Professional bodies
Professional bodies that represent marketing and public relations professionals.
- Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)
- Market Research Society (MRS)
- The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)
The former partnership between GCS and PRCA for membership access is currently under review (as of December 2022). We will update GCS members when we can.
PRCA is a large PR association in Europe, representing over 12,000 people in agencies, communications teams, and individuals. Find out about PRCA membership.
Market Research Society (MRS)
The Market Research Society (MRS), community of research, insight, analytics and marketing sciences professionals, is offering core members of the GCS the opportunity to join the Society as a member at a discount for the first year; gaining professional recognition, career and business development and many other benefits.
As an MRS member, you will benefit from our industry-leading products and services. You receive a passport to respected development programmes, inspiring conferences and empowering networks.
MRS is for all those who need or are interested in the development, generation or interpretation of evidence to support commercial or public policy decisions.
Reduced core membership rate for GCS (1st year only)
- Member: £81 (the usual price is £42 join fee and £162 membership fee – a total of £204 )
- Annual renewals are £162 (no VAT)
To join as a MRS member, complete the application form available on the Membership section of the MRS website, quoting ref: GCS1019. Read MRS membership terms and conditions.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is a professional body for PR practitioners.
Becoming a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner
If you have completed 3 years of GCS Learning and Development, you are eligible to become a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner. You will need a copy of your learning log or personal development plan (PDP), signed by your manager, for the last three consecutive years.
Some GCS members are already CIPR members, either individually or through Corporate Affiliate schemes with for example Crown Prosecution Service, HMRC, the Ministry of Defence, Office of the Public Guardian, and The Valuation Office Agency. For new joiners, CIPR membership costs £235 per year (MCIPR grade), plus a one-off joining fee of £55.
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) represents developing marketers, teams, leaders, and the profession as a whole.
Membership
CIM membership gives access to insights and resources to help you develop your career. This includes CIM’s CPD programme where you can map your development needs, identify actions to meet them and log progress and CIM’s knowledge and insight.