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London,
12
March
2013
|
16:34
Europe/London

CIPR Scotland elect new vice chair and publish first annual report

The members of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Scotland group have elected a new vice chair. At the group’s AGM, held last night in Edinburgh, Katrine Pearson was elected to the post. Her appointment was made alongside seven new committee members.

Held at the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, 30 of the CIPR’s 831 Scottish members attended the AGM. During the event, Chair Laura Sutherland presented the committee’s first annual report and set out her priorities for the year ahead.

Katrine Pearson, an associate director at 3x1 Public Relations, joined the committee as vice chair unopposed. Laura Sutherland continues for a second term as group chair, Grant Thoms remains as Treasurer and Joe Walton returns as Secretary. Laura Berry, Kenny MacDonald, Candace Watermeyer and Ruth Fry continue on the committee.
Seven new members joined the committee during the AGM: Andrew Watson, Elaine Fee, Gráinne Byrne, Matthew Pittam, Minty Woolgar, Sandra Steele and Zevi Watmough.

During the AGM, Sutherland presented the group’s first annual report. She highlighted the record number of events and training workshops organised by the committee. During 2012, the CIPR Scotland reached its highest level of membership in recent years. The report also called attention to the fact that there are 109 CIPR accredited PR practitioners in Scotland.

The group accounts showed a small profit in 2012, with an increased income to £16,478. Expenses, due to the high number of events, were also up – to £15,952. CIPR Scotland retains a working capital of over £10,000.

Laura Sutherland MCIPR, CIPR Scotland Chair
I was delighted to see so many people at last night’s AGM, some familiar faces and some new. I want to thank the outgoing committee for their sterling work in 2012/2013 – we wouldn’t have been able to deliver so many great activities to the membership if you hadn’t been involved. The aim in 2013 is to continue to deliver the same high standards through our annual activity programme and to spread our services further to Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen. I will personally be more involved in developing relationships with universities and students, ensuring our accredited courses are fully engaged and aware of opportunities. That leaves me to welcome our seven new committee members and Katrine Pearson who will be supporting me in the role of Vice Chair. I look forward to our first committee meeting on 26 March so we can start developing the 2013/14 strategy. As always, I encourage every member to get to know the committee and to work with us to help us understand your requirements so we can develop a relevant activity programme, assisting you in developing your professional knowledge and skills.
Laura Sutherland MCIPR, CIPR Scotland Chair
Katrine Pearson MCIPR, CIPR Scotland Vice Chair
I’m really looking forward to helping build on the great work the committee has done to date. Following a successful year in which membership in Scotland saw a sizeable increase, ensuring CIPR Scotland delivers value for money for members of all levels through a comprehensive programme of training, events and support is key. Meeting colleagues from all areas of the industry will be a highlight for me and I hope to encourage as many members as possible to really engage with the organisation and get the most from their membership.
Katrine Pearson MCIPR, CIPR Scotland Vice Chair
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).