Is lobbying a legitimate activity?

This was the theme of the senior practitioners roundtable at the CIPR PR Centre at St James’s Square this morning.

CIPR President Elect and political consultant, Lionel Zetter FCIPR, introduced the topic and kick started discussions. Focusing on the professionalism of lobbying, he talked about how it is an industry that takes its ethical responsibilities seriously and how all CIPR member lobbyists sign up to our Code of Conduct.

Zetter also highlighted that, despite having a poor reputation and sometimes being linked to stories of corruption by the media, the majority of lobbyists act in an open and transparent manner; and play an invaluable role in the democratic process.

This stimulating opener was followed by a lively debate that looked at how lobbyists might strengthen their self-regulation and improve the system, allowing more equal access to opinion formers and decision-makers.

It was strongly agreed that the lobbying profession needs to be less defensive about what it does and to positively promote its achievements in improving legislation by helping organisations and Government to ‘talk’.

This is something that will be a key theme of Zetter's 2007 Presidency, which aims to raise the profile and self-belief of public affairs as part of the communications profession.

Other attendees included Simon Nayyar of Edelman, Jon French of the ABI and Doug Smith of Westminster Advisors.  CIPR Partners, Media Evaluation Research and PRWeek, were also in attendance.

For more information about CIPR public affairs events, please visit our website www.cipr.co.uk