Candidate’s election statement:

I’ve volunteered with the CIPR for 17 years. I really want it to succeed and for PR practitioners to get the most from its offering. Here’s how I believe I can make a difference.

My plan is simple and rooted in the CIPR’s three year strategic plan.

• To help the CIPR assert its vision and its place within society and our industry, and to align its purpose and offer accordingly
• To reinforce public relations as a management discipline, with the aim of educating employers and the business community about the value it can bring
• To seek new members and better serve the breadth of our industry

I’ve outlined five practical pledges below. If elected I will set KPIs for each one.

Measurement and evaluation is key to any successful organisational strategy. I commit to being open and transparent and reporting back so you can see the progress being made on a quarterly basis.

My commitment to members

#1 Organisational empowerment and transparency

To ensure the viability and sustainability of the CIPR through scrutiny and robust business practices, as well as swift action where required. I’d lead monthly Twitter chats, quarterly reporting and provide support for Influence magazine.

#2 Membership and wider engagement

To use modern media to crowdsource conversation with members and non-members about the future of the profession, the CIPR and its vision and role. I’d also empower each member of Council to build relationships with a CIPR regional or sectoral group, and a professional organisation.

#3 Career journey for members

To define the member journey and the value to practitioners of membership. I’d modernise education so that it is clearly aligned with the Global Alliance competency framework.

#4 Industry leadership

To speak out publicly on behalf of the profession in support of the Charter commitment; and embed ethics within all activity and enhance the CIPR’s reputation. I’d seek partnerships with other professional bodies aligned to the CIPR’s vision and purpose.

#5 Campaigning issues

To publish benchmarks for salary scales within the profession, aligned to the career journey and establish a CIPR staff salary scale and diversity register.

My CIPR journey

I began volunteering with the Institute in 1999, initially through the North East committee and later via Board and Council.

I’ve led a Volunteer Review and chaired the Professional Practices Committee, and I’ve seen the Institute through two relocations.

Just as I’ve gained insight, knowledge and widened my network through the CIPR, I’ve given back to ensure others can similarly benefit.

In 2015 I independently launched #FuturePRoof, a book and community designed to assert the value of public relations as a strategic management discipline. #FuturePRoof: Edition Two launches at the start of September.

I’ll be elaborating on my pledges and experience during the campaign period on my blog. If you’ve an issue that you’d like to put to me you email me at sarah@sarahhallconsulting.co.uk or connect on Twitter @hallmeister.

I’m committed to taking our industry forward and know I’m supported in this by many similar forward-thinking and dynamic practitioners. I’d also be grateful for your support.

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