TAF and CIPR Launch PUBCOM
The Trade Association Forum in partnership with the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR) are delighted to launch a new networking group for PR and PA professionals working in Trade Associations.
The TAF PR and Public Affairs Best Practice Forum (TAF PUBCOM) held its first meeting on 22nd September and agreed a remit to:
- Provide a professional network for PR and PA staff working in trade associations
- Support trade association PR and public affairs staff to develop their skills and professional careers, including through the provision of tailored training and development and CPD learning opportunities
- Share best practice, discuss challenges and initiate benchmarking and research into the challenges faced by PR and public affairs in trade associations
- Provide mentoring and support to those looking to grow and develop their career in PR and public affairs within trade associations
In times of turbulence and change, the role of trade associations to communicate with and on behalf of their members is crucial. This new initiative will help us develop and build collectively and undoubtedly be a valuable resource.
For more information about the network please contact TAF CEO, Emily Wallace, or register for updates below:
Alongside our partner the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR), TAF is launching a Public Affairs & Communications Best Practice Forum (PUBCOMM) for staff in trade associations who are responsible for member engagement, PR and public affairs activity.
If you would like to be kept informed about PUBCOMM’s work please register below:
Successful Trade Associations are built on excellent communications
There is no doubt that successful trade associations are built on excellent communications, but keeping pace with modern professional communications is an enduring and significant challenge.
Trade associations are small organisations, almost all employ less than 100 staff, most less than 20 and many under 10. They certainly don’t have the luxury of being able to employ a fully skilled team of communications professionals.
Instead, individuals take on multiple roles, upskilling themselves and learning on the job. Getting the balance of skills right to be able to take on, PR, public affairs, member engagement, corporate and digital communications is a constant challenge.
Their work really matters, and their communications does too. It needs to help them punch well above the size of their organisations.
It is only through excellent communicators that associations can properly represent their sector both in the UK and abroad, and with it shape the opportunities for their members and support the growth of the UK economy too.
Their communication with regulators and policymakers is critical. It makes policy workable. Without trade associations, the Government would have a really hard job implementing policy. Not only do associations spend huge amounts of time working on the details of regulation and guidance, but they then communicate it to their members and drive compliance too.
As the voice of their industry there is a huge responsibility to be visible and be accurate, and as member led organisations, trade associations must ensure they represent their views and interests. This means they need excellent channels of communication with members and a strong feedback loop too.
Trade associations also deliver essential communications to ensure industry standards are understood and adhered to. They put in place accreditation programmes, run regular training sessions, develop routes to entry through apprenticeships and vocational learning, support continued professional development, share best practice and reward excellence.
These communications make us all safer by protecting consumers and businesses and supporting public sector inspection regimes.
There is no doubt that investing in the skills and resources needed to have a professional communications capability is critical for associations.
This is why TAF has teamed up with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations to work together to ensure that Associations have access to the best professional development opportunities, and why together we are looking at how to build networks and develop best practice specifically for Associations.
If you are interested in finding out more or getting involved, we would love to hear from you.
The world's only Royal Chartered body for PR pros
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK. With over 10,000 members involved in all aspects of public relations, it is the largest body of its type in Europe
Advancing the UK public relations Industry
Our vision is the establishment of a chartered public relations profession serving clients and society with creative, technically expert and ethical practice.
Our members are recognised PR professionals. We work with and for them to set, maintain and advance standards. We do this through our industry respected qualifications; our Continuing Professional Development scheme, Accreditation and Chartership programmes; our open, in-house and bespoke training; our industry awards and conferences; and the production of research, best practice and skills guidance.
Moreover, through our ethical Code of Conduct and searchable PR registers, we make our members accountable to their employers, clients and the wider public.
Join TAF's PUBCOM
As part of our partnership with TAF, together we have launched a Public Affairs & Communications Best Practice Forum (PUBCOM) for staff in trade associations who are responsible for member engagement, PR and public affairs activity. Find out more and join the group below: