Denis Inchbald Hon FCIPR
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations is saddened to learn of the death of Denis Inchbald at the age of 92, former President of the Institute of Public Relations between 1969-70, and Founder and Chairman of Welbeck Public Relations.
Starting his media career as Editor of Varsity, the Cambridge graduate weekly, Denis then moved on to the Daily Telegraph, after which he moved in to the field of public relations, working firstly for Pritchard Wood and Partners, at the time a top three public relations consultancy.
Denis became a Member of the Institute of Public Relations in October 1954, after which he took up a key role as Head of Publicity for the 1956 British Industries Fair (see photo), an international showcase for the manufactured goods of Great Britain.
His Presidency came in an era of significant change to the Institute, and as an early advocate of professionalism in the industry, he suggested IPR membership criteria should be set by the passing of examinations.
In 1988, his contributions to public relations and the Institute were acknowledged as he received the Sir Stephen Tallents Medal and was awarded Honorary Fellowship.
In April 2010, Denis was announced as a Founding Fellow of the Public Relations Consultants Association.
Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.
Denis was quiet, spruce, conscientious, courteous, intellectual, gentlemanly and professional. He believed in the higher calling of public relations and was dedicated to the work of the Institute. He was a meticulous planner who kept scrupulous records and it was part of his personal professional creed never to over-promise, a characteristic he shared with other Past President's and founding father of the Institute, Alan Campbell-Johnson. Denis had a good eye for talent, gave credit, but carried the can. He personally helped to finance the development of university based qualifications in public relations.
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).