A story was published in The Sunday Times on November 8, concerning a PR and strategy consultancy, Admiral Associates, their client Kate Bingham, and the apparent fact that their agency fees are being paid from public funds.
The owner of Admiral Associates is one of our members.
The CIPR strongly supports the role of public relations professionals working in the public sector, whether they are employed in-house or retained as external advisors. Public relations and stakeholder engagement are essential elements in the delivery of public services.
The CIPR is equally clear that all public expenditure should be undertaken based on transparent procurement and proper accountability. We understand the widespread concerns surrounding the awarding of public sector contracts and share the call for increased transparency on ensuring value for public money.
We urge the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to be clear about how this public money is spent and to be transparent about the agreements that exist between Admiral Associates and, through Kate Bingham, BEIS.
CIPR response to news reports involving Admiral Associates
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with nearly 10,000 members.
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).