The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has joined a group professional bodies representing more than 1.5 million people to write to the Government calling for stronger backing of Chartered and professionally registered status across key sectors, arguing it is essential to rebuilding public trust and driving economic growth.
In an open letter to Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Chartered Week Alliance, a coalition of over 40 Chartered and professional organisations, asks ministers to take a lead in expecting and promoting professional registration and Chartered status, including within the civil service.
The Alliance argues that Chartered bodies are uniquely placed to support national renewal: raising standards, widening access to professional careers, strengthening ethical practice and underpinning confidence in public and business services.
The letter states that partnering more closely with Chartered and professional bodies across disciplines, from science, technology, engineering and maths to environment, law, accountancy, leadership, management and procurement, will help ensure public policy has long-term credibility.
It also highlights that active membership of a professional body represents a clear pledge of public accountability, underpinned by codes of conduct and ethical commitments – a safeguard the Alliance says is “critical in the AI age.”
Chartership is a badge of professionalism that colleagues, clients and the public understand and trust. It demonstrates a commitment to high professional and ethical standards as well as skills, knowledge, and experience. Boosting the appeal and value of chartership will help to ensure that our professions have the very best people to support the delivery of the government’s vision for long-term economic growth and the rebuilding of trust in our businesses and institutions in the UK and on the international stage.
Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive
CHARTERED ALLIANCE LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
Dear Secretary of State
Chartered bodies can help rebuild trust in public services
Chartered and professional bodies should be key partners of government as it builds trust in the public and business services we all depend on.
Our Chartered Alliance of over 40 organisations represents a combined membership of over two million people. That makes us a powerful ally in growing confidence across professions that are crucial to national growth and renewal.
Partnering with us in areas as diverse as science, technology, engineering and maths, the environment, law, accountancy, leadership and management, projects, payroll, and procurement, will ensure public policy has long-term credibility.
We have unique strengths in our membership communities and in our responsibility to be the voice of our professions, often supported by Royal Charters.
We drive revenue into the economy, by ensuring we have highly skilled workforces across critical sectors, rooted in professional registration and practice.
We create broad and accessible routes to professional careers, while keeping standards high, providing competitive advantage for the UK around the world.
Our members make clear ethical commitments as part of our Codes of Conduct, and support professionals’ freedom and safety to raise concerns, regardless of discipline.
Active membership of a professional body is a pledge of public accountability, whichis critical in the AI age.
That is why we are asking government to take a lead in expecting and promoting registration and Chartered status for all professionals in the vital sectors represented here, including in the civil service.
We would be delighted to explore this further with you and welcome your support for the second Chartered Week campaign taking place 23-27 February 2026.
This letter is sent by the Chartered Week Alliance on behalf of the following signatories:
- Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
- Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)
- Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF)
- Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA)
- CILIP: The Library and Information Association
- Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)
- Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
- Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
- Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)
- Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- Engineering Council
- Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)
- Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)
- Institute of Directors (IoD)
- Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
- Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
- Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)
- Institute of Physics (IOP)
- Institute of Water
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
- Nuclear Institute
- Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
- Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Society for the Environment (SocEnv)
- The Science Council
