Press release -
PRCA Public Affairs Board responds to UK Government paper on ethics and integrity
Chair of the PRCA Public Affairs Board, Liam Herbert, said:
"Lobbying professionals in the PRCA Public Affairs Board believe that the UK political system desperately needs to improve transparency, accountability, and trust among the general public.
"We acknowledge that progress has been made with the publication of the Government paper 'Strengthening Ethics and Integrity in Central Government,' which proposes updates to rules on ethics and transparency in public life. We’ve long called for more timely reporting of ministerial diaries, so we welcome the increased frequency of publication and the inclusion of other forms of contact. The central database is a step in the right direction.
"Despite some progress, there is still much work to be done to address the disappointing gaps in the Government's proposals. For example, we disagree that Special Advisers (SpAds) should remain outside the obligations to be transparent. SpAds exercise enormous influence within Whitehall.
"We will continue to argue for lobbying rules to be strengthened so that the public can have confidence that decisions are made in a way that is open, transparent and accountable."
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The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is the world’s largest professional PR body.
Representing 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide, we are a global advocate for excellence in public relations. Our teams across Europe, the Middle-East and Asia-Pacific work with professionals around the world to co-ordinate our operations across six continents.
Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous PR industry. We champion - and enforce - professional standards around the world through our Professional Charter and Code of Conduct. The Code compels members to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice.
We deliver exceptional training, authoritative industry data, and global networking, and development opportunities.
We also manage the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) - the umbrella body for 41 PR associations and 3,000 agencies across the world. Additionally, we support the delivery of the Motor Industry Communicators Association (MICA).
