DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE RELAUNCHED

Added: (Tue Nov 06 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - October 24th 2001 saw the re-launch of the Institute of Public Relation’s continuous professional development scheme, Developing Excellence.

The re-launch followed an extensive research and development programme that the IPR undertook to improve the CPD scheme for PR professionals and to broaden its appeal amongst members.

Earlier this year, IPR Head of Education & Training, Alan Rawel worked with communications consultancy Hirst Waters to conduct a detailed survey of members already committed to Developing Excellence, and those who had taken part in the original pilot. The results of the survey, together with feedback from training providers, gave the IPR the information it needed to improve and reshape Developing Excellence.

Key changes to the scheme:
 A more user-friendly format with clearer definitions of what is required from members
 More examples of the kinds of activities that qualify for Developing Excellence
 The Development Plan and Development Record have been modified and are available to complete on-line if preferred
 More examples of Development Plans are given throughout the pack
 The IPR has committed to a strict monitoring and support system for members on the scheme

Developing Excellence, like any continuous professional development programme, is not a training course. It is a scheme that allows IPR members to structure and monitor their own professional development. As such, it encourages professional people to focus on their development, to identify and tackle weaknesses and to build on strengths.

IPR President, Ian Wright, FIPR, said “The IPR is committed to raising standards in the industry and Developing Excellence is just one way of enabling us to do this. We know that our members are keen to develop themselves professionally and there is a definite call for a scheme like Developing Excellence in the PR sector. We are confident that this ‘new improved’ scheme will help our members achieve their professional goals.”

The benefits of Developing Excellence
 It gives PR professionals competitive advantage over their peers in the eyes of employers - commitment to Developing Excellence looks good on a CV
 Because it requires focus from the individual, it can help with career progression and direction
 It provides Account Directors/ PR managers with an effective means of monitoring staff development (as well as their own)
 IPR accredited practitioner status will be awarded to professionals after three years

Developing Excellence is open to all full and associate members and all new members will be required to commit to the scheme.

ENDS
For further information, please contact: Ann Mealor at the IPR on 020 7253 5151 or email AnnM@ipr.org.uk

Editor’s note
The Institute of Public Relations has over 6,500 members, involved in all aspects of the public relations industry. It is the largest professional body of its type in Europe, with rigorous qualifications for membership (based on educational qualifications and/or multi-disciplinary experience) ensuring that standards are high and maintained. Further information on the IPR can be obtained from the IPR website at www.ipr.org.uk or by calling 020 7253 5151.