CIPR Engage Podcast

The following episode summary was originally created by AI and edited by the CIPR’s podcast editorial board: A year on from the launch of ChatGPT, host and chair of the AI in PR panel, Andrew Bruce Smith, marks the natural language processing tool’s first birthday by reflecting on the technological advancements we’ve seen in AI over the past year and its impact on the future of PR and comms teams. Featuring Swati Virmani (senior lecturer at De Montfort University) and Antony Cousins (executive director for strategy at Cision), in this episode, panellists discuss the ethical considerations and challenges while weighing up the benefits of adopting AI by practitioners and teams. Timestamps and resources mentioned: 03:03 - Reflections on technological milestones over the past year Humans Needed More Than Ever researchThe impact of AI on UK jobs and training report 09:00 - What’s the use case for AI in PR and comms? everyone is above average 15:12 - What skills if any, should PR and comms practitioners develop in line with the evolution of AI? 23:00 - What AI tools should teams and practitioners be adopting now? Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and the impact on public relations (PR) practice aiDALL-E 3ClaudePerplexityCisionFiverUpwork 27:59 - What are the ethical and legal implications of using AI? 36:50 - Tips for adopting AI and thoughts on what’s next for AI. Share your thoughts about the topics discussed in this episode on LinkedIn or X, formerly Twitter, using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. If you're a member of the CIPR, you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

In the fourth and final episode in the series celebrating the CIPR’s 75thanniversary, host Henry Heming interviews speakers and attendees at the Horizon conference focusing on the future of the profession. Featuring interviews (and timestamps) with: 00:44 - Sheeraz Gulsher, co-founder at People Like Us, discusses creative campaigns and practical tips on making PR more inclusive. 07:17 - Fatima Banglawala, comms and public affairs manager, MedTech UK and Ireland, Johnson and Johnson summarises some of the key takeaways from Jay Richards, co-founder at Imagen’s opening keynote on Gen Z. 09:37 - Trudy Lewis, founder at Colinear, shares her favourite takeaways from the conference’s morning sessions. 10:37 - Grace Fogarty, founder at Grace Fogarty Training, shares her simple, memorable tools for feeling more confident when networking and quickly developing meaningful connections. 15:23 - Subira Jones, also known as The Corporate Hippie, explains the difference between feeling rundown and being burned out. Taking listeners from powerless to empowered, explaining how PR and comms practitioners can fireproof theirs (and their colleagues) career. 21:14 - Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder at Positive Luxury, discuss how we can move towards being positively good when it comes to sustainability through the ‘reimagining model’. 27:27 - Alan Oram, director at Alive with Ideas, shares his reaction to Mark Shayler’s session. 27:53 - Mark Shayler, owner at Ape, makes the case for the role of innovative and disruptive thinking in challenging the status quo and bringing about sustainable societal change. 36:05 - Rachel Miller, founder at All Things IC, summarises her favourite session from the conference. 35:35 - Katie King, CEO at AI in Business, addresses the opportunities, challenges and ethical questions which are raised by increased integration of AI tools and platforms in PR workflows, project management and content creation. 42:05 - Son Pham, senior campaign manager at Manifest, captures the atmosphere at the conference and his personal highlight. 42:29 - Alex Partridge, founder of UNILAD and LADBible shares how the media landscape is changing, what the future holds for media, and why adaptability is your greatest strength. 46:22 - Advita Patel, 2025 CIPR president, shares her final thoughts from the conference. Share your thoughts about the topics discussed in this episode on LinkedIn or X, formerly Twitter, using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. If you're a member of the CIPR, you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) Engage podcast returns with a new episode exploring the rise of spin the evolution of 1990s celebrity culture and power. Hosted by Mark Phillimore, a Senior Lecturer on the Master programme in Public Relations at the University of Greenwich, this is the third instalment in the Engage series dedicated to celebrating the CIPR’s 75th anniversary. This episode explores the commodification of celebrity in the 1990s and how the changing nature of celebrity PR, media relations, and the rise of digital and social media forced PR to adapt and become more nimble, integrated and inventive. Joining host, Mark Phillimore, for this episode are: · Mark Borkowski, Founder of Borkowski · Rob McGibbon, celebrity interviewer, journalist and author. Share your thoughts about the topics discussed in this episode on LinkedIn or X, formerly Twitter, using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. If you're a member of the CIPR, you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

To what extent is there a War For Talent in PR and Communications? How can companies attract, develop and retain key people? What steps should employers take to ensure their onboarding processes are truly inclusive and encourage greater diversity? In this episode of Engage, host John Clegg, Internal Communications and Engagement Manager at HR Wallingford, considers these questions and explores the motives and concerns of communications professionals as they strive to build their careers. Joined by panellists: The book John mentioned in this episode is Building a Culture of Inclusivity, Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Priya Bates and Advita Patel, available from KoganPage and other book sellers. Share your thoughts about this episode and your experiences on X/Twitter or LinkedIn using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global If you’re a member of the CIPR, you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

How important is understanding the rise of brands for building successful campaigns and engaging with audiences effectively? In this episode of Engage, host Rebecca Jabbar media trainer and founder of Brand Champion Bootcamp, delves into the evolution of brands, examining how successful brands have built their reputations, grow their customer bases, and use employer brand to attract and retain employees, and what strategies they have used to do so. Joined by panellists: Share your thoughts about this episode and your experiences on Twitter or LinkedIn using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. This is the second episode in the Engage podcast series celebrating the CIPR’s 75th anniversary. If you’re a member of the CIPR, you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode and read further information about the milestone: https://www.cipr.co.uk/CIPR/About_Us/CIPR_Anniversary.aspx

In conjunction with the CIPR’s 75th anniversary celebrations, this episode of Engage explores how the PR and communications industry has evolved in recent years and the challenges practitioners and teams are still grappling with. From social inclusion to diversity, and the impact of technology on the outcomes and skills needed to work in the sector, panellists reflect on their own experiences and discuss the strides made by the profession to date. Host Calhan Behrendt, Outstanding Young Communicator at the 2022 Cymru Wales PRide Awards and Account Manager at OnWrite, sits down with: Share your thoughts about this episode and your experiences on Twitter or LinkedIn using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. Further resources: #GetCharteredhere#CIPRQualified If you’re a member of the CIPR, you can also log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

Doing business responsibly is a growing priority for many organisations, particularly as they are increasingly being held to account by their stakeholders. In this episode, host and Head of Responsible Business at Irwin Mitchell, Kate Fergusson asks our panel of ESG experts how PR and communications professionals can best support their clients and companies in their ambition to clarify and communicate ESG strategies with credibility. Featuring: Gihan HydeAlex Malouf Further information: CIPR training – Introduction to ESG | Designing your ESG strategy Influence blog – How to design your ESG communications strategy ESG Foundation keeping current articles Share your thoughts about this episode on Twitter using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. Also, if you’re a member of the CIPR, don’t forget you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

Recorded live at the CIPR’s annual 2022 conference, this special episode of Engage hosted by Debbie West and Sara-Anne Mills-Bricknell from the CIPR’s Podcast Editorial Board, explores the key trends shaping the future of the industry. From how technology is changing the shape of public relations, the future mediascape, and the increasing importance of purpose, culture and employee relationships, guests share their thoughts on the conference's theme, 'Influencing the Future'. Featuring key takeaways from some of the conference’s contributors, as well as in-person and online attendees, including: Soli TownsendNina SchickPeter CardwellDev MistryRachel Roberts For more information: upcoming eventsPeople Power and the IPCC report Share your thoughts about this episode on Twitter using #CIPREngage and tagging @CIPR_Global. Also, if you’re a member of the CIPR, don’t forget you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode.

2022 has been a record-breaking year for weather-related events. China recorded its highest temperatures and driest summer in 60 years. A third of Pakistan is currently underwater due to severe flooding and temperatures in the UK reached 40 degrees Celsius. Hosted by Shayoni Lynn, CEO and founder of Lynn, this latest episode of Engage, explores the differences between mis and disinformation, particularly around the future of our planet, as well as how information pollution creates inaction and how conspiracy theorists are stirring up the culture wars around climate change. Featuring panellists: David GallagherRebecca Zeitlin CIPR members can log 5 CPD points for listening to this podcast. Additional resources and Ffurther information as mentioned in this podcast: Clean CreativesDrilledDisinformation, Misinformation & MalinformationCommunicating in a Crisis

Research has found that public trust in Government and in elected politicians is at an all-time low in England right now. With a number of scandals over the past few years in politics, it is more crucial than ever that public affairs professionals show that they are being ethical and transparent and are working to support the UK’s democratic policy-making process. Hosted by Max Sugarman, CIPR Public Affairs Group chair, this episode explores the current state of lobbying and the public affairs industry, as well as advice on how practitioners can be more transparent and open – demonstrating best practice in any future public affairs activity. Featuring panellists: Andy SawfordPeter GeogheganRachael Clamp Further resources (as mentioned in the episode): 00:07 (and mentioned again at 25:40) - Carnegie UK, GDWe: A spotlight on democratic wellbeing research: https://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/publications/gdwe-a-spotlight-on-democratic-wellbeing/ 04:09 - The CIPR recently relaunched its UK Lobbying Register, the only free and universal register for public affairs professionals: https://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/cipr-relaunch-free-and-universal-lobbying-register/ 05:58 - Government’s Register of Consultant Lobbying (ORCL): https://registrarofconsultantlobbyists.org.uk/ 08:27 - Greensil lobbying scandal exposed by the Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/6ed619c0-bb9a-44dc-a2f6-c5596a958ca8 CIPR position on David Cameron’s lobbying activity: https://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/cipr-urges-investigation-into-cameron-lobbying-activity-to-include-review-into-regulations/ 21:55 - EU transparency register: https://ec.europa.eu/transparencyregister/public/homePage.do 25:59 - Report from the new Centre for the Future of Democracy at the University of Cambridge, Global Satisfaction with Democracy: https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/dissatisfactiondemocracy Additional information: Public Affairs (specialist) diploma: https://cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Learn_Develop/Qualifications/Specialist_Diploma__Public_Affairs.aspx CIPR Code of Conduct: https://cipr.co.uk/CIPR/About_Us/Governance_/CIPR_Code_of_Conduct.aspx

One billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability with the World Health Organisation estimating that two billion people will need at least one assistive communication, memory, or hearing aid in the next 10 years. In this episode, host Zach Cutler, CEO of Propel, and guests explore the role PR and comms practitioners can play in helping businesses and organisations better understand, and think differently about, accessibility and standards. Sharing their own lived experience, as well as tips on how to enhance practices and knowledge around accessibility, Zach is joined by Sarah Brown-Fraser, marketing and communications manager at Activity Alliance, Rachel Miller, founder of All Things IC and Jarrod Williams, communications manager at Bromford. For more information: accessible digital communications webinarAccessible Social Facebook groupCommunication Access UKplanning, creating and publishing accessible social media campaigns Don’t forget you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this podcast.

The entire world has been changed by the Coronavirus pandemic and as communicators, we've seen boards come forward and ask for interventions and advice in ways that have never happened before. Whilst there’s been a lot of work undertaken both by the Chartered Institute Public Relations and by other professional bodies to ensure that communications is seen as a strategic management discipline; now more than ever, we have an opportunity to ensure that the professionalism of communications is understood as a vital part of the success for all organisations, large, small, independently owned, nationally operated, government, private, public, and everything in between. In this episode, host Sarah Pinch and guests Alex Aiken, Executive Director for Government Communications and James Powell, Head of Group Communications at Irwin Mitchell explore what it means to be a strategic communicator, to be a professional, and how communicators are elevating and repositioning themselves. For more information: - OASIS model: https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/delivering-government-campaigns/guide-to-campaign-planning-oasis/ - Getting Chartered: https://cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Learn_Develop/Chartership_.aspx Don’t forget you can log 5 CPD points for listening to this podcast.

Social purpose is continuing to capture the attention of the C-suite and boardrooms but what exactly is it and what role can PR and comms teams play in supporting their clients and organisations to be more purposeful? In this episode, host Andy Green FCIPR and guests Shannon Walker founder of Social Disruption, Matt Appleby director at Grow Social Capital and Ben Caspersz founder and managing director at Claremont, explore the misconceptions around social purpose and why in a post-pandemic world, purpose has emerged as an even stronger imperative. For more information about social purpose see the latest CIPR resources: Introduction to social capital commsManaging purpose social purpose Don’t forget you can log 5CPD points for listening to this podcast.

The pandemic has provided an opportunity to explore how we can work differently. The post-COVID world is a very different landscape for a lot of businesses, with many proposing to adopt a hybrid working model, as opposed to go back to the office full time. Guests Sofia Cann, Martin Flegg and Kate Shaw share their views and experience with our host, Jenni Field. They explore the opportunities and benefits for PR and comms practitioners of implementing a flexible hybrid working approach.

2021 may not have got off with the start we’d all hoped for, making navigating the ongoing COVID-19 crisis even more challenging for self-employed practitioners and teams. For this quarter’s episode, guests Amanda Coleman, Rebecca Mander and Sharon Flaherty will be sharing their first-hand experiences with host Dan Jones to provide practical tips and takeaways for building resilience and accessing support in today’s tough climate. To read the articles referenced in the podcast, see below: Sharon - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/behind-closed-doors-sharon-flaherty/ Amanda - https://amandacomms1.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/a-little-kindness/ Rebecca - https://www.guruyoucoach.com/your-pal-for-life/ For further support, visit: https://cipr.co.uk/mentalhealthhotline

Diversity is about far more than just ticking boxes and as the recently published CIPR State of the Profession report shows, there is still much more for the sector to do to better reflect the society that it communicates with. This debate will highlight the findings from the report, why the PR industry is still struggling to attract diverse talent and what organisations should consider when shaping their diversity inclusion programmes and policies.