The Guild is open to all people over the age of
21 but, in common with other companies and guilds, membership is primarily
sought from those who are engaged at a senior level in the practice of public
relations or who have a strong alliance and interest in the industry and the
Guild and can actively advance its purpose. City of London rules preclude
corporate membership.
Our members are a diverse group of senior and influential public relations
practitioners and others individuals who help us to raise the profile of the
Guild and assist in our educational and charitable aims. We enjoy fellowship and
the exchange of a wide range of ideas and enthusiasms.
Applicants for membership must have two sponsors, a proposer and seconder, who
are Freemen (Members) of the Guild. The Membership Committee will review all
applications and may require candidates to attend an interview. The Committee’s
recommendations are presented to the Court for approval, which must be
unanimous.
Following the Court’s approval, a new member will take the oath as a Freeman of
the Guild and receive a certificate. All Freemen are eligible to become Freemen
of the City of London.
An application
form and guidance notes for applicants and sponsors may be obtained from the
Clerk (email).
Membership Fees and Charitable Donation
Membership entails a yearly subscription or quarterage of £195 or £175
if paid by Direct Debit plus an annual
contribution to the Charitable Trust Fund of £130. A cheque for the quarterage,
made payable to 'Guild of Public Relations Practitioners' should be submitted with
your completed application form and will be cashed only after the Court has
approved the application. In the event that the Court does not approve the
application, cheques will be returned.
The donation to the Charitable Trust is payable on becoming a Freeman and
thereafter annually. Cheques should be made payable to The Public Relations
Practitioners Charitable Trust.
Information is available on the Gift Aid scheme
- download the form here
Dates to take the Oath
The Clerk will arrange for new members to attend a Freedom Ceremony at which
they will declare their oath and be accepted as Freemen. This will normally be
on the next available date of a Court Meeting or other Guild event.
Q&A
I only know one Guild Member, how do I find a Seconder?
If you know a Freeman of the Guild, you can ask them to propose you and
arrange for a meeting with another member in order to secure a Seconder.
How do I know if I qualify?
You should discuss your qualifications and application with an existing
Freeman. If you do not know a Freeman, contact the Clerk who will be happy to
introduce you to a Member of the Membership Committee who will advise you on the
best way forward.
I do not know any Guild Freemen, how can I apply?
Please contact the Clerk or one of the members of The Court who will
introduce you to a Member of the Membership Committee who will advise you on
your application.
Why should I join?
The Guild of Public Relations Practitioners is especially aimed at senior PR
Practitioners who want to give back to the profession, community, and City of
London. Our Members are among the most seasoned professionals in the business
and the Guild offers a unique opportunity for us to promote, support, and
encourage the highest standards of excellence personally and professionally. We
are now a new addition to the ancient tradition of London companies that
supports our industry and deserving causes.
How much does it cost?
‘There is an annual subscription or quarterage of £195 (£175 if paid by
direct debit).’ A cheque for the quarterage should
accompany your application form. Your donation to the Charitable Trust becomes
payable once you have become a Freeman.
Declaration of a
Freeman
I,
[NAME], do solemnly and sincerely declare, that I will be true and faithful to
our sovereign lady the Queen and to her heirs and successors, Kings and Queens
of this realm; that I will be obedient to the Master and Wardens of the City of
London Guild of Public Relations Practitioners in all things lawful and honest;
that I will obey the Ordinances and be mindful at all times of the good name and
fame of the Guild; and that in the professional practice of public relations, I
will adhere to the Code of Conduct of the Chartered Institute of Public
Relations.
What about Corporate Membership?
City of London rules preclude corporate membership, so this is not an option.
If you have any
queries regarding Membership or would like further information, please contact
the Clerk, Ms Virginia Rounding via email at
clerk@prguild.com or alternatively
contact a member of the Membership Committee.
Further information on the role of City of London livery companies can be found
on the
Corporation of London website.
The Freedom of the
City of London
Freemen
of our Guild may also acquire the Freedom of the City of London. The Freedom was
at one time essential to anyone who wished to trade or exercise his craft within
the City's bounds. Today it remains a sought-after privilege, with only 26,000
Freemen of the City. Since 1275 one could only become a Freeman through
Patrimony, Apprenticeship, or Redemption. These methods still apply, but from
the fourteenth century until 1835 a would-be freeman of the City had first to
become a Freeman of a guild as well as satisfying one of the other requirements.
Freemen of the Guild should advise the Clerk
(clerk@prguild.com) if they wish to
apply for the Freedom of the City of London, so that appropriate arrangements
may be made.
