The Summer 2021 edition of Influence is out now, featuring a very special cover designed by the winner of our 'PR and Parenting in a Pandemic' competition.

Change management is an important part of the public relations skills set. That has certainly been put to the test over the past 12 months. All the changes we, as a society not just a profession, have dealt with over the past year have shown the resilience of our industry as well as its vital importance to every other sector.

And now it’s all change once again as the vaccine allows us to move into the post-covid world – whether that’s a return to the office or developing the hybrid working that works for you – the needs of both you and your colleagues will have changed.

This edition covers a huge number of topics, to reflect our changing times and the challenges faced by public relations and communications professionals.

Highlights include:

Cybersecurity and wfh: One in Five UK home workers received no cybersecurity training during 2020. Andrew Fitzmaurice explains why without engaging in effective communications promoting a proactive shared understanding of cyber risks and how to tackle them from the board room to the frontline, businesses will continue to be dangerously exposed.

COP26: With only months to go until the UN climate summit, Claire Barraclough asks: Are you COP ready?

Back to the Office: As the world gradually starts to come back to life, businesses are facing a new hybrid working culture. Lysanne Currie runs through the checklist for the new normal and investigates how PR companies are approaching life post-pandemic.

Beware the Positivity Monster: Annique Simpson on why Good vibes aren’t always good. Sometimes it’s positive to harness our negative emotions.

The UK Black Comms Network Report: A new research project looking at what might be holding back black communications professionals from reaching the goals they desire or deserve.

The Creator Economy Grows Up: If your idea of an influencer is posing by a pool in Dubai then think again. From promoting diversity to keeping the hedge funders awake at night, Gen Z are using TikTok to disrupt the old guard. Yoke co-founder and former professional footballer Jidé Maduako is leading the charge with some big ambitions and training camp discipline.

The Summer 2021 edition of Influence is out now and CIPR members can find it here.