Souha Khairallah of the PRCA explains why the PRCA’s new Continual Professional Development programme is essential for modern PR practitioners, and celebrates the success of the scheme’s first year.
The first cycle of the PRCA CPD programme has been a tremendous success. Sign-up numbers for the first cycle were impressive with 400 individuals registering onto the programme. These numbers are set to increase in the next cycle, currently standing at 600.
The programme remains completely free for everyone, regardless if they are members of the PRCA or not, a step which we hope will help to remove all existing barriers to professional excellence and industry accreditation.
Organisations from every corner of our industry have taken part in the programme, from large and medium-sized consultancies such as Lansons and CCGroup respectively, to in-house teams such as Cancer Research UK and The Big Lottery Fund. It’s also extremely encouraging to see that 20 individual practitioners are now accredited.
The PRCA CPD Programme remains the most relevant and expansive programme in the industry. This is due to our extensive range of partners who supplement our existing range of accreditable activities. Partners such as Women in PR, PR Week, and Cision, have been instrumental in making the PRCA CPD programme a success, for which we are grateful.
What is great to notice is that there has been a broad range in the activities individuals have been completing as part of their CPD. Whether it be attending training courses (in person or online), writing blogs, or attending industry events, we know that there isn’t one set way to achieve your CPD for the year.
Ethics have always been at the heart of the PRCA and its CPD programme. In a year where the ethics of PR practitioners have come under serious scrutiny, having a solid understanding of ethical practices has never been more necessary for the continued growth of the PR industry. The PRCA CPD programme includes a compulsory ethics element.
We have made a great start, and offer huge congratulations to those who have achieved their accredited status this year.
**The second PRCA CPD Cycle has begun from 2nd October. To register and join the CPD Programme, please contact training@prca.org.uk
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