Ramsey-based PR consultant Kirstie Nickson has become the Isle of Man’s first to achieve Chartered Practitioner accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Chartered Practitioner status is the highest individual accreditation awarded by the CIPR. It recognises senior practitioners who can demonstrate strategic expertise, ethical decision-making, leadership and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Following a recent assessment day, which puts PR professionals through their paces across ethics, strategy and leadership, the CIPR has confirmed that Kirstie is the first Isle of Man-based practitioner to achieve the accreditation.

The Manx-born consultant said the achievement makes her ‘incredibly proud’.

‘Achieving CIPR Chartered Practitioner accreditation is a real milestone in my career,’ Kirstie said.

‘I've worked in public relations for almost two decades and, after co-founding Sidekick PR more than ten years ago with my business partners Eve Worthington and Charlotte Dimond, I returned home to the Isle of Man in 2022 and now work from my hometown of Ramsey.

‘Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many organisations across the UK and Europe, seeing first-hand the impact that strategic communications can have on achieving business objectives, strengthening reputations and building trust.

‘Chartership reinforces my commitment and ability to deliver that level of strategic counsel, while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards expected by the CIPR.

‘There are still many misconceptions about what public relations actually is and the value it brings. Professional accreditations such as Chartership help demonstrate that PR is far more than publicity alone.

‘As someone who is proudly Manx, being the first to achieve it on the island is particularly meaningful. The Isle of Man has an ambitious and thriving business community, and I'm incredibly proud to be able to bring this accreditation to support organisations here, as well as our clients further afield through Sidekick PR.’