CIPR President responds to reports on the use of fabricated quotes and images in benefits sanctions campaign
The President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Sarah Pinch FCIPR MIOD, has responded to a report first published by Welfare Weekly, that the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) fabricated quotes and images in information packs on benefits sanctions, issuing the following statement.
Falsely creating the impression of independent, popular support is a naïve and opaque technique which blatantly disregards the CIPR’s standards of ethical conduct. It is deeply disappointing if public relations professionals allowed it to be published.
All CIPR Members are publicly accountable for the standard of their professional conduct, and the conduct of those under their management. This accountability is a valuable asset to the public, to Members and to those who employ them.
Honest regard for the public interest; delivering reliable and accurate information; and never misleading clients, employers or others are vital components of proper professional practice.
Any CIPR Member found to be breaking any of our ethical principles, will be held accountable for their actions.
In September 2015, the Institute is hosting its second annual Ethics Month. As part of Ethics Month, a series of roundtables will be hosted starting with ‘Would you lie for your employer or client?’ taking place on 9 September.
For further information on Ethics Month, please contact CIPR Public Relations & Policy Officer, Koray Camgoz.
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).