Introduction to Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct covers the activities of regulated political consultants (defined as APPC member companies, their staff and non-executive consultants) in relation to all United Kingdom, English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland central, regional and local government bodies and agencies, public bodies and political parties (hereinafter "institutions of Government"). This Code applies equally to all clients, whether or not fee-paying.
It is a condition of membership of APPC that the member firm, its staff and non-executive consultants should accept and agree to abide by this Code for itself and that members will be jointly and severally liable for the actions of their staff in relation to the Code. Regulated political consultants are required to endorse the Code and to adopt and observe the principles and duties set out in it in relation to their business dealings with clients and with institutions of government.
Other conditions of membership of APPC include:
- Undertaking an annual compliance procedure in respect of the Code
- Being bound by the terms of the APPC Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure
- Providing four times a year to APPC the names of all clients and consultancy staff during the previous six months for publication in the APPC Register
The Code of Conduct applies the principles that political consultants should be open and transparent in their dealings with parliamentarians or representatives of institutions of government; and that there should be no financial relationship between them. APPC members are determined to act at all times with the highest standards of integrity and in a professional and ethical manner reflecting the principles applied by this Code. In the view of APPC, it is inappropriate for a person to be both a legislator and a political consultant.
