The APPC has 80 members, roughly accounting for over 85% by turnover of the UK`s political consultancies. Membership is growing fast – 11 new members joined in 2011-12 and seven so far in 2012-13, with a number of applications pending.
Membership is open to multi-client agencies offering public affairs consultancy in respect of UK institutions of government. APPC has now extended membership to include trade associations, in-house teams and individuals. The Chair of APPC, Michael Burrell, said “I’m delighted to announce this step forward, responding to the demand of in-house PA practitioners to have access to the “gold standard” Code Conduct in the industry.
The principal obligations of members are to
- Endorse and abide by the APPC Code of Conduct
- Fulfil the annual Code compliance procedures
- Provide an entry for the APPC Register every three months
Training seminars on the Code of Conduct are offered free of charge in London and occasionally in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Within the APPC, there is also an informal grouping of members based in Scotland, meeting on an occasional basis. The Chair of APPC in Scotland has a seat ex officio on the Management Committee. The current Chair is Illiam Costain McCade.
In March 2010, APPC set up a Young Consultants’ Committee, which has been a great success.