The IoP, which launched in 2005, has about 1,000 members working in law firms, companies, charities, local authorities and other public authorities such as contract managers in the NHS, or running their own businesses.
More than three-quarters of members are on the PPR. A further 200 PPR members belong to other paralegal organisations.
CILEX chief executive Linda Ford said: ‘As the home of specialist legal professionals, we were the natural choice to take the IoP and PPR forward, as we are able to offer its members a recognised professional status as a CILEX Paralegal and access to structured and supported career pathways.’
IoP members will keep their status and membership package while gaining access to the perks of CILEX membership, during a phased transition.
Rita Leat, chief executive of the IoP, will work with CILEX as a special adviser during the transition. Both the National Paralegal Awards and the PPR will continue.
