PRCA launches quality benchmark for public consultation

A new quality benchmark for public consultation has been launched by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), the world's leading professional body for people working in  public relations, communications, and public affairs.

As a PRCA member organisation, SEC Newgate has helped to set the high standards within the PRCA Public Affairs Consultation Charter, which is designed to establish a framework for effective public affairs in the consultation process for planning applications and public consultations within the United Kingdom.

Key Principles of the Charter include:

• Transparency: Clear and honest communication throughout the consultation process.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring all community voices are heard and respected.
• Accessibility: Making consultation materials and events easy to access and understand.
• Fairness: Providing equal opportunities for participation and feedback.
• Professionalism: Grounded in PRCA’s best practice guidelines, promoting ethical and structured engagement.

The charter has been developed as a flagship PRCA project to support stakeholders involved in planning applications, including planning authorities, developers, consultants, and community organisations, in delivering meaningful and ethical public engagement.

Its launch comes at a time when the demand for greater community involvement and accountability in local development has never been stronger. ​ 

It aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity in decision-making related to planning applications and enhance public trust and confidence in the public affairs process. 

The charter includes specific guidance for public affairs for planning applications, with a purpose to promote effective and meaningful engagement between consultants, applicants, local authorities, elected members, the media, and the community during the planning application process.

The charter has received strong support from industry leaders and stakeholders, indicating a shared commitment to improving trust and accountability in planning, and recognition of the charter as a positive baseline for the consultation industry.

There’s a link here to the PRCA Public Affairs Consultation Charter.