The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has introduced new lobbying guidance to prevent conflict of interest.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has reviewed and updated its Public Affairs Code, the code of conduct public relations professionals adhere to in order to meet ethical standards. The PRCA implemented new rules that ban MPs, Peers and NEDs from lobbying roles in order to prevent conflict of interest strengthening disclosure and compliance obligations.

The code was reviewed by an internal working group made up of three members of the PAB, two independent members of the standards committee and the PRCA’s head of public affairs.

These changes include an updated definition of lobbying that includes informing, advising or advocating on behalf of interests. It also declares that MPs or Peers cannot be employed for professional lobbying and NEDs are prohibited from engaging in it.

These changes came into effect on 12th September.