London,
10
February
2017
|
10:14
Europe/London

CIPR calls on The Drum to rethink new column

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) believes The Drum's recent decision to feature Richard J. Hillgrove as a columnist does a disservice to the public relations industry. 

The Institute believes the high promotion of an individual convicted of cheating the Inland Revenue in 2014 brings the industry into disrepute. 

Furthermore, the CIPR rejects the assertion that marketing and public relations is about the use of 'dark arts’ as The Drum suggests in the launch of the new Bang On column.

Sarah Hall Chart.PR,  FCIPR, CIPR President-Elect
The CIPR is calling on The Drum to rethink its decision and work with us to champion ethics, integrity and professionalism to advance the communications industry and its status within society. The public relations profession is often criticised for not practising what it preaches and managing its own reputation.

We have first-hand seen the damage that publicist Max Clifford has done to the business of public relations. We believe giving Mr. Hillgrove a platform to speak on behalf of the public relations profession is equally damaging.

The CIPR will continue to fight the corner of professionals and call out poor behaviour. We will also continue to promote the value of public relations as a management discipline to employers and the business community and expect our trade media to support us in this goal. What is good for the industry is good for us all.
Sarah Hall Chart.PR, FCIPR, CIPR President-Elect

Mr. Hillgrove was a member of the CIPR between 2010 and 2012. The vast majority of public relations practitioners are committed professionals. Those who are members of the CIPR and PRCA adhere to a Code of Conduct that underlines their commitment to behaving ethically and competently at all times.

 
Notes to editors

Notes to editors

About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).