public affairs | Ramblings Of A PR

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PR needs a renewed focus on ethics, diversity and impact

October 27, 2019

As Chair or Vice Chair of the PRCA Council, I will propose ethics, diversity and standards are the focus of the Council's work.

Will Labour’s Lobbying Act consultation make a difference?

August 13, 2014

The General Election may be eight months away, but there are just weeks to go until regulations for non-party campaigners during the 2015 General Election come into force. The fear is that ‘part two’ of the Lobbying Act (or Gagging Law) will restrain charities and grassroots organisations’ ability to campaign in the run up to […]

The CBI’s epic fail on Scottish independence

April 26, 2014

The esteemed Confederation of British Industry has got itself all in a PR pickle over Scottish independence. And it is getting worse.

There’s no such thing as an apolitical campaign

March 28, 2013

Over on the Claremont blog, I argue that there can be no such thing as an apolitical charity communications campaign. While the stated objectives of a charity communications may be seemingly non-political (such as fundraising, reputation-building, public awareness raising or driving action) for each of these four communications objectives, taking an apolitical approach is nigh […]

What is PR? It’s nuts…

March 6, 2012

Spin doctors? Shady lobbyists? Max Clifford? Social media gurus? Ab Fab? David Cameron? PR’s a flexible, changing, beast and is often defined by those who want to attack it as an industry. And it doesn’t help that if you ask a PR person how they would define PR, you’ll probably get a different response everytime. […]

The hidden consequences of a lobbying ban

November 10, 2011

Negative headlines surrounding the lobbying industry continue as the government continues to drag its feet on the issue of a statutory register of lobbyists. But the 'cure' being proposed - a ban on secret lobbying - could end up being worse than the disease. And could be the first steps to PR becoming a restricted profession - ironically reducing the numbers who can talk to politicians - and even the media.

The thin line between love and hate

October 17, 2011

The Andrew Werritty / Liam Fox affair has re-ignited the debate over the power and influence of ‘lobbyists’. But, as with so much in the world of politics and communications, the distinction between right and wrong is difficult to pin down. Malign power of men who peddle influence Screamed the Daily Mail’s Andrew Pierce in […]