The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) has awarded Clear Communications its Consultancy Management Standard – the gold standard of service for the PR industry.
The internationally recognised Consultancy Management Standard (CMS) is the industry’s quality certification system for public relations firms, and only about 140 of the UK’s 2,000+ PR consultancies have passed the rigorous independent audit required. The Standard is an assurance to clients that Clear Communications adheres to strict quality standards in management, communication and service delivery.
“Selecting & working with an agency is a time consuming process for clients. They need to be reassured that as well as choosing a team they feel they can work with that it's backed up by the right systems & processes to ensure delivery. The CMS is an independent stamp of authority which enables our clients and prospective clients to rest assured that Clear operates to the highest standards throughout its entire operation,” commented Julie Clare, Managing Director at Clear Communications.
The CMS is an independently-audited set of eight tests which a consultancy must pass as a member of the Public Relations Consultants Association. It combines elements of ISO 9000 and Investors in People with criteria specific to the public relations industry.
Francis Ingham, director-general PRCA says: “Well run businesses consistently deliver the results clients are looking for. The Consultancy Management Standard was developed specifically to ensure that PRCA members have the systems and structures in place to meet and exceed clients’ expectations. The Standard has been so successful that it has now been adopted in 11 countries around the world.”
Clear Communications is one of over 160 PRCA members based throughout the UK. These consultancies are of all sizes, working for clients in all business sectors. Together they employ around 5,000 people and generate more than £400 million in each year in fees from clients.
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Notes to editors:
About the PRCA
· The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) is the trade association for the UK PR consultancy industry.
· The Association exists to raise standards in PR and to help members be better organisations.
· The Association has grown by over 30% since the start of 2008
· Founded in 1969 the PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations consultancy.
· PRCA members differentiate themselves from other PR consultancies by achieving the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS), a professional accreditation that has been adopted by PR agencies in more than 11 countries around the world.
· All PRCA member organisations are bound by a Professional Charter and Codes of Conduct.
As part of its commitment to excellence in PR, the PRCA carries out a number of functions:
· PR training and qualification: the PRCA organises a range of bespoke, inhouse & online courses as well as general training and qualifications. Course subjects range from: how to write a press release: to how to manage your agency.
· Find A PR Agency: this free service helps clients find a reputable PR consultancy for their brief.
· Industry surveys: the PRCA undertakes a number of surveys every year including the most comprehensive benchmark of industry performance.
· Networking and best practice groups: the PRCA organises a number of groups to help members stay ahead of industry trends and raise general industry issues.
· Promotes the value of PR and the need for standards: the PRCA provides a strong voice on a range of issues relating to PR.
· Lobbies government on key issues: the Association represents members interests in areas with Government and other relevant organisations such as the FSA.