Greater diversity within the communications industry would not only be beneficial on a social scale, it also makes perfect business sense.

A PR agency that better represents its customer base internally, would also hope to have a better understanding of how to reach their market. Currently the issue of fair representation in the communications industry continues to be a problem with a negative effect on the industry’s productivity. Independent charity UpRising hopes to tackle this issue for the next generation of PR and Public Affairs professionals.

UpRising’s recently launched UpSkill programme aims to provide a gateway into the PR industry for talented young people from diverse backgrounds. The programme, supported by Hanover, Hanson Search, and the PRCA, provides training workshops, networking opportunities, and valuable experience for those actively seeking a career in PR and Public Affairs. The students will also receive free membership to the PRCA and free online training on completion of the programme.

Charles Lewington, managing director of Hanover said, “The world of corporate PR and public affairs consultancy is grey, graduate and too middle class. Uprising is an inspirational organisation dedicated to opening doors for talented and passionate young campaigners who might not otherwise make it into a PR job or even on an internship interview shortlist.”