The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA), two of the UK’s leading industry bodies for the PR profession, have announced a partnership with Career Ready, a nationwide charity dedicated to preparing young people – especially those from low income families – for the world of work.

The partnership will see the promotion of Career Ready’s wider volunteering initiatives, notably internships, masterclasses and mentoring, across the PR landscape. The partnership marks the first collaboration between the two industry bodies since CIPR’s appointment of Sarah Hall as president.

“The lack of ethnic diversity and social mobility in public relations has to be addressed. Embracing candidates from all backgrounds isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business sense.” says Hall. Last year’s State of the Profession CIPR research report specified evolving attitudes towards diversity and equal opportunity, with many practitioners realising the benefits of an inclusive workplace, despite the industry’s slow efforts to implement greater diversity.

Mark Smith, chief operating officer at Career Ready, says, “Every school leaver should be prepared for the world of work, their aspirations not limited by background. We’re delighted that through our exciting new partnership CIPR and PRCA, even more young people will be able to gain the skills and experience they need for career success, delivering a diverse and talented PR and communications workforce for the future.”

Tying in with the recent publication of PRCA’s diversity and inclusion guidelines, the partnership aims to strengthen the profession through a more reflective and representational long-term strategy. Career Ready’s impact across the UK has resulted in as many as 29,000 students enrolled on the charity’s core programmes, as well as more than 4,000 volunteers from over 700 organisations.

Matt Cartmell, deputy director general, PRCA, says, “We’re working towards a future where every talented person has potential in the PR and communications industry, regardless of their background. This partnership is another important step towards this goal.”

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