overview
As a vocational group within the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, we regard continuing professional development (CPD) as essential and support the CIPR's Developing Excellence CPD programme - the first scheme in the European public relations industry, launched in April 2000.
For those working in corporate and financial communications, CPD is imperative because we operate within the framework of legislation and regulation with which all companies must comply.
The Group encourages its members to keep abreast of developments in company law and in Stock Exchange regulation. Members also have to be up to date with the framework of regulatory and representative institutions which govern the behaviour of companies, financial institutions and the different professional groups working within them.
There are a number of formal qualifications to be obtained within the industry through a degree or diploma from a university or college, which is recognised by the CIPR or the CIPR Diploma itself. For further details contact www.cipr.co.uk. Alternatively, it might be a more general qualification, for example in communication, media studies, sociology, psychology, politics or economics. It could be a specialised qualification in company law or accountancy, or a higher degree such as an MBA.
In addition to the universities' business schools, other organisations also provide courses or formal qualifications in specialist fields. These include: the Institute of Directors or the Institute of Management, The City University, the Institute of Investment Management and Research and the Investor Relations Society.
The website www.financetalking.com provides useful and topical information for all those who are involved and active in corporate and financial communications.
Members also find practical discussion of key topics ranging from mergers and acquisitions to the impact of new technology on communications to be very useful and a key benefit of membership to the CIPR Corporate+Financial Group. The activities also offer opportunities to share experiences and build up a network of contacts. For further information see our section on Events.