PRCA welcomes the introduction of the newly established Ethics Commission

The PRCA has welcomed today’s announcement by the Government to establish a new Ethics and Integrity Commission to oversee standards in public life.

As part of the changes, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) will be abolished. ACOBA currently advises former ministers on post-government appointments but has long been criticised for lacking enforcement powers.

The new Commission, set to take effect in October, will have the authority to impose sanctions for misconduct. In cases of serious breaches, ministers may be required to repay their severance pay. However, the Government has yet to define what will constitute a ‘serious’ breach.

PRCA CEO, Sarah Waddington CBE, said: 

“Public interest in professional lobbying activities remains high and we welcome the new Ethics and Integrity Commission and look forward to working with them. 

"The PRCA’s Public Affairs Code sets high ethical standards for public affairs professionals, requiring transparency and accountability through our public register.

"We hope that the Ethics and Integrity Commission will look at ways to capture ALL lobbying and not just the activity of consultant lobbying, as the majority of lobbying is carried out by those who sit outside the current UK lobbying framework.”