Candidate’s election statement:

I’ve been lucky to build an amazing career in PR based on passion, pride and partnership. These are strengths I would bring to the role of President-Elect.

The CIPR has built on a legacy of achievement but we need more pace, energy and confidence to deliver for the future. #StateofPR 2016 puts our challenges in sharp focus. Responding to the convergence of disciplines, tackling pay inequality, building leadership and management skills, and encouraging communications professionals to reach the highest levels are issues I would champion. To be successful, we need to build on our strengths proactively and as a single community. Diversity, transparency, professionalism and authenticity are critical success factors.

My platform is simple – old school values and new school thinking, with a focus on driving forward professionalism and inclusion. Extending professionalism, CPD and Chartered status; reaching out to our many and diverse communities in creative ways, and attracting the widest possible talent pool are priorities.

We must ensure our voice is heard externally but if we listen to our members, harness the passion of our Regions and Groups and open our doors to all those who have potential, our Institute will be stronger as a result. Social media, advocacy and thought-leadership are essential tools and we need to better market our strengths and our commercial offering. We must focus on delivering the best possible quality and value for our members.

I’m a passionate advocate of education, training and development as life-changing and transformational tools. I am a Fellow of seven professional institutes and hold Chartered status in PR, marketing, and management with qualifications in all three disciplines. I am standing because I want to shape and be a part of the change our industry needs. Strategic with a ‘can do’ approach, I have a reputation for energy, enthusiasm, honesty and focus. I am proud that one of my nominees is my very first placement student and a long-time friend and that I have supportive networks across our industry.

About me:

I’m Director of Marketing and Advancement at Loughborough University, leading PR, comms, digital, creative, recruitment, widening participation, marketing, fund-raising, engagement and events teams. Say hello on LinkedIn and have a look at my profile. I have a multi-award winning track record with several personal accolades including the Institute of Internal Communications Internal Communicator of the Year 2012, and the CIPR/IOD PR Director of the Year 2012.I joined the then IPR in 1996, becoming one of CIPR’s first Accredited Practitioners in 2005, a Fellow in 2009 and one of the first Founding Chartered Practitioners later that year. A founding member and previous Chair of the Education and Skills Group, I have served on Council, various CIPR committees and as an Excellence Awards judge. Last year, I was appointed joint Lead Assessor of the refreshed Chartered Practitioner scheme. This is what has inspired me to think again about what more I can do for the Institute which has done so much for me. Thank you for your support.

For more information on Emma or any of the other candidates please visit the CIPR website