The head of PR at Target Public Relations, Sarah Bryars, has been appointed to the University of Gloucestershire's Vocational Advisory Board for the Public Relations degree course, which is just coming to the end of its inaugural year.

Sarah will be joining distinguished names from the Public Relations profession working in the region, nationally and internationally, who volunteer their expertise to support the education and development of the University's PR under-graduates. The role of the Vocational Advisory Board is to assist the University's specialist tutors in reviewing the syllabus to ensure it remains up to date with current best practice, as well as undertaking guest lectures and seminars.

Averill Gordon, course leader and senior lecturer for the University, says: "It has always been our intention to create an outstanding degree course that will produce graduates of the highest calibre – ready to contribute to the PR profession".

"The Vocational Advisory Board brings a wealth of expertise which has helped us to shape the course and gain official accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. The support of experienced and successful practitioners, such as Sarah, is absolutely integral to the development of the course and our students. We believe Gloucestershire can be a centre of excellence for both the study and practice of Public Relations."

Sarah Bryars, said: "Target is very keen to support young talent entering the industry and we'll contribute to the development of the University's Public Relations syllabus – and its students – in whatever way we can."