International Public Relations Consultancy, Montpellier passes CMS audit, the PRCA hallmark for excellence

PRCA member Montpellier has achieved the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS), with a score of more than 90 per cent in an audit of all its policies and procedures, recognised as the gold standard of service for the PR industry.
CMS is an independently-audited set of eight tests which a consultancy must pass as a member of the Public Relations Consultants Association. CMS combines elements of ISO 9001 and ‘Investors in People’ plus professional benchmarks and a gauge of financial reporting protocols. The CMS audit has a range of criteria that scrutinises PR agencies’ policies, and serves as an emblem of exceptional practice within the PR industry.

Montpellier was examined on its full range of policies, a crucial element being the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), a rigorous and consistent measurement of success. Additionally, Montpellier’s financial protocols including full P&L and balance sheet reporting, and other tools for managing and monitoring the agencies’ development were recognised in the audit.
Guy Woodcock CEO of Montpellier explains: “We find it hugely gratifying to have passed with such an impressive score for our exemplar protocol that is utilised routinely as the basis of our operations. The CMS audit provides a benchmark for quality and performance within our industry and we are extremely proud to have excelled in all of the key areas, and we will continue to move forward with our efforts to advance the quality of the service that we provide to our clients.”

Montpellier is one of over 350 PRCA agency members based throughout the UK. These consultancies are of all sizes, working for clients in all business sectors. The PRCA also counts in-house teams and individuals as members. In total, 18,000 PR professionals are members of the PRCA.

Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General, said: “Well run businesses consistently deliver the results clients are looking for. The CMS was developed specifically to ensure that PRCA members have the systems and structures in place to meet and exceed clients’ expectations. The Standard has been so successful that it has now been adopted in 17 countries around the world.”
The CMS is a well-established hallmark that communicates to clients that a PR agency is devoted to managing the appropriate systems that enhance their overall service. Obtaining the Consultancy Management Standard provides assurance to both clients and staff that Montpellier is committed to evolving and progressing in constant pursuit of improvement.

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How does a client benefit from CMS?
http://www.redfin.co.uk/

PRCA CMS briefing pack

You will have peace of mind you are buying a professional service from a PR company that’s committed to excellence.
You will have the assurance that all CMS-accredited PR agencies are well-run businesses that adopt best practices in all areas of their organisation.

No PRCA member agency can rest on their laurels once they’ve attained the CMS standard. Accredited agencies are continually assessed and have a formal review every two years, where they are rigorously tested by an independent auditor.
Our audits are carried out by Redfin – they are the leading provider of Finance, Human Resource, and Business Growth Consulting services to owner- managed businesses in the creative, media and technology industries.
– See more at: http://www.prca.org.uk/CommunicationsManagementStandard%28CMS%29forconsultancies#sthash.7iEaBT0W.pdf