London,
11
June
2018
|
11:33
Europe/London

New Report on Damaging Impact of Lobbying Act

The Lobbying Act is contributing to “reduc[ing] the role [that] charities and voluntary organisations play, individually and collectively, to amplify the most marginalised voices in society”.

The Sheila Mckechnie Foundation report – ‘The Chilling Reality – How the Lobbying Act is affecting charity and voluntary sector campaigning in the UK’ – found that the Act has specifically affected organisations by, amongst other things, contributing to an increase in administration and reducing coalition activity. Significantly it was found to have had a negative impact on the ability for organisations to be agile and respond quickly; 36% of respondents reported slower decision making as a result.

Stuart Bruce said:

Stuart Bruce FCIPR, Chair of the Policy and Campaigns Committee
Charities and smaller organisations play a key role in ensuring the voices of certain communities are heard and represented in the making of public policy. Charities are being held back from achieving this objective, as this report shows.  

In addition to the chilling effect on charities, the Register of Consultant Lobbyists was introduced in the same Act. Lobbying ensures legislation is scrutinised and improves public policy by helping to better inform law makers. It is in everyone’s interests for lobbying to be better understood, but the register provides a partial and incomplete picture of the interests seeking influence over policy and law.

The Lobbying Act is having a negative impact on the civic life of the nation. We echo the Sheila Mckechnie Foundation – it is time to review this legislation.
Stuart Bruce FCIPR, Chair of the Policy and Campaigns Committee
 
Notes to editors

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).