In an interesting move the CIPR has announced something of a back to basics re-positioning. In an announcement to members yesterday new CIPR CEO Alastair McCapra outlined plans to reduce the head count of the organisation from 38 to 32 employees. In addition there seemed to be a desire for less centrally run events and for a leaner, faster and more flexible organisation. While it's never pleasant to see people potentially lose their jobs this is an interesting move. Any trade body needs not just members but more importantly engaged members and to do this professional bodies must have a strong raison d'etre beyond merely commercial aims. Trade bodies should be about industry representation and the improvement of professional standards. On the face of it this is an initial move towards the CIPR going back to its roots – and re-inventing itself as a light touch professional body representing public relations professionals.