PRCA gives evidence to the Ethics and Integrity Commission on lobbying reform

Earlier last week, the PRCA participated in an evidence session with the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC), bringing together senior figures from across our membership with expertise in lobbying regulation and compliance.

The session provided an important opportunity for the PRCA to advocate for meaningful reform of the UK’s lobbying framework and to present evidence drawn directly from members’ experience of complying with existing transparency requirements and the PRCA’s Code for Professional Lobbying.

As our members represent the part of the industry already covered by lobbying legislation, and operate under the industries most robust professional code, they are uniquely well placed to demonstrate how effective transparency and accountability can work in practice.

During the session, the PRCA reiterated its central recommendation that all lobbying activity should be subject to transparency requirements. As an immediate and practical solution, the PRCA proposed expanding the register to cover all who lobby, including in-house public affairs teams, charities and legal professionals.

Discussions also focused on concerns that the government may pursue a limited compromise on lobbying reform within this Parliament, resulting in a framework that is only marginally stronger than the current system. The PRCA stressed that statutory regulation alone would not guarantee high standards and argued for a stronger gold standard framework that goes beyond minimum legal compliance.

The PRCA also raised concerns that a weak statutory register could unintentionally legitimise lower standards within the industry and discourage participation in professional bodies, as this risks organisations potentially viewing statutory compliance alone as sufficient.

To address this, the PRCA suggested that government endorsement of an industry-led professional standards scheme could create positive reputational incentives for organisations to participate and maintain higher standards of conduct.

Additional recommendations put forward during the session included:

The PRCA is committed to championing a professional lobbying industry that follows high standards and will continue to build public trust in politics and public affairs.

We would like to thank all members who contributed their expertise and experience to the session.