The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has launched its updated Internship and Work Placement Toolkit, providing comprehensive guidance to help PR practitioners and organisations create meaningful, fair, and inclusive work placement experiences that benefit both employers and those entering the profession.
The toolkit offers practical advice on the entire internship lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to supervision and career development. It emphasises the importance of fair payment, advocating that all interns should be paid at least the living wage. It also provides detailed guidance on recruiting for and promoting diverse and inclusive entry-level roles that promote social mobility within the PR profession.
Key features of the toolkit include:
- Guidance for onboarding, task and project management, feedback, and onward career support
- Tips on recruitment best practice and employment status definitions
- Recommendations on fair payment
- Practical advice on diversity, social mobility, and addressing ageism
In light of the skill shortages and war for talent we’ve seen in PR over the past few years, effective internship and work experience programmes are becoming an increasingly powerful tool for PR employers to nurture the next generation of practitioners. This toolkit provides valuable advice on best practice for recruiting interns and takes the guesswork out of designing and managing mutually beneficial internships. By taking on these recommendations, organisations can attract diverse professionals, improve productivity, and build a stronger skills pipeline for the future of our profession.
CIPR President Advita Patel Chart.PR, FCIPR
