Public Affairs Links - Industry Watchdogs

Industry Watchdogs

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The UK lobbying industry is a self-regulated one, and from time to time experiences a fair share of scandal. However, there are many organisations in place to ensure that a system of checks and balances is kept. The list below covers the bodies who may be involved in overseeing the actions of public affairs consultants.

The Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) - www.appc.org.uk

The APPC was set up in 1994 in response to the 'Cash for Questions' scandal which had just hit UK lobbying. As an organisation it has gone from strength to strength, and has helped raised the ethical standards in Westminster public affairs. A record forty-eight consultancies are now bound by the terms of its code of conduct.

Committee on Standards in Public Life - www.public-standards.gov.uk

Formerly called the Nolan Committee, this was also set up in the wake of the 1994 scandal as part of a Government effort to increase transparency in Members' interests.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards - www.parliament.uk/about_commons/pcfs.cfm

Set up on the basis of recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Commissioner is appointed by the House. The current incumbent is Sir Philip Mawer.

PubAffairs - www.pubaffairs.org

Organises regular networking events for lobbying professionals, and provides useful information on public affairs training courses and job opportunities.

Register of Members' Interests -

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/060919/memi02.htm

Register of All-Party Groups -

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/memi01.htm

Publicly available information on who provides funding to all-party groups.