CIPR welcomes new regulatory framework for NHS communications leaders
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has welcomed the announcement that NHS board-level leaders, including Directors of Communications, will be regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under new statutory powers.
Following a government consultation, the HCPC will be given powers to bar NHS board-level leaders who commit serious misconduct or silence whistleblowers from practising in senior roles. Directors of Communications who sit on NHS boards or report directly to them will fall under the new regulatory regime, while other NHS communications managers will be regulated under separate standards.
CIPR members working for the health service anywhere in the UK are bound by the Institute's Code of Conduct, which establishes clear professional standards for ethical communications practice. The new regulatory framework will ensure NHS communications leaders are held to similar standards of accountability, with patient and public safety taking clear precedence over reputation management.
We support these important reforms which will strengthen professional standards and accountability within NHS communications. Our members working in the health service already commit to the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring transparency and putting patient safety at the heart of their work. Senior communication leaders have a responsibility to prioritise public and patient welfare over organisational reputation, and we believe those who fail in that fundamental duty should face appropriate consequences.
We pledge our full support to the HCPC as it takes on this important new regulatory role and look forward to working together to enhance public trust in healthcare communications
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 over 11,000 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).