PRCA On the Record Campaign Calls for Thorough Lobbying Reform

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has renewed its call for urgent reform of the UK’s lobbying transparency framework through its On the Record campaign.

The PRCA is asking the UK Government to extend regulation so that all lobbying is properly governed, documented and publicly reported, as the current system only captures a small proportion.

The campaign promotes best practice and full transparency across the profession. The PRCA’s own Code for Professional Lobbying requires members to meet clear ethical standards and publish quarterly activity through the Public Affairs Register.

While welcoming recent announcements to improve standards in public life, the PRCA believes deeper structural change is needed. ​

To kick off the On the Record campaign, the PRCA is hosting a drop-in session for MPs at Portcullis House on 4 March, providing an opportunity for them to find out more and sign a pledge of support. ​

The PRCA’s CEO Sarah Waddington CBE and Head of Public Affairs Louise Whatham recently met with members of the newly formed Ethics and Integrity Commission to discuss possible changes to the improve lobbying standards. ​

Louise Whatham, the PRCA’s Head of Public Affairs said:

“Lobbying plays a vital role in the democratic process and informs policy decisions that impact society, but transparency about who is lobbying is critical to public trust. The current framework only captures a fraction of activity. It is time for a comprehensive, fair and modern system that applies to everyone equally.”