‘My PR advice: Invest in your professional development’

Name: Donna Castle
Job title and company: Director of communications, Advertising Standards Authority
Location: London
Time in PR: 23 years

What does your current role involve?

I lead a brilliant team of communications professionals working to raise awareness of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and effectively engage with our key stakeholders. I’m a member of the senior management team and I’m the ASA’s wellbeing and inclusion champion.

What do you love most about working in public relations?

The opportunity to make a difference – to the organisation I’m working for and the people that organisation serves. 

What's been the highlight of your career so far?

It’s a while ago now, but I’m really proud of the part I played in the campaign to ban smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces when I was at the British Lung Foundation. There’s been lots of other highlights since then, but it will be hard to top that.

How long have you been a member and what made you join?

I’ve been a member for 27 years! I joined in my first year of university, after being encouraged to do so by a guest lecturer from the IPR, as it was then.

How does the CIPR support your career?

CIPR has supported my career with CPD, volunteering and networking opportunities which have helped improve my skills and my confidence. I’ve met some wonderful communications professionals who have encouraged and supported me along the way.

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?

“If you aren’t willing to invest in your own development, you can’t expect others to invest in you”. It’s meant I’ve always focused on my own CPD and not relied solely on opportunities from my employers.

Discover more about joining the CIPR 

Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.