Our organisation
Membership of the CIPR is on an individual basis. We offer membership to PR practitioners at all levels in their careers and in all sectors. Whether you work in-house, at a consultancy or as an independent or freelance practitioner, we can offer help.
There are six grades of membership: Fellow, Member, Associate, Affiliate, Global Affiliate and Student. These member grades span different levels of experience and qualifications in PR. Membership assessment is rigorous and we base it on multi-disciplinary experience and qualifications.
Membership figures have more than doubled in the last 10 years. Approximately 55% of our members are female, having grown from 20% in 1987. 45% of our members work in PR consultancy and 55% work in-house. Two-thirds of our members work outside London.
Organisational structure
We are a Chartered body led by a President, who is the Chairman of the Institute and the representative of the profession in the UK. Our members elect a President every Autumn who is in post for one year. They also elect a President-Elect and Honorary Treasurer.
Officers
- President: Stephen Waddington MCIPR, Chartered PR Practitioner
- Immediate Past President: Sue Wolstenholme FCIPR, Chartered PR Practitioner
- President-Elect: Sarah Pinch FCIPR
- Treasurer: Dave Sanders FCIPR.
The Council
The Council is our governing body. It oversees the activities of the Institute. All actions taken by our officers and staff are in the name of, and with the authority of, the Council. Our members elect Council members on a yearly basis.
Standing Committees
We have three Standing Committees:
- Professional Practices
- Professional Development and Membership
- Policy and Campaigns.
Committee members are Council members with the support of a member of staff to provide advice and help. A Disciplinary Committee meets when necessary to consider references to it by the Professional Practices Committee. The Committees can co-opt non-Council members so that we have access to the right experience and expertise when needed.
Executive Board
Executive Board, comprising a panel of non-executive directors, supervises our day-to-day operations. Chaired by the President, it comprises the:
- Immediate Past President
- President
- President-Elect
- Treasurer
- Chief Executive.
It also contains other elected members of the Council, including the chairs of the four Standing Committees.
Regional and sector Groups
We run regional and sector volunteer groups through a committee made up of members of the CIPR. Registration with your local regional group is automatic upon joining.