CIPR consults members on proposed Lobbying Transparency (Scotland) bill
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has launched a public consultation with its members on Neil Findlay’s (MSP) proposed Lobbying Transparency (Scotland) bill, which aims to promote greater transparency, openness and accountability in relation to the lobbying of Scottish Government.
The survey, which runs from today until midnight on Thursday 11 October, addresses issues including; the requirement for a Scottish register; who should be on a Scottish lobbying register; what information the proposed register should hold and, opinion on the adequacy of current self-regulation.
Transparency is one of the CIPR’s guiding principles in professional conduct and we have long held the view that the public affairs profession has nothing to fear from moves which do not seek to overburden the industry with excessive regulation. It is also a positive move that in line with our response to the current proposals for a Westminster register, this consultation document from Holyrood proposes a universal register with ‘no good cause exemptions’.
It is important that we consult our members about the proposed lobbying bill, as the legislation has the potential to affect practitioners operating from Scotland or indeed all practitioners across the UK looking to engage with the Scottish Parliament and legislators. We want to hear the views of our members, represent the profession in this consultation and deliver a thorough response.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).