The Council for Communication Management (CCM) is an alliance of professional organisations representing the interests of the communication profession in South Africa. The CCM is a framework for collaboration with the mission to strengthen and position the communication industry a united profession – to enact the “one profession – one voice” intent.

Through cooperation, the association and their member organizations will strive to strengthen the influence of the communication profession among constituents in South African and around the world.

Seven communication associations are currently actively involved in the CCM. The organisations are:

• The Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS)
• The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• MACE
• The Public Relations Consultants’ Chapter of PRISA (PRCC)
• The Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA)
• SACOMM
• The South African Institute of Fundraisers (SAIF)

If other organizations are formed or indicate an interest in becoming a member of the CCM its application would be considered by the Board of the CCM.

The Council for Communication Management (CCM) is registered as a Section 21 company. The company uses the postal address of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) and its physical address. PRISA will also serve as the Council’s secretariat.

• To unite the profession and be the voice of the communication profession
• Pursue recognition (formal and industry) of excellence in communication practice, education and training
• Be the partnering authority for the communication profession in respect of professional certification and accreditation
• Lobby and/or negotiate with government at all three levels and with business in both the private and public sectors on relevant issues
• Facilitate the development of a body of knowledge and research; and
• Launch initiatives to strengthen and grow the profession.

*The content of this document is based on the documents prepared by various work groups up to the date of the revision. The purpose of this document is to have one over –arching document

The CCM will be involved in three arenas of advocacy — People, Networks and Alliances and Influencers. The roles and strategies regarding these arenas are:

People: Members and members of affiliate member organisations and the public
Strategy: The CCM will educate, enable and empower people regarding the profession and its role in society in general and commerce and industry specifically. This process needs a clear professional perspective and a long-term strategy for communication and participation.
Networking and Alliances: Leveraging influence, sharing resources, co-coordinating strategies and involving a large number of role players.
Strategy: The Council will join and support networks and form alliances with organizations for the benefit of the organization and its member organizations. It will be done within the ambit of the organizational objectives. Clarity of goals, compatibility of perspective and convergence of interest are crucial for value-adding networking and alliances.
Influencers: Those who have authority to influence and make decisions and have power relationships in socio-cultural institutions, corporations and educational institutions. This includes academics, intellectuals and media, government, parastatals and the Services SETA.
Strategy: The Council will work to challenge and better the participation of the profession in all relevant and important forums at every level.

6.1 The Executive Council

The executive officers are:

• President
• President-elect
• Secretary
• Financial officer

These will be the directors of the Section 21 Company.

Using the mechanism of an internal Secretariat, the Council shall elect by a majority vote four Executive Officers from nominations by the association members; these officers will serve for two years (with the exception of the President who shall serve for one year and is replaced by the President-elect, who shall serve one year as President-elect and one year as President).

Depending on operational requirements a maximum of another three board members may be nominated and elected (totaling a maximum of seven Executive Council members).

The President of the Council shall be responsible for providing leadership for the CCM, which includes appointment of work groups, preparation of agendas for Executive Council and Executive Board meetings in association with other officers, facilitation of meetings of the Executive Council and Executive Board, and oversight of the operations of the organisation.

Names shall be placed in nomination by each participating association in advance of the Council annual meeting and the Council will vote by simple majority for the Executive Officers at that meeting. The position of President will be elected first, followed by President-elect, then by Secretary, then by Treasurer.

After the completion of a two year term, Executive Officers may continue to serve on the Council for one year.

6.2 The Executive Board:

The Executive Board will be composed of two representatives from each participating association. One member of each organization should attend the Executive board meeting.

The Executive Board retains the power to act on behalf of the Executive Council between meetings of the Executive Council. The Executive Board shall meet at least six times a year at a central location and time determined by the members; one meeting of the Executive Board should coincide with the annual general meeting.

The Executive Board shall include nine (9) members:

• the four (4) elected Executive Officers of the Council which would represent four member organizations,
• the representatives for the other three (3) member organisations and
• two (2) delegates-at-large elected by the Council.

A term of service on the Executive Board shall be two (2) years. The terms of service on the Executive Board shall be staggered so that no more than one-third of the Executive Board is replaced each year.

The Executive Board may invite other delegates or representatives to attend Executive Board meetings but without the right to vote on any issue which the Executive Board members determine a vote is necessary.

6.3 Current members of the CCM Executive board

6.4 Operations

The Executive Council and Executive Board will operate within a voluntary virtual environment. No staff will be appointed. Voluntary workgroups will be established and member associations will be given equal opportunity to propose relevant workgroups dependant on capacity and expertise. The Council will operate within an environment of consensus.

Funding for the running of the website and other expenses, to be approved by the Board, will be paid in equal proportions by the members, with the total amount limited to R2 000 per annum. Alternatively, the Services Seta will be approached to provide funds.

8.1 Present and Annual Meeting

The Council shall convene an annual meeting at a time and place coinciding with a national conference (or other similar meeting) of one of the participating associations; the meeting shall be hosted by that association.

At the annual meeting a paper on the state of the profession will be presented. This will include progress on work group activities and reports which outline recommendations and accomplishments and challenges during the past year as well as plans for the upcoming year.

All reports shall be distributed to all attendees at least seven (7) to ten (10) days in advance of the annual meeting and will be taken as read.

8.2 Structure in Work Groups

Work groups shall be assembled to focus on issues of importance, affecting the profession. These issues may include:

• Professional standards and best practices
• Professional credentials/Accreditation and Certification of practitioners
• The Body of Knowledge
• Ethical Standards
• Legislation and regulation affecting the practice
• Research
• Social and regional Issues
• Advocacy and Policy Programs

Between meetings on-going work shall be done by these work groups designated by the Executive Council. Interim reports shall be shared with board members via the "members-only" website with a special access and password codes.