in the year since publishing our EDI Strategy. The report covers the period October 2023 to October 2024 and demonstrates our progress across our strategy's four key pillars and our ongoing commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive profession.
Our second progress report is due for publication in 2026.
Read the report
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