PRCA Consultancy Management Standard
Consultancy Management Standard and PR Quality Mark
The PRCA Consultancy Management Standard (CMS) is an independent audit process through which consultancies are assessed against recognised benchmarks of best practice across the communications industry. The CMS was developed by the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the global representative body for PR consultancies, and has been adapted by PRCA Ireland to reflect Irish regulations, market practices, and professional standards. An independent audit is carried out every three years for recertification.
PR Quality Mark
The PR Quality Mark is a badge of excellence awarded to consultancies that have successfully completed the independent CMS audit.
Accredited by PRCA, the representative body for Ireland’s leading PR consultancies, and aligned with global standards, the Quality Mark provides independent, third-party validation that a consultancy operates to the highest international standards. It is your assurance that the consultancy you choose has been rigorously assessed across all core areas of business performance, including leadership, financial and people management, business planning, campaign delivery, client satisfaction, ethics, and sustainability
Membership of the PRCA signifies a commitment to excellence. A key requirement for all members is the achievement of the PRCA Consultancy Management Standard. The CMS is an independently assessed standard provides a robust framework for evaluating excellence across these areas:
- size and scale of operation;
- professional charters;
- corporate and financial governance;
- evaluation and client relationships; and
- people management.
Holding the Standard offers a powerful quality assurance signal to clients, staff, and stakeholders. It is the only accreditation of its kind available to Irish communications consultancies and is exclusively awarded to PRCA members. The audit typically takes one day to complete, and the cost is €1,500 + VAT (Standard) and €1,200 + VAT (Sole Traders)
For full details on the PRCA (Ireland) Consultancy Management Standard, please email info@prca.ie.
Why Achieve the PR Quality Mark?
Gain a Competitive Edge
Position your consultancy as a trusted, high-quality provider by achieving independent accreditation and earning the PR Quality Mark.
Strengthen Public Sector Credentials
Demonstrate recognised standards that support procurement requirements. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) acknowledges the PRquality mark accreditation as a valuable qualification in tendering processes.
Build Client Confidence
Provide assurance to clients and prospects that your consultancy has been independently audited and operates to the highest professional, ethical and operational standards.
Stand Out in the Industry
Differentiate your consultancy with a recognised mark of excellence in Irish PR and communications.
Drive Business Performance
Use the CMS framework as a practical tool to assess, benchmark and continuously improve your organisation’s operations and performance.
Enhance Team Confidence and Culture
Demonstrate your commitment to high standards, governance and professional integrity, supporting a strong internal culture of accountability and development.
What You Receive
Upon successful completion of the CMS audit, members are awarded:
- An official PRCA Certificate
- The PR Quality Mark logo for use across website, proposals and email signature
- A detailed findings letter from independent auditors
- The PR Quality Mark can be prominently displayed as a visible endorsement of your accredited status.
Why it matters to clients
- Choosing a PRCA Quality Mark consultancy means you are working with a partner that has been independently assessed against rigorous international standards.
- Confidence in quality, governance and ethical practice
- Assurance of compliance with Irish and EU regulations
- Proven standards in client service and campaign delivery
- A trusted, credible partner for your organisation
The CMS Assessment Process
To prepare for the CMS review, members are encouraged to carefully review the CMS guidance documentation and compile all required information. Once ready, members should contact Susan Kelly of GSW Faulkner Orr (Audit & Assurance) Limited to agree a suitable date for assessment. The CMS review typically takes one day to complete and may be conducted either remotely or in person.
Cost:
€1,500 + VAT (Standard)
€1,200 + VAT (Sole Traders)
Contact:
susankelly@ksifo.ie | +353 (0)1 254 7000