An Invitation To Encourage Public and Private Discussion
at
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Local Government Group (LGG), Conference
City Hall Cardiff, 22-24 September 2005
The Shalom Family have recently made public representation to the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) at the CIPR Local Government Group (LGG) Conference, City Hall, Cardiff, 22-24 September 2005.
The Family Houseboat, M V Picton, was evicted by Crest Nicholson Marinas Limited from Penarth Marina on 28th October 2003 into the waters of Cardiff Bay, and subsequently seized by the High Court Sheriff, from Cardiff Bay at approximately 3.00am on 21st April 2004.
The Family believe that Cardiff Bay is supposed to be under the direct control of The Cardiff Harbour Authority (CHA), part of the Cardiff County Council (CCC). But in the events which took place before, during and after this eviction, and in view of the apparent, ‘Pontius Pilate’, public-relations exercise, adopted by some of the parties involved, campaigners call into question, the overall integrity, and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ of the Cardiff County Council, via the Cardiff Harbour Authority. It is understood that CHA is so appointed as sole regulatory authority, ‘responsible for safety’, and for all matters pertaining to the inland water and outer harbour of the Cardiff Bay and Barrage, as defined in the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act.
The CIPR is the UK’s leading public relations industry professional body. Founded in February 1948, it today has over 8000 members. It is the largest association of its kind in Europe. They are a member of the European PR federation CERP (Confederation Europeenne des Relations Publiques) and a founding member of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management.
The Institute represents and serves the interests of people working in public relations in the UK and abroad. They offer access to information, advice and support, and provide networking and training opportunities through a wide variety of events, conferences and workshops.
The Shalom Family Campaign for Social Justice wish to make very clear that the CIPR is not the ‘focus’ of the recent public representations in Cardiff. Although Cardiff Council have been recognised by the CIPR as providing, “the venue and countless hours of officer time in organising the event”, this CIPR conference was put together by the CIPR, LGG. The CIPR website proclaims, “The CIPR Local Government Group (LGG) is dedicated to the people working with professional communications in the local government sector. We have a broad member base on all levels, from all over the country. We are crucial to the implementation of the new agenda for change, improved communication with communities and moving the e-government agenda forward.” This campaign for Social Justice therefore considers this conference to be only an ideal forum for debate.
On Wednesday 21st September the Hon Lord Major of Cardiff, Councillor Freda Salway welcomed members and guests at the stunning location of Cardiff Castle. This was at the official ‘Lord Major’s Reception for Early Arrivers’,
The conference was officially opened in the City Hall Assembly Rooms on Thursday 22nd September by Pat Gaudin FCIPR, Chair of CIPR Local Government Group, and Byron Davies, Chief Executive Cardiff Council.
Throughout the three day conference members and guest were invited to take part or attend workshops and training programmes some of which were specifically designed to, “boost the reputation of local government”. More generally, the occasion provided the opportunities to discover best practice within all aspects of the public relations field.
Among the CIPR published listed speakers and/or professional partners were:
Oona Muirhead CBE, Director of Strategy and Communications, Local Government Association Alan Connett, Leader of Teignbridge District Council, Reputation Task Group.
John Foster FCIPR FRSA, author of Effective Writing Skills for Public Relations.
Liza Greaves BA Hons, MCIPR
James Petre Head of Qualifications, CIPR
Peter Rose FCIPR Strategic Communications Consultant and Vice Chair CIPR Training and Professional Development Committee.
Philip McCusker MCIPR, Head of Marketing and Promotions, Essex County Council, David Russell MCIPR, Corporate Communications Manager, East Lothian Council, Rob Webb MCIPR, Public Relations Officer, Cardiff Council
Marina Pirotta MCIPR Board Director Geronimo Communications
Lousie Pryne, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager, and Tim Powell, Event PR Manager, Cardiff Council
Joanna Hannam MCIPR, Head of Communications, Norfolk County Council, and Victoria Walker,ACIPR, News Editor, Audit Commission
Alex Aiken MCIPR, Head of Communications, Westminster City Council
Howell James CBE FCIPR Permanent Secretary, Government Communication
Personal Brandcasting Andy Green FCIPR Managing Director, Green Communications
John Humphrys. Mr. Humphrys is one of the country's most respected – and most feared – broadcasters. He's been a journalist for more than forty years: foreign correspondent, television newsreader, political interviewer, newspaper columnist, author, and now the presenter of Mastermind.
Dr Jacquie L’E’tang FCIPR Course Director, University of Stirling
Katrina Delaney MCIPR Head of Communications, Greenwich Council
Communicating change Helen McCallum, Director of Corporate Affairs Environment Agency
James Petre and Peter Rose FCIPR, and Accredited Practitioners, Philip McCusker MCIPR, David Russell MCIPR, and Rob Webb MCIPR.
Official Conference Business ended on Friday 23rd September but events were not completely finished. The CIPR LGG Excellence in Communications Awards 2005 at the Cardiff City Hall were presented by John Andrew, BBC Local Government Correspondent, followed by a Gala Dinner. Pre dinner drinks were served at the National Museum of Wales.
This party of ‘PR People’ were kindly invited to round off this first-ever CIPR event in Wales, on Saturday 24th September with a coach trip to the Museum of Welsh Life, at St Fagans, part of the Museums and Galleries of Wales.