The founding director of a PR consultancy specialising in supporting purpose-driven companies and charities has been elected to serve on the council of the public relations industry’s professional body.
Ben Veal, pictured, who launched Second Mountain Comms in Bath two years ago and is the current CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) regional chair, will serve on the organisation’s national council for its 2023-24 term.
The CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for PR professionals and its council plays a significant role in driving the Institute forward and defining its long-term strategy.
It is a key body of established practitioners, elected by CIPR members to represent their views and ensure that the CIPR is managed in their interests.
The new council members will take their seats at the start of next year – which is also the CIPR’s 75th anniversary – and will explore issues such as diversity and representation across the profession in the UK, training and development initiatives to meet the needs of global practitioners and the future PR trends that the CIPR should engage with to meet the needs of newer practitioners.
Ben described his election to the council as a significant professional honour.
“The CIPR plays an integral role in maintaining the highest possible standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism across the PR industry globally, ensuring that today’s communications professionals receive the training, guidance and opportunities necessary to successfully meet the challenges of tomorrow,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely alongside 2023 president Steve Shepperson-Smith, 2024 president-elect Rachael Clamp and my other Council members over the next two years.”
CIPR chief executive Alastair McCapra added: “The CIPR’s council plays an important role in advising the board on the direction of the Institute.
“This will be particularly important in the next two years as we celebrate our 75th anniversary while supporting members personally and professionally in a challenging economic climate.
“At a time when the role of public relations and communications has never been more important or valued, we’re delighted to have Ben representing the CIPR.
“His experience as an independent consultant and business owner will be invaluable to our work and members.”
Ben received the ‘Mark of Excellence’ at the CIPR’s national Excellence Awards earlier this year and was also named ‘Independent PR Practitioner of the Year’ at the 2021 CIPR PRide Awards for the South of England and Channel Islands.
Now based in Holt, near Trowbridge, Second Mountain is on a mission to help good people to do good by sharing their values and accomplishments in meaningful ways.
