PRCA Launches Simplified and Strengthened Code for Professional Lobbying
The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has today issued its new Code for Professional Lobbying, marking a major step forward in promoting ethical, transparent, and accountable lobbying across the UK. The Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists (ORCL) has approved this new Code as meeting its requirements to be a “relevant Code.”
Replacing the previous Public Affairs Code, the new Code will apply to all PRCA members who engage in professional lobbying activities. It has been modernised and simplified to reflect evolving standards and regulatory expectations and follows a two-stage public consultation that closed on 28th April 2025.
Key changes include:
- Modernised and strengthened standards that better reflect today’s lobbying landscape.
- Clearer language to ensure ease of understanding and compliance.
- Stronger ethical provisions, especially regarding the employment of individuals currently or recently holding “Relevant Roles” in Government.
The PRCA will provide supporting guidance as well as training to ensure that all members, staff, and stakeholders understand the implications of the new Code and their roles in upholding it. This includes dedicated resources for handling enquiries. The PRCA introduced in July 2024 a streamlined and more transparent complaints process, overseen by the PRCA Standards Committee to ensure compliance with the new Lobbying Code and the existing Code of Conduct which applies to all PRCA members.
The PRCA is calling on Government and other regulators to align their expectations with the updated Code, reinforcing a shared commitment to ethical, transparent, and accountable lobbying.
PRCA CEO, Sarah Waddington CBE, said:
“The Code for Professional Lobbying is more than a regulatory update; it’s an important signal that strongly differentiates those who are signed up to the PRCA from those who aren’t. For organisations focused on risk and resilience, our Code sets a clear and uncompromising benchmark for ethical lobbying, one rooted in transparency, accountability and public service.
“Not only does the Code now set the bar for public affairs, it underlines our commitment to building trust in our members and giving the organisations who employ them confidence in their practices and abilities. It is now for Government and industry to follow suit by prioritising ethics and transparency by updating their own guidance and regulations.”
PRCA Public Affairs Board Co-Chairs, Emily Fermor and Jessica Daniels-Roberts, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to share the result of a year’s consultation and work. It follows robust consideration and discussion, and we are so grateful to everyone who participated and took the time to share their views and experience. We look forward to working with the recently elected Public Affairs Board to advise the PRCA on implementation – so that the trade body can continue to set the bar for standards in PR and Public Affairs going forward.”
New Code for Professional Lobbying: https://www.prca.global/sites/default/files/PRCA%20Code%20for%20Professional%20Lobbying.pdfThe PRCA’s response to its consultation on Code for Professional Lobbying: Public response to consultation on the Code for Professional Lobbying 19 7 25_0.pdf
The PRCA’s response to its consultation on Code for Professional Lobbying: Public response to consultation on the Code for Professional Lobbying 19 7 25_0.pdf
