Hours of additional work, endless travelling and hundreds of member e mails and letters to respond to – welcome to life as CIPR President! It’s busy, frantic and thoroughly rewarding.
I’ve always believed that you can sit on the sidelines and complain about our industry – or you can roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
The CIPR is our industry body and therefore it’s important that it’s supported and that it continues to attract volunteers. The executive board this year has been full of people with a ‘can do’ attitude - those who don’t mind giving up their time for the benefit of all. They’re not after another line on their CV – they’re after the opportunity to make a difference and help shape our industry.
I’ve relished the opportunities that the CIPR has given me – not just this year but over the last 12 years – from sitting on and chairing a regional committee to spending eight years on the executive board.
Although this year has been busy, our 60th anniversary year has been one of celebration - record membership, chartered practitioner status approved by the Privy Council and the hosting of the 5th World Public Relations Conference and Festival.
The one item I’ll remember from my year is the international reputation of the CIPR. Yes, it was helped by the World PR Conference – but it has been built up slowly over many years ensuring that the CIPR is seen as the global thought leader in public relations.
I’ll never forget talking at a friendly conference in Nigeria and inviting the delegates to come to the UK…and thirty of them did! Our global qualifications programme and our on line diploma continues to thrive.
I receive daily letters, e mails and phone calls - if you’re appointed by the membership to be President – then you need to be available for the membership. I’ve had some fantastic letters (and cards, flowers and even the odd bottle of wine!) and support from complete strangers. Helping members and making a difference is what it’s all about.
Be inspired. Get involved - you won’t regret it!
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