The long-awaited register of UK lobbyists has now been declared open by the UK Public Affairs Council (UKPAC).

Established in July 2010 in response to recommendations made by the Public Administration Select Committee, UKPAC comprises the APPC, CIPR and PRCA. It was formed to begin implementing the Committee’s recommendation for a public register.

For the first time, individual CIPR members engaged in public affairs will be able to register their employer, client names and provide professional details. Members of APPC and PRCA who already host their own register will also be listed on the single register.

Once populated, the register will be opened to the public and will contain details of members of the APPC, CIPR and PRCA who are engaged in lobbying.

“UKPAC set an ambitious target of having the register open by October,” said UKPAC chairman Elizabeth France. “I am delighted that we have been able to achieve that goal and I encourage all those engaged in lobbying to enter their details.”

UKPAC has created a series of definitions to help people understand if they need to register. The definitions, along with other information about UKPAC, are available on the newly launched website which can be found here.