Episode 22 of CIPR's Engage podcast out now; Ageism in PR
The latest episode of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations' (CIPR) Engage Podcast is out now, with a new discussion on ageism in the public relations profession.
Episode 22 - Ageism in PR - examines why and how experienced practitioners get pushed out of the profession, drawing on the findings from the CIPR-funded report ‘An age-old problem: What can we do to tackle ageism in PR?’ It is the first in a new series produced in partnership with the CIPR's Diversity and Inclusion Network and its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions, who work across the Institute's sectoral and regional groups.
The episode covers how ageism appears in hiring, in access to training, and in a stereotype that casts older practitioners as a “safe pair of hands” rather than a creative one. It considers business models and cultural norms that treat senior experience as a cost, the practitioners who feel pushed into freelancing as a result, and the way ageism can compound other forms of discrimination, particularly for women and people from diverse backgrounds.
Host Abha Thakor Chart.PR, FCIPR, journalist and Chartered Manager, is joined by:
- Jenny Manchester MCIPR, author of the report ‘An age-old problem: What can we do to tackle ageism in PR?’
- Avril Lee Hon.FCIPR, independent communications consultant and Chair of the CIPR’s Diversity and Inclusion Network and the Taylor Bennett Foundation.
The episode closes with practical steps to build age-friendly workplaces, returning to the employers' checklist published alongside Jenny's report and setting out where the industry can begin: clearer criteria and scoring in recruitment, checking who actually takes up existing policies such as those on menopause or caring responsibilities, and training line managers to work across generations.
Ageism is the form of discrimination our profession has been slowest to name. Jenny's research puts the evidence in front of us. What comes through most strongly in this conversation is that all of us have something to do about it, whether that is reviewing a recruitment policy or simply challenging the language we hear in the office or at industry events. Thank you to Abha for hosting, and to Jenny and Avril for their candour in this fascinating conversation.
- Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Music
- Find out more about the CIPR Engage Podcast
- CIPR members can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode
- Read the CIPR-funded report - An age-old problem: What can we do to tackle ageism in PR?
- Find out more about the CIPR's Diversity and Inclusion Network
- Explore the Centre for Ageing Better's Age-Friendly Culture Toolkit and Age-friendly Employer Pledge
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).