Public Relations

Public Relations Ethics and Professional Standards

Public relations professionals carry responsibility for truth, transparency and public trust. This course covers PR ethics, professional codes of conduct, honesty and disclosure, conflicts of interest, ethical issues in digital PR and influencer work, handling ethical dilemmas and building an ethical communication culture.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Ethical lapses can destroy careers and reputations. You will learn to make sound ethical decisions in PR.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Code of conduct reviews, ethical dilemma workshops, case studies and group discussions.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain core principles of PR ethics
Apply professional codes of conduct
Ensure honesty and transparent disclosure
Manage conflicts of interest
Address ethical issues in digital PR
Resolve ethical dilemmas and build an ethical culture

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

PR and communication professionals
Communication managers
Agency staff
Corporate affairs staff
Students of public relations

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Ethical reasoning
Code application
Disclosure
Conflict management
Dilemma resolution

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1PR Ethics

09:00–10:08Why ethics matter
10:08–11:00Principles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Principles (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Codes of Conduct

09:00–10:08Professional codes
10:08–11:00Obligations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Obligations (continued)
11:45–12:53Enforcement
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Honesty and Disclosure

09:00–10:08Truthfulness
10:08–11:00Disclosure
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Disclosure (continued)
11:45–12:53Paid content
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Digital Ethics

09:00–10:08Influencers
10:08–11:00Fake accounts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Fake accounts (continued)
11:45–12:53Data and privacy
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Dilemmas and Culture

09:00–10:08Decision models
10:08–11:00Dilemma practice
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Dilemma practice (continued)
11:45–12:53Ethical culture
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.