CIPR partner The Xec. - a new leadership programme for BME PR and Comms pros created and launched by BME PR Pros
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is delighted to partner with The Xec. - a new leadership scheme created and launched by BME PR Pros, supported by Google and in partnership with PRovoke Media. The Xec. provides BME PR and comms professionals with the first UK based leadership programme of its kind.
The Xec. offers applicants a 10-month practical course with training days, masterclasses and career-focused talks delivered by a diverse range of industry leaders from award-winning agencies and organisations. Applicants will be allocated a BME PR Pros mentor for six months within the course to support their development.
The scheme, developed by BME PR Pros in consultation with The Blueprint advisory board, aims to create the next generation of BME leaders and to increase boardroom diversity client and agency-side.
Course participants will receive complimentary CIPR Membership and will be invited to judge a CIPR award. Throughout the course, there will be the opportunity for course participants to:
- Create and host a podcast series
- Be given £5,000 to create and launch a group campaign
- Curate and present a special PRovoke Media event to be broadcast in June 2022
The Xec. Programme is running between September 2021 to June 2022 and CIPR members can gain 55 CPD points for completing the course.
BME PR Pros and The Blueprint diversity mark have always been about rooting for talented Black, Asian, Mixed Race and ethnic minority PR and comms pros to get the careers they deserve. The Xec., kindly supported by Google UK and delivered in partnership with PRovoke Media and the CIPR, is an attempt to smash that thick glass ceiling and create greater diversity at leadership level.
From running a business to securing new business, nurturing young talent to navigating a business through crisis, through podcasting, leading an industry event and judging an industry award, it aims to provide course participants with the practical knowledge and skills needed to be great comms leaders. It is an exceptional course delivered by an incredible array of industry talent all committed to tackling diversity. I believe The Xec. can have a genuine, positive impact on talented BME PR and comms pros and I hope it helps to create tomorrow’s great leaders.
Our report - 'Race in PR: BAME lived experiences in the UK PR industry’ - which we launched last summer called for PR business leaders to create working cultures in their organisations which "unleash talent and create a fair and equal workplace for all". The report found that our profession denied BME PR professionals the same opportunities and progression as their white colleagues. This is why we must be courageous in addressing diversity across leadership and boardroom positions. As CIPR President for 2021, I am proud to partner with The Xec. - it is an exciting scheme and I believe it will support the next generation of BME leaders to excel.
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About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with nearly 10,000 members.
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).