Association of Professional Political Consultants - Revision history

David: /* APPC Registers */

2018-07-28T13:33:26Z

APPC Registers

Richard Bew: /* History */

2015-11-02T15:34:08Z

History

Josh Leeson at 12:56, 23 March 2015

2015-03-23T12:56:29Z

Lucy Brown: /* History */

2010-11-22T00:55:10Z

History

Lucy Brown: /* 1997, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage */

2010-11-22T00:52:34Z

1997, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage

David at 15:17, 20 September 2010

2010-09-20T15:17:51Z

Lucy Brown: /* 2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms which are also part of larger PR groups */

2010-09-10T15:34:47Z

2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms which are also part of larger PR groups

Lucy Brown at 15:33, 10 September 2010

2010-09-10T15:33:29Z

Lucy Brown: /* History */

2010-09-10T15:32:16Z

History

Lucy Brown: /* Non-members' adherence to the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage, March 1997 */

2010-09-10T15:16:07Z

Non-members' adherence to the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage, March 1997

@@ Line 157: / Line 157: @@
 *[http://www.spinwatch.org/files/wiki/APPC/APPC_register_June05-Nov05.pdf APPC Register June 2005-November 2005]
 *December 2005-May 2006 missing
-*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/7/76/APPC_Register_June_06_-_Aug_06.pdf APPC Register June 2006 - Aug 2006]
+*[http://www.powerbase.info/images/7/76/APPC_Register_June_06_-_Aug_06.pdf APPC Register June 2006 - Aug 2006]
 *[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/6/69/APPC_Register_Sep_06_-_Nov_06.pdf APPC Register Sept 2006 - Nov 2006]
 *[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/7/7f/APPC_List_Dec06-Feb07.pdf APPC Register Dec 2006 - Feb 2007]

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 ===2007, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage===
 The APPC was forced to tighten up its code of conduct again in March 2007.  Although disclosure of clients and consultants is a condition of APPC membership, the original code of conduct failed to include a clear requirement for this information.  [[Gill Morris]], then association chair of the APPC, remarked that "This is an important development for the APPC and will promote greater transparency and clarity in the PA sector".  The changes were made after it emerged that lobbying firms were assuring potential clients that they adhere to the code - without actually being members of the APPC itself.  The alarm was raised by Labour MP [[John Grogan]], who later published an Early Day Motion (EDM) on lobbying, when he discovered that non-APPC agencies were telling clients that they adhere to the code, without being prepared to disclose their list of clients.  Several recent tenders for consultancy firms had required adherence to the code, but not membership of the APPC, such that [[Bell Pottinger Public Affairs]] (at that point not registered with the APPC) were able to compete with [[Connect Public Affairs]] (a member) for its account with [[Thames Gateway London Partnership]], on the grounds that both agencies followed the general principles set out in the code.<ref>David Singleton, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/643787/APPC-writes-disclosure-requirement-Code/ APPC writes disclosure requirement into Code]"''PR Week UK'', 14.03.07, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
 ==Key Roles==

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:56, 23 March 2015
Line 51:		Line 51:

	==People==		==People==
		+	===Management Committee March 2015===
		+	*[[Iain Anderson]], chairman - [[Cicero Group]]
		+	*[[Paul Beckford]] - [[Cogitamus]]
		+	*[[Michael Burrell]], past chair - [[APCO Worldwide]]
		+	*[[Darren Caplan]] - [[Airport Operators’ Association]]
		+	*[[Peter Duncan]], chairman, APPC Scotland - [[Message Matters]]
		+	*[[Karen Freel]] - [[Perspectiva Consultants]]
		+	*[[Mark Glover]] - [[Bellenden]]
		+	*[[Ralph Jackson]] - [[Lansons]]
		+	*[[Helen Johnson]], past chair - [[Helen Johnson Consulting]]
		+	*[[Richard Jukes]] - [[Grayling]]
		+	*[[Nick Lansman]] - [[Political Intelligence]]
		+	*[[Robbie MacDuff]], past chair - [[Instinctif Partners]]
		+	*[[George McGregor]] - [[Interel]]
		+	*[[Gill Morris]], past chair - [[Connect Communications]]
		+	*[[Warwick Smith]], past chair - [[Instinctif Partners]]<ref> APPC [http://www.appc.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/ Who we are], accessed 23 March 2015 </ref>
		+
	===Management Committee August 2010===		===Management Committee August 2010===

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 In March 1996, the APPC announced that it would move to publishing its previously annual register of membership twice yearly.  Additionally, whereas the register could previously only be accessed via the Association offices in Rochester Row, it was now to be available by post.  [[Michael Burrell]] remarked that "Some members felt that yearly publication meant the register was too historic".<ref>Staff writers, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/96215// DIARY: APPC moves towards easy register access]", ''PR Week UK'', 15.03.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>  Later that year, the APPC announced that it would be extending its code of conduct to ban its members from having financial links with sitting peers and MEPs, as well as MPs and public servants.  Members were also explicitly prohibited from making contributions to political parties.  The Association was also reportedly "stepping up its marketing efforts"; investigating the creation of "developing a new visual identity" and creating an online presence.<ref>Rebecca Dowman, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/99104// NEWS: APPC takes action to maintain integrity ]", ''PR Week UK'', 25.10.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
 ===1997, First complaint===
@@ Line 37: / Line 34: @@
 ===2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms belonging to larger PR groups===
 In November 2005, it emerged that Labour MP [[David Blunkett]] was paid £15,000 by APPC members [[Weber Shandwick]] to speak at a dinner hosted by the agency.  The APPC code states that it is against the rules for their members to "make any award or payment to any MP, MEP or sitting peer".  However, while the lobbying arm of Weber Shandwick is a member of the APPC, its corporate practice - which paid for Blunkett to speak - is not, and therefore the rules were not officially breached.  This prompted the APPC to review their code and address "the grey area" regarding member agencies which are part of large PR groups.  Weber Shandwick CEO [[Colin Byrne]] defended the payment, saying "There is nothing wrong with MPs being paid for after-dinner speeches if they abide by parliamentary rules".<ref>Ravi Chandiramani, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/526918/APPC-toughen-code-practice/ APPC to toughen code of practice]", ''PR Week UK'', 10.11.05, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
 ==Key Roles==

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 In March 1996, the APPC announced that it would move to publishing its previously annual register of membership twice yearly.  Additionally, whereas the register could previously only be accessed via the Association offices in Rochester Row, it was now to be available by post.  [[Michael Burrell]] remarked that "Some members felt that yearly publication meant the register was too historic".<ref>Staff writers, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/96215// DIARY: APPC moves towards easy register access]", ''PR Week UK'', 15.03.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>  Later that year, the APPC announced that it would be extending its code of conduct to ban its members from having financial links with sitting peers and MEPs, as well as MPs and public servants.  Members were also explicitly prohibited from making contributions to political parties.  The Association was also reportedly "stepping up its marketing efforts"; investigating the creation of "developing a new visual identity" and creating an online presence.<ref>Rebecca Dowman, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/99104// NEWS: APPC takes action to maintain integrity ]", ''PR Week UK'', 25.10.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
-===1997, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage===
+===2007, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage===
-The APPC was forced to tighten up its code of conduct again in March 1997.  Although disclosure of clients and consultants is a condition of APPC membership, the original code of conduct failed to include a clear requirement for this information.  [[Gill Morris]], then association chair of the APPC, remarked that "This is an important development for the APPC and will promote greater transparency and clarity in the PA sector".  The changes were made after it emerged that lobbying firms were assuring potential clients that they adhere to the code - without actually being members of the APPC itself.  The alarm was raised by Labour MP [[John Grogan]], who later published an Early Day Motion (EDM) on lobbying, when he discovered that non-APPC agencies were telling clients that they adhere to the code, without being prepared to disclose their list of clients.  Several recent tenders for consultancy firms had required adherence to the code, but not membership of the APPC, such that [[Bell Pottinger Public Affairs]] (at that point not registered with the APPC) were able to compete with [[Connect Public Affairs]] (a member) for its account with [[Thames Gateway London Partnership]], on the grounds that both agencies followed the general principles set out in the code.<ref>David Singleton, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/643787/APPC-writes-disclosure-requirement-Code/ APPC writes disclosure requirement into Code]"''PR Week UK'', 14.03.07, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
+The APPC was forced to tighten up its code of conduct again in March 2007.  Although disclosure of clients and consultants is a condition of APPC membership, the original code of conduct failed to include a clear requirement for this information.  [[Gill Morris]], then association chair of the APPC, remarked that "This is an important development for the APPC and will promote greater transparency and clarity in the PA sector".  The changes were made after it emerged that lobbying firms were assuring potential clients that they adhere to the code - without actually being members of the APPC itself.  The alarm was raised by Labour MP [[John Grogan]], who later published an Early Day Motion (EDM) on lobbying, when he discovered that non-APPC agencies were telling clients that they adhere to the code, without being prepared to disclose their list of clients.  Several recent tenders for consultancy firms had required adherence to the code, but not membership of the APPC, such that [[Bell Pottinger Public Affairs]] (at that point not registered with the APPC) were able to compete with [[Connect Public Affairs]] (a member) for its account with [[Thames Gateway London Partnership]], on the grounds that both agencies followed the general principles set out in the code.<ref>David Singleton, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/643787/APPC-writes-disclosure-requirement-Code/ APPC writes disclosure requirement into Code]"''PR Week UK'', 14.03.07, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
 ===1997, First complaint===

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Template:Lobbying badge}}'''[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php?title=Lobbying_Portal Back to Lobbying Portal]'''<br>
+'''[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php?title=Lobbying_Portal Back to Lobbying Portal]'''<br>
 <youtube size="medium" align="right" caption="[[Robbie MacDuff]], then chair of the '''APPC''', speaks in Manchester September 2008">fdAVP1Q3JO8</youtube>
 The [[Association of Professional Political Consultants]] (also known as the [[APPC]]) is a lobby group for the lobbying profession. It describes itself as "the self-regulatory body for UK public affairs professionals in the consultancy sector"<ref> APPC[http://www.appc.org.uk/index.cfm/pcms/site.home/ Association of Professional Political Consultants](accessed 08 Febuary 2010)</ref> Its main function is to prevent openness and transparency by attempting to ensure that statutory regulation is not introduced in the UK.  To this end, APPC worked alongside the [[Chartered Institute of Public Relations]] and [[Public Relations Consultants Association]] in the formation of an umbrella organisation to promote self-regulation in the industry: the [[UK Public Affairs Council]], launched in July 2010.   APPC has a Scottish branch - [[APPC Scotland]].
+{{Template:Lobbying badge}}
 ==History==

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 ::Partly as a result – and while there will never be room for complacency – one could reasonably claim that the professional political consultancy business in the UK today has one of the best ethical track records of any in the world.<ref>Michael Burrell, "[http://www.appc.org.uk/index.cfm/pcms/site.aboutus.lobbying_history/ History of lobbying & of the APPC]", APPC, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
-===2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms which are also part of larger PR groups===
+===2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms belonging to larger PR groups===
 In November 2005, it emerged that Labour MP [[David Blunkett]] was paid £15,000 by APPC members [[Weber Shandwick]] to speak at a dinner hosted by the agency.  The APPC code states that it is against the rules for their members to "make any award or payment to any MP, MEP or sitting peer".  However, while the lobbying arm of Weber Shandwick is a member of the APPC, its corporate practice - which paid for Blunkett to speak - is not, and therefore the rules were not officially breached.  This prompted the APPC to review their code and address "the grey area" regarding member agencies which are part of large PR groups.  Weber Shandwick CEO [[Colin Byrne]] defended the payment, saying "There is nothing wrong with MPs being paid for after-dinner speeches if they abide by parliamentary rules".<ref>Ravi Chandiramani, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/526918/APPC-toughen-code-practice/ APPC to toughen code of practice]", ''PR Week UK'', 10.11.05, accessed 10.09.10</ref>

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 The code of conduct In 1994, four directors of [[Westminster Communications]] -  including Liberal Democrat MP [[Menzies Campbell]] and Labour MP [[Ann Taylor]] - were required to stand down from the board to comply with APPC rules.<ref>Juliette Garside, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/97496// APPC faces questions over sitting peers rule]"''PR Week UK'', 20.02.98, accessed 10.09.10</ref>  In February 1998, GPC Market Access added Liberal Democrat peer Lord [[Dick Taverne]] to GPC staff when it took over the lobbying company at which he was director - [[Prima Europe]].  Unlike GPC, Prima was not a member of the APPC.  Although the Association rules would have permitted Prima to remain a separate entity from the parent company,<ref>Juliette Garside, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/97496// APPC faces questions over sitting peers rule]"''PR Week UK'', 20.02.98, accessed 10.09.10</ref> Taverne instead resigned from the agency.<ref>Jemimah Bailey, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/92298// Lord Taverne leaves Prima in merger]", ''PR Week UK'', 03.04.98, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
 ===1995, Secret Register===
 In November 1995 ''PR Week UK'' reported that despite having purportedly "captured the moral high ground" by setting up its own register of lobbyists, the APPC remained "coy" about revealing the contents of the register.  During the making of a Channel 4 Dispatches programme on peers and their outside interests, Observer Films attempted to gain access to the register - and were duly informed that the contents were not open to the public.  This was confirmed by APPC Secretary and managing director of lobbying firm [[Public Policy Unit]], [[Charles Miller]], who explained that the register was only available to MPs, Peers, APPC members and their clients: "it does not exist to feed salacious stories in the media".  However, this position was not uniformly agreed upon within the industry.  [[Michael Burrell]] of [[Westminster Strategy]], one of the founders of the APPC, remarked that "We were trying to promote greater transparency and disclosure. My view is the register should be made available to journalists".  Miller responded:
@@ Line 19: / Line 20: @@
 In March 1996, the APPC announced that it would move to publishing its previously annual register of membership twice yearly.  Additionally, whereas the register could previously only be accessed via the Association offices in Rochester Row, it was now to be available by post.  [[Michael Burrell]] remarked that "Some members felt that yearly publication meant the register was too historic".<ref>Staff writers, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/96215// DIARY: APPC moves towards easy register access]", ''PR Week UK'', 15.03.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>  Later that year, the APPC announced that it would be extending its code of conduct to ban its members from having financial links with sitting peers and MEPs, as well as MPs and public servants.  Members were also explicitly prohibited from making contributions to political parties.  The Association was also reportedly "stepping up its marketing efforts"; investigating the creation of "developing a new visual identity" and creating an online presence.<ref>Rebecca Dowman, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/99104// NEWS: APPC takes action to maintain integrity ]", ''PR Week UK'', 25.10.96, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
-===1997, non-members' adherence to the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage===
+===1997, Non-members' use of the Code of Conduct for competitive advantage===
 The APPC was forced to tighten up its code of conduct again in March 1997.  Although disclosure of clients and consultants is a condition of APPC membership, the original code of conduct failed to include a clear requirement for this information.  [[Gill Morris]], then association chair of the APPC, remarked that "This is an important development for the APPC and will promote greater transparency and clarity in the PA sector".  The changes were made after it emerged that lobbying firms were assuring potential clients that they adhere to the code - without actually being members of the APPC itself.  The alarm was raised by Labour MP [[John Grogan]], who later published an Early Day Motion (EDM) on lobbying, when he discovered that non-APPC agencies were telling clients that they adhere to the code, without being prepared to disclose their list of clients.  Several recent tenders for consultancy firms had required adherence to the code, but not membership of the APPC, such that [[Bell Pottinger Public Affairs]] (at that point not registered with the APPC) were able to compete with [[Connect Public Affairs]] (a member) for its account with [[Thames Gateway London Partnership]], on the grounds that both agencies followed the general principles set out in the code.<ref>David Singleton, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/643787/APPC-writes-disclosure-requirement-Code/ APPC writes disclosure requirement into Code]"''PR Week UK'', 14.03.07, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
-===1997, first complaint===
+===1997, First complaint===
 The APPC received its first formal complaint in July 1997 - levelled against its own secretary [[Charles Miller]].  The complainant, the housing association [[Anchor Trust]], was a client of Miller's lobbying agency, the [[Public Policy Unit]].  They accused him of 'client betrayal', based on an article he had written in a trade magazine in which he criticised the campaign of an apparently hypothetical housing association.  Miller defended the piece, stating "It was written in a private capacity. It wasn’t about them. It was about much wider issues".<ref>Juliette Garside, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/103381// Anchor Trust accuses Miller of ’client betrayal’]", ''PR Week UK'', 18.07.97, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
@@ Line 34: / Line 35: @@
 ::Partly as a result – and while there will never be room for complacency – one could reasonably claim that the professional political consultancy business in the UK today has one of the best ethical track records of any in the world.<ref>Michael Burrell, "[http://www.appc.org.uk/index.cfm/pcms/site.aboutus.lobbying_history/ History of lobbying & of the APPC]", APPC, accessed 10.09.10</ref>
-===2005, another "grey area": member firms which are also part of larger PR groups===
+===2005, Another day, another "grey area": member firms which are also part of larger PR groups===
 In November 2005, it emerged that Labour MP [[David Blunkett]] was paid £15,000 by APPC members [[Weber Shandwick]] to speak at a dinner hosted by the agency.  The APPC code states that it is against the rules for their members to "make any award or payment to any MP, MEP or sitting peer".  However, while the lobbying arm of Weber Shandwick is a member of the APPC, its corporate practice - which paid for Blunkett to speak - is not, and therefore the rules were not officially breached.  This prompted the APPC to review their code and address "the grey area" regarding member agencies which are part of large PR groups.  Weber Shandwick CEO [[Colin Byrne]] defended the payment, saying "There is nothing wrong with MPs being paid for after-dinner speeches if they abide by parliamentary rules".<ref>Ravi Chandiramani, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/526918/APPC-toughen-code-practice/ APPC to toughen code of practice]", ''PR Week UK'', 10.11.05, accessed 10.09.10</ref>