About Us
College of Fellows
In order to strengthen the PRIA’s ability to pursue its key objectives, in 1987 the Institute set up a senior group to bring their skills, experience and knowledge to bear on the evolving issues facing the industry – particularly in the area of ethics.
That group is called the College of Fellows and is chaired by an elected officer who becomes an ex officio member of the National Board. To assist the College in its tasks, a College Council was formed comprising the chairs of College Chapters from each State and Territory.
The role of the College and Council
The College advises the PRIA Board and the State Council in clarifying policy on such matters as ethics, continuing professional education and in organizing the National Conferences. It also organises eminent practitioner lectures and judges the Golden Target and other PRIA awards for excellence.
The College Council has suggested most of the improvements in the Institute’s constitution since 1994 when PRIA National was incorporated, including clarifying definitions of all membership grades. The College is represented at local levels by the Chapter Chair. He or she can offer advice, counsel and practical help on projects.
The College and Ethics
The College is the guardian of the PRIA Code of Ethics. The College Council constitutes the Institute’s Ethics Committee. The Committee, or a selected inquiry panel, is charged with investigating complaints or allegations of unethical conduct by members. Its findings and possible recommendations for a penalty are based on to the Board, which determines the ultimate outcome of each case.
To assist the Board, the Committee has developed a Code of Ethics Administration Procedures Manual that, among other things, ensures confidentiality and the observance of natural justice for alleged offenders, as well as for complainants and anyone else involved with in the process. The PRIA has ensured that the manual has received scrutiny of the legal community and recognised and renowned ethicists.
Who can become a fellow?
A Fellow is a person who has had at least 10 years full-time professional public relations experience. He or she must have had senior status in public relations practice or full-time public relations education for at least five years. In the opinion of the Board, the member must have made an outstanding contribution to the public relations profession through excellence in achievements and adherence to the highest professional standards.
A Member is invited by the Board to become a Fellow on the recommendation of the College of Fellows. A Fellow is issued with an appropriate certificate and may use the letters FPRIA (Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia) after his or her name. The incumbent National President of the PRIA, Presidents of State or Territory instates and all serving members of the National Board may not be proposed for Fellowship.
The appointment process
Candidates for Fellowship may be proposed by any financial Member or Fellow to a five-member State or Territory Fellowship Nominations Committee (FNC). Each committee includes the local PRIA President and at least three fellows. Proposals must be submitted by 31 March of any given year.
The FNC in each State/Territory then considers the proposals, agrees on who should be put forward for nomination and then organises the submission of a well-documented nomination for each candidate and then passes approved submissions on to the College Council for consideration. Each Council-approved nomination is finally forwarded to the PRIA National Board, which makes the final judgment. The criteria for assessment include:
- Excellence in achievements and adherence to the highest professional standards
- Service to the PRIA
- Pro bono service to community organisations.
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