Charities must be included on statutory register of lobbyists claims PRCA

London, 11 June 2012 – Responding to the Institute of Economic Affairs’ (IEA) report on the role of state funding for charities that lobby government, the PRCA has re-iterated its call for lobbyists to be included in a statutory register of lobbyists.

Francis Ingham, PRCA Chief Executive, said: “The IEA’s report highlights that some of the most powerful and influential lobbying campaigns in the UK come from charitable organisations. This shows that the current proposals for a statutory register, that would exempt charities, are inept and will lack credibility with the public and the industry alike.

“We need transparency to cover the entire industry, which is why the PRCA already includes charities and other in-house communications teams on its public affairs register.”

Emily Wallace and Elin Twigge, Chair and Vice-Chair of the PRCA Public Affairs Group, stated: “Good Government needs good lobbyists, and we should not be excluding any organisations from engaging in political debate.

“But all lobbying should be open and transparent and subject to scrutiny which is why a statutory register of lobbyists should include all those who engage in lobbying, including charities”.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

For more information please contact tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk on 020 7233 6026


About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

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