IPPAA

Global Initiative to Unite Public Policy Advocacy Profession

  • Given that Ethics is a key global issue for all Public Policy Advocacy professional & a matter of serious public concern, ALL believes it is very important to integrate a commitment to a Code of Lobbying  from the very outset of this international initiative

This will demonstrate, perhaps more than anything, that Public Policy Advocacy associations & their members around  the world are serious about & committed to ethical professional

International Code of Ethics

  • Supplements associations’ existing ethics codes
  • General guidance
  • Not intended to be adopted as a law or legal regulation
  • Penalty for noncompliance envisioned as being expelled or suspended from the association Associations can make reasonable modifications to accommodate local circumstances Code will be revised as needed after IPPAA is  formed

Highlights of International Code of Ethics

  • Honesty & Integrity

 Be truthful, provide factually correct, current and accurate information

 Promptly correct inaccurate information and update if material change

  • Compliance with Laws, Regulations & Rules

 Know and comply with applicable laws, etc.

 Do not intentionally cause public officials to violate laws, regulations, etc.

  • Professionalism

 Understand governmental process & acquire such specialized knowledge as needed to effectively represent client

 Treat others in professional manner with respect & civility

 Periodically participate in continuing education & training programs

  • Conflicts of Interest

 Disclose prospective conflicts & do not represent clients with conflicting interests (unless local rules allow clients to give informed consent)

 Obtain consent from client if work for another client may

have significant adverse impact on first client even if Public Policy Advocacy professional is not representing on same issue

  • Due Diligence & Best Efforts

 Vigorously & diligently advocate client’s interests

 Devote appropriate time & resources

 Be loyal to client’s interests

 Keep client informed of lobbyist’s efforts & where  appropriate allow client to select options & strategies

  • Compensation & Engagement Terms

 Have written agreement setting out terms & conditions, including compensation, expenses & do not charge client for unrelated expenses, etc.

 Only charge reasonable fees, depending on facts & circumstances of each case

 When representation is terminated, provide for orderly transition process to protect client’s interests, return client’s materials, etc.

Confidentiality

 Maintain appropriate confidentiality of client’s information, & do not disclose without consent

 Do not use confidential client information against client or for any purpose not contemplated in the representational agreement

  • Public Education, Transparency & Public Service

 Help ensure better public understanding of importance & legitimacy of Public Policy Advocacy profession in the democratic process

 Support Public Policy Advocacy  transparency (within the bounds of

client confidentiality & loyalty) to help ensure public understanding & trust in the Public Policy Advocacy profession & democratic process

 Public Policy Advocacy professional are encouraged to devote some time to providing services to parties pursuing the public good but who lack resources to hire Public Policy Advocacy professional (i.e., to engage in some “pro bono” representations of such persons)

  • Duty to Governmental Institutions

 Exhibit proper respect for the governmental institutions where professionals advocates for client

 Do not intentionally act to undermine public confidence & trust in the democratic process

  • ACTIVITIES
    • Holding conferences, webinars, seminars
    • Sharing information via links to Associations’ websites
    • Exchanging information on Public Policy Advocacy practices and regulations
    • Preparing common educational and training materials on ethical practices, Public Policy Advocacy activities, and legal obligations
    • Developing Public Policy Advocacy best practices
    • Drafting model Public Policy Advocacy regulations
    • Facilitating and encouraging research & academic studies on Public Policy Advocacy
    • Identifying local Public Policy Advocacy professional  whose associations’ members may considering hiring
    • Initial activities generally will be transitioned over to the IPPAA after it is formally established
    • Most activities will be conducted via Committees or Working Groups