London,
01
November
2017
|
16:41
Europe/London

PR challenged to 'define social purpose' at CIPR National Conference

Around 200 communications professionals gathered at the British Library in London yesterday for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations' (CIPR) 2017 National Conference.

Vodafone's Group Director of Corporate Affairs Matt Peacock began the day by revealing how the corporation overcame tax justice and phone tapping crises by defining its social purpose and committing to total transparency.

The presentation set the tone for the conference with Everton FC's Scott McLeod, Ben and Jerry's Kerry Thorpe and the LadBible Group's Peter Heneghan all advocating the need for brands to care about their communities and act on issues relevant to them.

The conference culminated in a powerful speech by Burson-Marsteller Africa Chair and CEO, Robyn De Villiers, who offered her perspective on the Bell Pottinger crisis before challenging individuals to take responsibility for their ethical conduct.

Rob Brown FCIPR, CIPR Vice President, Managing Partner of Rule 5
Last year's National Conference was the CIPR's first in almost a decade and I'm delighted that we've taken the event to a new level in 2017. The content from all nine presentations was exceptional and ensured our audience left the British Library primed to introduce new ideas and innovative approaches to clients and organisations.

On behalf of the CIPR, I'd like to thank our sponsors, speakers and everyone who took time out of their schedule to come along.
Rob Brown FCIPR, CIPR Vice President, Managing Partner of Rule 5
Jason MacKenzie FCIPR Found.Chart.PR, CIPR President
From ‘CSR is dead' to Dame Judi Dench rapping with Lethal Bizzle (albeit on video) this year’s conference was a knock-out. Bags of content, stimulating conversation – and great networking. A definite date for the diary in 2018.
Jason MacKenzie FCIPR Found.Chart.PR, CIPR President
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).