PRCA and Intern Aware launch Internships in PR survey

London, 15th May – The PRCA and Intern Aware are inviting current and former interns in the public relations and public affairs industry to take part in a newly launched survey into the role of internships in PR.

To take part in the survey please visit: http://bit.ly/Jyc0Bs

As part of its campaign with PR Week to end unpaid internships – the survey will provide the industry with a comprehensive understanding of how internships are structured, covering their length, pay and the value of the internship to interns.

The survey will also cover the background of those who take internships in the industry, where most internships are based in the UK, and the ethnicity of PR interns. Students and individuals that are trying to enter the industry via internships are also encouraged to take part.

The results of the survey will feed into the PRCA’s guidelines for members on internships, which was a recommendation of the independent Access Commission to improve diversity and access into public relations.

Ben Lyons, Co-Director, Intern Aware, said: “Work experience is now almost essential for graduates looking to get a job in PR. However, where internships are unpaid, they effectively exclude graduates who can’t afford to work for free. This isn’t just unfair, it also means companies lose out on many talented and hard-working young people. We hope that this survey will go some way to demonstrate the potential of fair internships for the PR industry.”

Francis Ingham, PRCA Chief Executive, commented: “Our thanks go to Intern Aware for supporting this survey. The results will help us to understand how the industry is currently performing in delivering fair internship opportunities, and how we can develop the best guidance for interns and the organisations that employ them.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Tom Hawkins 

Email: tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk

Phone: 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 over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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