PRCA calls for greater distinction between APPGs and APGs

London, 13 February – The PRCA last week, following consultation with the PRCA public affairs group, submitted a number of recommendations to the Speakers' Working Group, which was set up by the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, that the PRCA believes would improve the contribution of All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). While the Association believes that APPGs generally function very effectively it believes a clearer distinction must be made between APPGs and Associate Parliamentary Groups (APGs).

The PRCA submitted that APPGs provide a valuable vehicle for parliamentarians, including ministers, to interact with relevant stakeholders and the wider public on specific subjects. While APPGs operate efficiently and transparently providing a significant contribution to the UK democratic process, their naming and structure are very similar to that of APGs which can contain non Parliamentarians. A summary of the key points in the PRCA submission is below:

  • The strict disclosure requirements around the financing of APPGs are effective.
  • The difference between Select Committees and APPGs needs no clarification.
  • The need to take and publish minutes should remain at the discretion of each group’s officers
  • Better guidelines are needed around how the Portcullis Logo is used are needed
  • Greater transparency is needed around the commercial operation of APGs
  • There should be no additional administrative burdens when a new APPG is created

Francis Ingham, PRCA chief executive commented “APPGs provide a vital role ensuring that Government connects with specific issues, informing legislation and helping effective Government. However, their effectiveness risks being undermined unless the distinction between APPGs and Associate Parliamentary Groups is strengthened.”

The PRCA would like to thank its members for informing the Association’s response.

To read the submission please click here

 

 - ENDS -

Notes to editors

Tom Hawkins, Policy and Research Executive
T: 020 7233 6026 ¦ E: tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk

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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