CIPR Fellows and why they receive the honour: My story

I’ve been a volunteer for the CIPR for over eight years in various roles ranging from Chair of the CIPR Scotland group through to more recently, Board Director and Council member.

My drive was around helping the industry progress, changing the attitude of business towards what we do and the impact we can have, plus, it’s just something good to do for networking and helping others.

My Fellowship is recognition of the time and effort I had put into helping lead our industry. From organising events, bringing back the first Scottish conference since the 80’s, helping members understand why CPD is so important, through to helping inform CIPR in London, what was happening outside of London!

Many of you know, I also started PRFest in 2015, with the fourth event being held this June. The event was developed around a need for other major PR and communication activities to happen outside of London, still with ‘big name’ speakers but a different vibe. A festival seemed appropriate as fringe events could be tagged on and the brand could be developed throughout the year. Please do come along – people travel from across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

CIPR Fellows campaign

I know there are many CIPR members who have given their time and have injected their own energy into giving back to the CIPR and wider industry. That’s why, as Chairman of the CIPR Fellows’ Forum, I thought it was important we recognised who the Fellows are and also put a call out for nominations for new Fellows to apply.

Over the last couple of weeks CIPR has been tweeting some of the comments Fellows have made about what Fellowship means to them. I particularly liked David Hamilton’s: "Being a CIPR Fellow means dedicating time and energy into supporting our profession. We have a responsibility to show leadership,  help shape the future of our institute, and demonstrate the best of what PR can offer." Follow #CIPRFellows to catch up.

In addition, the application process has recently been simplified and is more transparent. You can read about it here. If you fit the criteria and have support from five CIPR members, then you have until Thursday, 28 March to get your entry submitted. (Please do consider self-nomination, too.)

What’s the difference between FCIPR and Chart.PR?

I also want to take the opportunity to clarify the difference between Fellowship and Chartered status. As you’ll have noted above, Fellowship is given to you recognising your valuable contribution to the CIPR and wider industry. Chartered status must be worked towards and an assessment day completed. It’s about your knowledge, ability, skills and leadership. One is about you and your contributions and the other is about how you operate as a practitioner. Find out more  about Chartered status here. There are assessment days coming up!

Upcoming Fellows’ events

The Fellows’ Forum was reformed last year and plans are underway for year-around activities, some being organised by your regional/national committees and others by the Forum. I’m actually just about to finalise a date for the first Masterclass which will focus on being a Non-Executive Director. Also, we’ve got our annual Fellows’ Lunch which will be held at the House of Lords, plus in a couple of weeks we are hosting the Spring Drinks event.

Being a Fellow is an honour, but there is an expectation that you’ll carry on being a cheerleader for the CIPR, promoting membership, best practice and helping others to see the benefits of professionalism. I do hope you’ll consider sending a nomination and allowing the CIPR to recognise people who contribute to the institute and wider industry.