In a statement following the reports in the Independent newspaper about senior staff at a Public Affairs firm claiming access at the highest levels of government, the CIPR has called upon the Cabinet Office to launch the consultation on a statutory register of lobbyists without delay.
Jane Wilson, CIPR CEO said:
Despite it being nearly two years since the Coalition Agreement said the government would introduce a statutory register of lobbyists, only the industry itself, in the shape of the CIPR, APPC and PRCA as founders of the UK Public Affairs Council, has taken any action at all. It is now time for the Government to get on with introducing a statutory register, taking UKPAC, with its independent Chair, as the foundation model and ensuring a level playing field and no 'good cause' exemptions, or exemptions for those who claim they are not lobbying, even when they are doing precisely that but using a different name.
For the CIPR, transparency in lobbying is both an ethical issue and one of good governance. As a profession, we should embrace any steps that will increase the professionalism of public affairs, that tackle those who seek influence without full disclosure and without dealing openly and honestly with the public and government in all matters at all times.
Speaking on the subject of UK-based public relations firms working for overseas governments, Jane Wilson added:
CIPR members agree to abide by our Code of Professional Conduct, in which integrity, honesty, transparency, financial and legal propriety (in all countries where members practice) are central principles, together with a responsible regard for the public interest. Members exercise their judgement when counselling clients and must do so when deciding which organisations, individuals or countries to support.
On the subject of online reputation management, Ms Wilson concluded:
Anyone in Public Relations or Public Affairs who claims to be able to impact on Google searches in such a way as to manipulate the results with comments and newly created blog pages is either knowingly over claiming or is woefully ill-informed. Such an activity would be unethical and lacking in transparency and therefore potentially against the CIPR code of conduct.
It has been clearly indicated by Wikipedia that there is no occasion when an organisation or its PR advisers should properly author an entirely new article. Amendments should be suggested via the Discussion pages. Wikis are in any case self regulating and self correcting, which means not only that promotional copy has no place here but also that it will be deleted or amended quickly and as a matter of course.
ENDS
