TRADE ASSOCIATION BEST PRACTICE FOR PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY

Trade associations have a crucial role to play in promoting best practice, helping companies become more competitive and formulating effective public policy and delivery. They have tremendous potential to act as a co-ordinated voice of business when talking to government, and great value in terms of quickly disseminating messages about government policy to their members. Productive engagement between associations and government is very important for the policy making process.

Therefore, working effectively to represent a sector's interests at all levels of the legislative regulatory process represents one of the key services that a best practice trade association should provide. Adopting best practice makes a significant contribution to raising standards and improving performance.

10 Best Practices for Public Policy Advocacy

1. Has an effective mechanism for consulting members and understanding their views;
2. Monitors and anticipates the legislative and regulatory process; ensures that its views on matters which significantly affects its members are taken into account at the earliest opportunity;
3. Is proactive in shaping polices and initiatives which will benefit the sector;
4. Puts forward to Government well-researched, cogently argued cases, and is respected as a credible and authoritative advocate for its sector;
5. Is able to form and present a view on issues where there may be conflicting interests among members;
6. Represent the sector's interests effectively in Europe; liaises with counterparts in EU at both national and European level and takes joint action with them;
7. Understands the workings of the institutions of the EU including the Commission and Parliament;
8. Works to represent members effectively at the regional level;
9. Liaises with relevant Regional Development Agencies and Business Links; represents members interests globally; understands and works with the WTO
10. Promotes a positive public image of the sector, its products and services; acts as a focal point for public and media enquiries on the sector, and represents the sector to the media.