APPC members were delighted to welcome Sir Philip Mawer, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, as their guest speaker in December.

 

Sir Philip began by describing his role as Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in three parts; advising Parliament and Parliamentarians on conduct, maintaining the registers of interests and investigating complaints.  He aimed to determine complaints impartially and confidentially, maintaining a balance between the interests of the public and of Parliament, and using lessons learnt to improve systems and processes.

 

Sir Philip felt that lobbying was a legitimate activity and the approach adopted in the UK - self-regulation for consultants and regulation by the House of Parliamentarians’ conduct – was generally working well.  In particular, the registers of members’ interests had improved transparency in both Houses of Parliament.

 

After an interesting and lively question-and-answer session, Sir Philip concluded by thanking APPC for the opportunity to speak to members and emphasising that his door was always open to firms or individuals seeking advice.