PRCA announces support for Speaker's Parliamentary Placements Scheme

London, 21 November 2011 – The PRCA today announced it is to provide the first intake of interns onto the Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements Scheme with complimentary training and membership as part of the Association’s own internship campaign. The Speaker’s Scheme, run by the Speaker of the House of Commons, is a cross-party initiative.

The scheme was set up by former cabinet minister, the Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, to provide ten people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to undertake a paid internship in Parliament. The interns will spend twelve months working for MPs from the three major parties. The scheme will be funded partly by private sector partners.

Hazel Blears MP stated: “I am delighted that the PRCA shares our ambition to end unfair internships. It is wonderful to see a professional body throw its weight behind this scheme to develop the next generation of political leaders. The PRCA’s involvement and their generosity is most welcome.”

Francis Ingham, PRCA Chief Executive, said: “This scheme is the future of our democracy. We are proud to support those who have worked so hard to be able to take part in this fantastic parliamentary scheme.

“At the end of their internships they will have a PRCA qualification on their CV as well as first rate work experience. We will also provide interns with the opportunity to network with fellow PRCA members from the third sector, corporate and consultancy worlds to provide them with as much exposure to the industry as possible.”

The PRCA’s commitment to the next generation of public relations and public affairs talent is well established. The Association has provided free online training to its public sector in-house members and recently saw its collaboration with PRWeek to recognise PR consultancies that pay their interns recognised by the Deputy Prime Minister.
 

-ENDS -

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries please contact PRCA Communications Director Richard Ellis on 020 7233 6026

 

About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals.  The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent around 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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