DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATE

The definition of Public Policy Advocacy and Public Policy Advocates is a complex issue. From our perspective, the definition should be simple and capture the widest possible range of public policy advocacy activities: A Public Policy Advocate is anyone paid to (i) arrange or facilitate contact with officials; (ii) communicate with officials to influence legislation, regulation, or government policy, and for government contracts and grants; and (iii) work in support of (i) and/or (ii). Elected or appointed Officials may be from government, parliament, or administrations, regional or local government or other public bodies.

Public Policy Advocates may be organizations/individuals who engage in public policy advocacy as self-employed individuals, as employees of an organization or on behalf of third parties.

Public Policy Advocates or firms acting on a pro-bono basis are also included because their work could have a significant influence on public policy and the public therefore has the right to know about their activities. The definition also applies to trade unions, think tanks and NGOs since it is in the public interest to have full disclosure of the advocacy efforts of such organizations.

The only exemption is unpaid advocacy by a member of the public and communication with a member of parliament by a constituent.