London,
17
February
2015
|
15:20
Europe/London

#CIPRSM responds to Lords' report on digital skills

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Social Media Panel (#CIPRSM) has responded to a report on the UK’s digital skills shortage, published today by the House of Lords Digital Skills Committee.

The report entitled Make or Break: The UK’s Digital Future calls on the future Government to enact on the opportunity to secure the UK’s place as a global digital leader. The report outlines three key recommendations:

  • making digital literacy a core subject at school, alongside English and Maths
  • viewing the internet as important as a utility, accessible to all
  • putting a single ‘Digital Agenda’ at the heart of Government.
Simon Collister MCIPR, Digital Consultant, CIPR Social Media Panel Member
Today's report findings are an important addition to the ongoing debate on the UK's digital knowledge, skills and infrastructure.

The report should act as a wake-up call to Government and other political parties in the run up to the general election that they must take steps to ensure that the internet is central to the development of the UK's economic viability and social well-being.

The CIPR Social Media Panel welcomes all three of the report’s recommendations, but draws particular attention to the need to view the internet as a utility with universal accessibility. As outlined in the recently published CIPR Manifesto, we believe that for the business of public relations, improving digital connectivity will be a key catalyst for growth, achieving new innovations, growing creative content and services, and optimising commercial capacity.

The UK's average broadband speeds fall way behind those of other European countries. This is why we are calling on the government to invest more in critical digital infrastructure to support the UK's future communities and economy. The current government’s aim to give access to 24 Mbps broadband speeds to 95 per cent of users by 2017 is unambitious and their investment of £1bn by 2017 is not enough
Simon Collister MCIPR, Digital Consultant, CIPR Social Media Panel Member

View the House of Lords Digital Skills Committee’s report (PDF, opens in a new window)

View the CIPR Manifesto (PDF, opens in a new window)

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).